Ruth Haines
While cannabis is now legal in many places, travellers are still wondering if they can bring edibles on a plane. Airport TSA Agents follow different policies on flying with cannabis, adhering to the laws of the states in which they are located. Airports, whether in a state where marijuana is legal or not, are operated by the federal government, and cannabis products containing more than 0.3% THC are illegal at the federal level and in airports. However, some airports have different policies on the amount of cannabis that can be carried. For example, at Los Angeles International Airport, the policy notes that although TSA screening checkpoints are under federal jurisdiction, the Airport Police Division won't arrest an individual in the airport if they do not exceed the legal amount in their possession, which is up to 28.5 grams. While it may be tempting to hide edibles in one's body, it is not recommended as it may be dangerous and unnecessary. Instead, travellers can disguise edibles in look-alike packaging, such as putting gummies in an empty bag of Haribo gummy bears.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hiding edibles in checked luggage | Not recommended |
| Hiding edibles in carry-on luggage | Possible, but risky |
| Hiding places in carry-on luggage | Medicine bottles, makeup containers, cigarette packs |
| Effectiveness of hiding methods | Depends on the situation, location, and amount of edibles |
| TSA policy on edibles | Not actively looking for edibles, but may confiscate or alert authorities if discovered |
| State policies on edibles in airports | Vary depending on the state and amount possessed |
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What You'll Learn
Hiding edibles in plain sight
- Place edibles in a cigarette pack and put it at the bottom of your carry-on bag.
- Put edibles in an opaque bottle of over-the-counter medication like Ibuprofen.
- Put gummies in a regular bag of gummy bears.
- Place shatter and wax in a bag of honey candy.
- Use look-alike packaging that resembles common snack foods to disguise the edibles.
- Place edibles in a plastic prescription pill container and pack them with other medications in your carry-on.
- Put edibles in a plastic sandwich bag and then inside a toiletry case in your carry-on.
It is important to remember that the legality and enforcement of marijuana possession vary across different airports and countries. While some airports may turn a blind eye to small amounts of edibles, others may have stricter policies and enforcement. Always be mindful of the local laws and regulations regarding marijuana possession and transportation.
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Using lookalike packaging
Lookalike packaging is a popular method for transporting edibles through airport security. This method involves using packaging that resembles the branding and design of existing commercial non-cannabis products (CNCP). The aim is to deceive security personnel by making the edibles appear as familiar, non-cannabis products. This strategy is often shared on online forums and social media platforms, with people offering advice and personal experiences.
When utilising lookalike packaging, individuals seek to replicate the brand name, logo, imagery, product name, font, colour, flavours, and promotional characters of existing CNCPs. For example, cannabis edibles might be packaged in a bag that resembles a well-known brand of gummy bears or a container that mimics a popular candy. This approach relies on the assumption that security personnel will quickly glance at the packaging and mistake it for a non-cannabis product, allowing the edibles to pass through without further inspection.
The use of lookalike packaging can be effective because it deviates minimally from the truth. That is, the packaging appears relatively normal and does not raise immediate red flags. Additionally, TSA scanners may not be specifically calibrated to detect cannabis products, making it easier for them to slip through security checks. Furthermore, edibles are often considered easier to transport than other cannabis products due to their discreteness and lack of odour.
However, it is important to recognise the potential risks associated with lookalike packaging. Firstly, the THC content in these edibles can be high, sometimes containing multiple 10 mg doses in a single serving. This may result in accidental ingestion or overdose, particularly among children, who may be attracted to the colourful and familiar packaging. Secondly, the use of lookalike packaging may violate trademark laws, as it involves unauthorised use of copyrighted branding and designs. Finally, while the use of lookalike packaging may increase the chances of successfully transporting edibles through airport security, there is still a risk of detection and legal consequences if discovered.
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Understanding TSA priorities
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has outlined its strategic priorities in the 2018-2026 TSA Strategy. The three priorities are:
- Improve Security and Safeguard the Transportation System
- Accelerate Action
- Commit to Our People
These broad strategic priorities are supported by more specific objectives and roadmaps, which are created with internal and external support and resource constraints in mind. The TSA Strategy is aligned with other national strategies and plans, such as the National Security Strategy and the National Strategy for Aviation Security. This alignment allows the TSA to develop cohesive plans and activities to execute its mission and inform its budget planning process.
The TSA's Capital Investment Plan (CIP) guides the agency's technology investments to achieve its strategic priorities. The CIP takes into account the operational environment and threat landscape to determine and prioritize future investments.
