Owais Crawford
Although cannabis is now legal in many states, it is still illegal at the federal level, and airports are federally controlled. This means that, technically, it is illegal to bring edibles onto a plane. However, many people have reported successfully travelling with edibles, and some airports have even stated that they don't care if people bring cannabis through. The TSA has said that its priority is detecting threats to passengers and aircraft, and its officers are not searching for edibles. If edibles are discovered, they will either be thrown away or law enforcement will be alerted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty of detection | Edibles are easier to sneak into airports than other forms of cannabis due to the cooking process denaturing the scent molecules. |
| TSA policy | The TSA's priority is detecting threats to passengers and aircraft. They are not actively searching for edibles, but if found, they may be confiscated or result in law enforcement involvement. |
| Airport policy | Airport policies vary; some, like LAX, have stated they don't prioritize enforcing cannabis laws, while others have amnesty boxes for travelers to dispose of weed before security. |
| State laws | Different states may take different levels of action if caught with edibles. For example, Massachusetts law allows possession but prohibits use in public or on federal land. |
| International travel | The risk of taking edibles overseas is much higher than traveling within the US. |
| Tips for sneaking edibles | Place edibles in regular candy packaging, avoid carrying liquids exceeding TSA limits, and be mindful of racial profiling. |
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What You'll Learn
Edibles are easy to fly with
If you're looking to fly with edibles, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth journey. Firstly, understand the legal landscape of cannabis products in the states you're travelling to and from. While cannabis may be legal in your state, it is still considered illegal at the federal level and in airports. This means that even if you are flying from a state where cannabis is legal to another state with the same laws, you are technically passing through federal jurisdiction where cannabis products containing more than 0.3% THC are illegal.
That being said, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has stated that its priority is detecting threats to passengers and aircraft, and their officers are not actively searching for edibles or spending their time looking for gummies in your luggage. The TSA is more concerned about items that pose a security risk to the aircraft, such as bombs, knives, and liquids over 4 ounces. In fact, some airports, like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), have even stated that they don't care about people bringing small amounts of weed through their security checkpoints, leaving it up to the arrival airports to enforce their own policies.
To further reduce the risk of getting caught, consider the amount and packaging of the edibles you're bringing. The more product you're packing, the higher the likelihood that TSA agents will spot it. So, it's best to keep the quantity minimal and mix the edibles with other non-cannabis candies or snacks. You can also use look-alike packaging to disguise your edibles as regular candies or snacks. For example, put THC gummies into an empty bag of regular gummy bears, or place edibles in a plain plastic baggie with other candies.
Additionally, keep in mind that checked luggage is subject to random searches by the TSA, so it's best to keep your edibles with you in your carry-on luggage. This way, your items will likely only go through the standard security checkpoint screening, reducing the chances of detection. However, be mindful that some airlines, such as Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, explicitly prohibit passengers from transporting marijuana on their flights, so you would be doing so at your own risk.
Lastly, be aware of the potential consequences if your edibles are discovered. In most cases, the TSA will either throw away the edibles or alert the authorities, who will then handle the situation according to local laws and policies. The specific actions taken may vary depending on the state and airport, with some airports opting to dispose of the edibles without involving law enforcement if the amount possessed is within the legal limit.
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The TSA is not looking for edibles
While the laws and enforcement around cannabis vary across different states, airports are federally controlled territories. This means that cannabis products containing more than 0.3% THC are illegal at the federal level and in airports. However, the TSA's priority is to detect threats to passengers and aircraft, and they are not specifically looking for edibles.
The TSA conducts random searches on checked luggage, but your carry-on bags are less likely to be searched beyond the security checkpoint. It is important to note that the amount of cannabis product you carry matters; the larger the quantity, the higher the likelihood of it being spotted by the TSA. Additionally, the packaging can make a difference. Edibles in their original packaging that resembles regular candy or snacks are less likely to raise suspicion.
Some airports, like O'Hare in Chicago, provide amnesty boxes where travelers can dispose of their weed before reaching security. It is also worth noting that some airlines, such as Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, explicitly prohibit passengers from transporting marijuana on their flights.
While the TSA is not actively searching for edibles, if they are discovered during screening, they may either confiscate the edibles or alert law enforcement, depending on the airport and the amount being carried. For example, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has stated that while TSA screening checkpoints are under federal jurisdiction, the airport police will not arrest individuals complying with California's marijuana laws. On the other hand, Boston Logan International Airport in Massachusetts may contact the state police at their discretion if edibles are found.
It is important to be mindful of the varying laws and enforcement practices across different states and airports. While the TSA may not be primarily focused on finding edibles, it is still a risk to attempt to bring them through airport security, especially in large quantities or when travelling internationally.
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The cooking process removes scent molecules
While the laws and regulations regarding carrying edibles through airports vary across different states, a common concern among travellers is whether the scent of the edibles will be detected. The cooking process plays a crucial role in addressing this concern by denaturing or removing scent molecules.
The distinctive scent of cannabis is caused by volatile compounds, particularly terpenes, which are released when the plant material is heated or burned. These compounds have a low boiling point, which means they vaporize easily when exposed to heat. During the cooking process, these terpenes and other scent molecules can break down or undergo chemical changes, reducing their volatility and altering their odour. This process, known as decarboxylation, involves heating cannabis to convert the non-psychoactive THCA into THC, the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects.
To effectively reduce the scent of edibles during the cooking process, several measures can be implemented. Firstly, reducing the quantity of cannabis used can directly decrease the intensity of the scent. Additionally, utilizing a range hood or exhaust system in the kitchen can help suck up smoke and prevent the odour from lingering. Proper ventilation, including opening windows and using fans, is crucial to dissipate the smell. For those with a crockpot, mason jar, stove, or microwave, be aware that these appliances may retain the scent of cannabis more than other cooking equipment.
For those seeking to further mask the scent of edibles, one effective method is to use lookalike packaging. By placing edibles in bags resembling those of popular candy brands, such as Haribo gummy bears, the likelihood of detection by security guards is reduced. Additionally, ensuring that other items in your bag comply with airport regulations is essential to avoid raising suspicions.
In summary, the cooking process can indeed remove or alter scent molecules in edibles, making them less detectable. However, it is important to be aware of the legal implications and potential consequences of carrying edibles through airports, as policies may vary based on location and the amount of cannabis considered legal.
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Some airports have amnesty boxes
While cannabis legalization is spreading across the United States and other countries, it remains illegal at the federal level. Airports are operated by the federal government, and cannabis products containing more than 0.3% THC are illegal in airports. As a result, some airports have installed cannabis amnesty boxes to help travelers dispose of their cannabis products before boarding their flights. These boxes are typically the size of a garbage can and are vividly colored, often blue or green, with a "cannabis amnesty box" sign attached. They provide a safe and legal way to dispose of prohibited items, including drugs, weapons, forbidden foods, and even animals.
Cannabis amnesty boxes have been modeled after similar boxes used worldwide at airports and public gatherings. They are designed to help travelers comply with the law and avoid potential legal consequences. The consequences of being caught with cannabis products at an airport can vary, including seizure of products, fines, arrest, and federal or state charges.
To date, only a few US airports have installed cannabis amnesty boxes, and there is no centralized database or tracking system in place. Travelers concerned about flying with cannabis products should research the laws of their departure and arrival states, as well as the policies of the specific airports they will be using. While some airports may be more lenient than others, it is essential to remember that federal law prohibits cannabis, and the TSA's priority is detecting threats to passengers and aircraft.
Edibles are particularly easy to fly with, as the cooking process removes scent molecules, and they can be disguised as regular candies or placed in look-alike packaging. However, if discovered during screening, TSA officers will either throw them away or alert law enforcement. Ultimately, travelers must decide whether to use a cannabis amnesty box or attempt to fly with their cannabis products, weighing the risks and potential consequences.
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Keep edibles in carry-on luggage
It is important to note that the rules regarding carrying edibles in carry-on luggage vary depending on the country and airport. While cannabis may be legal in some states or countries, airports are often operated by the federal government, and cannabis products containing more than 0.3% THC are illegal at the federal level and in airports. Therefore, it is essential to check the laws and regulations of the specific country or airport before attempting to bring edibles onto a plane.
That being said, here are some general tips for keeping edibles in your carry-on luggage:
- Keep the edibles in their original packaging if possible. If not, place them in a plain plastic baggie and mix them with other non-cannabis candies or gummies. This helps to disguise the edibles and makes them less noticeable.
- Use look-alike packaging: place gummies in an empty bag of regular gummy bears, for example. This can help to keep the security guards moving as they search your bag.
- Be mindful of the quantity you are carrying. A large amount of edibles may raise suspicion, so try to limit the amount you bring to a reasonable number.
- Be aware of other items in your bag. Ensure that everything else in your carry-on complies with airport security regulations.
- Do not pack edibles in checked luggage. Carry-on bags are less likely to be searched beyond the usual security checkpoint, whereas checked luggage is subject to random searches.
- Be mindful of liquid restrictions, particularly if your edibles are in liquid form. At some airports, such as Los Angeles International Airport, the TSA screening checkpoints are under federal jurisdiction, and small amounts of edibles may be permitted. However, this may vary depending on the airport and the state or country's laws.
Remember that the information provided here is for informational purposes only. It is the traveler's responsibility to comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding the transportation of cannabis products, including edibles.
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Frequently asked questions
It is technically illegal to bring edibles onto a plane. However, some people have reported successfully doing so by disguising them in regular candy packaging.
If edibles are found during screening, TSA agents may throw them away or alert law enforcement. Different states may take different levels of action if you are caught with edibles at one of their airports.
Some people recommend placing edibles in a plain plastic baggie and mixing them with other non-cannabis candies or snacks. Others suggest lookalike packaging, such as putting THC gummies into an empty bag of regular gummy bears.
Some people have reported that airports like LAX, ORD, and Denver are more lenient about bringing edibles through security. However, it's important to keep in mind that the TSA's policies apply regardless of the airport or state.
International travel is a different story. The risk of getting caught with edibles or cannabis products increases significantly when traveling outside of the United States.
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