While the TSA has faced criticism and controversy over its "Quiet Skies" surveillance program, it is important to understand that the organization's primary focus is on items that pose a significant threat to aircraft and passengers. The TSA is not primarily concerned with small amounts of cannabis products like edibles, and individuals have reported successfully bringing edibles and other cannabis products through airport security in various ways. However, it is important to note that federal law does not recognize medical marijuana, and the TSA has the authority to confiscate such substances during screening.
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State-specific laws
While cannabis is now legal in many states, it remains illegal under federal law. Airports are operated by the federal government, and cannabis products containing more than 0.3% THC are illegal at the federal level and in airports. This means that federal regulations take precedence over state laws in airports.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) focuses on security threats rather than actively looking for illegal drugs. However, if a TSA officer finds cannabis products during screening, they must notify local law enforcement. The consequences of being caught with edibles in an airport hinge on multiple factors, including the amount of cannabis, the state laws, and the attitudes of local law enforcement.
In states with more lenient cannabis laws, such as California, Colorado, and Massachusetts, local law enforcement officers might turn a blind eye, issue a warning, or simply confiscate the products. For example, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has an official policy stating that they do not care about people bringing weed through the airport, leaving it to the arrival airport to enforce their own laws. Similarly, while Massachusetts law allows individuals to carry up to an ounce of cannabis, it is illegal to use any form of it in public or on federal land.
On the other hand, in states with stricter cannabis laws, getting caught with edibles at the airport could lead to more severe consequences. It is important to check the specific laws and regulations of both your departure and arrival states, as possession limits may vary. For instance, in California, adults 21 and older can carry up to one ounce of marijuana or 8 grams of concentrated cannabis.
Additionally, some airports, such as Denver International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport, have amnesty boxes where passengers can dispose of cannabis products before security screening to avoid potential legal issues.
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The consequences of getting caught
While it may be possible to sneak edibles past airport security, getting caught can have serious consequences. The consequences of being caught with edibles at an airport will vary depending on where you are in the world, the amount of the substance you are carrying, and whether you are entering or exiting the country.
In the United States, federal law prohibits traveling with cannabis by plane, even when traveling from one legal state to another. However, some U.S. airports are relatively lax when it comes to cannabis, especially on domestic flights. For example, at Logan Airport in Boston, if caught with edibles, they will likely be discarded. Similarly, Los Angeles International Airport's policy states that individuals will not be arrested if they do not exceed the legal amount in their possession, which is up to 28.5 grams. On the other hand, some airports, like Denver International Airport, strictly prohibit cannabis anywhere on airport property. Additionally, while Massachusetts law allows individuals to carry up to an ounce of cannabis, it is illegal to use any form of it in public or on federal land. If caught with edibles during a security check at Boston Logan International Airport, TSA officers may contact the Massachusetts State Police, who have the discretion to dispose of the edibles or take legal action.
When traveling internationally, the consequences of being caught with edibles can be even more severe. Cannabis laws vary greatly worldwide, and getting caught in a country where it is illegal can result in serious penalties. The U.S. State Department has warned travelers against carrying CBD oil in their luggage when traveling to other countries.
It is important to remember that attempting to hide edibles or any prohibited substances in unusual places, such as bodily cavities, may draw more suspicion and lead to more thorough searches and potential legal consequences. The best course of action is to comply with local laws and regulations to avoid any legal issues when traveling.
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Frequently asked questions
No, but there are stipulations when it comes to THC gummies on flights. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the only cannabis-related products that are legal to bring onto a plane are in either carry-on or checked luggage and must contain less than 0.3% THC.
Different states may take different levels of action if you are caught with edibles at one of their airports. For example, at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the Airport Police Division won't arrest an individual if they do not exceed the legal amount in their possession, which is up to 28.5 grams. However, if caught with edibles at Boston Logan International Airport, TSA officers may contact the Massachusetts State Police at their discretion.
Some people recommend placing edibles in nondescript containers, such as medication bottles or makeup containers, to avoid raising red flags during screening. Others suggest putting gummies in a regular bag of gummies or using look-alike packaging to disguise the contents.
While some people have suggested deep anal placement as a means of hiding contraband, it is not recommended. Airport security does not conduct cavity searches, but they may have other methods of detection.
The risks vary depending on the location and the amount of cannabis in your possession. While some airports may be more lenient, others may involve law enforcement if they discover edibles during screening. Additionally, drug laws differ internationally, and you could face severe penalties in some countries if caught with cannabis products.
