Jazmin Li
While cannabis laws have relaxed in recent years, with more states legalizing its recreational and medical use, the federal law still classifies marijuana with over 0.3% THC as a Schedule I drug. This means that transporting THC through a TSA security checkpoint is illegal and could lead to criminal charges. However, TSA agents are primarily concerned with security threats and do not actively search for marijuana or other illegal drugs. If discovered, the matter will be referred to law enforcement, and the consequences may vary depending on the state. Some airports have more lenient marijuana policies, while others, like Denver International Airport and McCarren International Airport in Las Vegas, prohibit it on their property. Ultimately, travelers should exercise caution and be aware of the specific laws and regulations in the states they are traveling to and from.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| TSA's stance on marijuana | TSA officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs. If any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer. |
| Marijuana allowance | Marijuana and certain cannabis-infused products, including some Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, are illegal under federal law except for products that contain no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis or that are approved by the FDA. |
| Airports with amnesty boxes | O'Hare in Chicago |
| Airports with lenient marijuana policies | Los Angeles International Airport, New York airports |
| Airports with strict marijuana policies | Denver International Airport, McCarren International Airport in Las Vegas |
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What You'll Learn
TSA screening procedures and jurisdiction
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for ensuring the security of transportation systems, including airports, train stations, bus stops, and ports. TSA officers employ various screening procedures to prevent prohibited items and security threats from entering sterile areas of airports. These procedures are adjusted periodically to address evolving threats and maintain the highest level of transportation security.
TSA screening procedures include the use of advanced imaging technology and walk-through metal detectors to screen passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons and explosives. Passengers are required to remove personal electronic devices larger than cell phones from their carry-on bags for separate X-ray screening. Food items, such as fruits, health bars, and sandwiches, are generally allowed and can remain inside carry-on bags. However, special instructions apply to liquids, gels, aerosols, baby food, breast milk, and medically necessary items. TSA officers are available to guide passengers through the screening process and address any concerns.
In the case of suspicious activities, unattended bags, or individuals possessing threatening items, the TSA relies on the cooperation of the traveling public to report these incidents. TSA's screening procedures are designed to be unpredictable, and passengers may be subjected to pat-down procedures, regardless of their eligibility for expedited screening programs like TSA PreCheck™. The pat-down inspection may include the head, neck, arms, torso, legs, and feet, including sensitive areas. TSA officers of the same sex conduct these pat-downs and explain the procedures to ensure passenger comfort and understanding.
While TSA screening procedures focus on security threats, they also address prohibited items, including marijuana and cannabis-infused products. Marijuana, including medical marijuana, remains illegal under federal law, except for products containing no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis or those approved by the FDA. TSA officers are mandated to report suspected violations to local, state, or federal law enforcement authorities. However, their primary concern is not the detection and prosecution of cannabis possession but rather the prevention of terrorist threats. As a result, TSA workers do not actively search for marijuana, and some airports in legal adult-use states may turn a blind eye to small quantities. Nevertheless, travelers are advised to exercise caution, as marijuana laws vary by state, and local law enforcement responses can differ significantly.
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State-by-state marijuana laws
While federal law prohibits marijuana, with it being classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, individual state laws vary. Marijuana laws are rapidly evolving, and as of 2025, it is legal for medical use in 40 states and legal for recreational use in 24 states. Three US territories and Washington D.C. have also legalised recreational use, while four other territories permit medical use.
Seven states have decriminalised cannabis, and commercial distribution is allowed in all jurisdictions where possession is legal, except Virginia and D.C. Personal cultivation for recreational use is prohibited in Delaware, Illinois, New Jersey, and Washington.
State laws also dictate the permitted amount of THC in products. For example, in California, adults over 21 can possess up to 28.5 grams of marijuana and 8 grams of concentrated marijuana, whereas New York allows less than three ounces.
Despite federal law, TSA agents do not actively search for marijuana, and their screening procedures are focused on security threats. However, if marijuana is discovered, TSA officers will report it to the relevant authorities. Therefore, travellers should be cautious, especially in airports that prohibit marijuana on their property, such as Denver International Airport and McCarren International Airport in Las Vegas.
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TSA officer's discretion
Although TSA officers are required to report any suspected violations of law to local, state, or federal authorities, they do not search specifically for marijuana or other illegal drugs. The TSA's screening procedures are focused on security threats and are not intended to detect drug possession. This means that the final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.
TSA officers are not looking for marijuana or other drugs, but if they happen to find them, they are required to notify law enforcement. This could lead to serious legal trouble, depending on the state. However, in legal adult-use states like Colorado or New York, TSA agents may turn a blind eye as local law enforcement does not consider marijuana possession a crime.
It is important to note that TSA screening stations are under federal jurisdiction, and federal law classifies marijuana with over 0.3% THC as a Schedule I drug. This means that transporting marijuana through a TSA checkpoint could result in criminal charges. However, as states have started legalizing marijuana for adults, TSA policies have become more lenient, and officers are not actively searching for marijuana.
Additionally, some airports have their own rules and warnings about carrying marijuana. For example, Denver International Airport and McCarren International Airport in Las Vegas prohibit marijuana on their property, while Los Angeles Airport (LAX) allows individuals 21 years or older to possess up to 28.5 grams of marijuana for personal consumption.
While TSA officers have discretion and may not actively search for marijuana, travelers should remain cautious and be aware of the varying marijuana laws in different states and airports.
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Amnesty boxes at airports
Cannabis amnesty boxes are secure containers placed in areas where people might need to dispose of cannabis without facing legal consequences. These boxes are typically found in airports, border crossings, and other travel hubs where cannabis possession is restricted. They are usually located near TSA checkpoints and allow travelers to dispose of any cannabis products they cannot take on their flight.
The boxes are typically the size of a garbage can and are vividly colored, often blue or green, with a ""cannabis amnesty box" sign attached to the front. The seal of the city or state should also be found on the box to confirm the legal nature of the disposal unit. While cannabis legalization has spread across the United States and other countries, it remains illegal on the federal level, and flying with weed can be risky. As a result, amnesty boxes offer a simple and efficient solution for travelers with cannabis products who don't intend to bring them on their flight.
The contents of the amnesty boxes are periodically emptied and disposed of by law enforcement or airport security officials. In most cases, the cannabis is destroyed through incineration or following local disposal protocols. The entire process is anonymous, and law enforcement does not track who drops items inside. Once deposited, items cannot be retrieved.
Examples of airports with cannabis amnesty boxes include Chicago's O'Hare and Midway International Airports, which installed the boxes after the legalization of weed in Illinois. However, these boxes have seen limited use, with only a few dozen people utilizing them out of millions of passengers.
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THC products with less than 0.3% THC
While marijuana is federally prohibited, TSA security agents do not actively search for marijuana or other illegal drugs. This is due to limited resources and a shift in focus to more pressing security concerns, like terrorist threats. However, if marijuana or illegal substances are found during screening, TSA officers are required to report them to the relevant authorities. Therefore, travellers should remain cautious, especially since marijuana laws vary across states.
Full-spectrum CBD products can contain up to 0.3% THC, while broad-spectrum CBD may have trace amounts that are challenging to measure. CBD isolate products, on the other hand, contain no THC at all. It's worth noting that CBD can have mildly psychoactive effects, and individuals may experience mood shifts or feel uplifted or relaxed.
When it comes to air travel, the TSA's focus is on security and detecting potential threats. While TSA officers may not actively search for marijuana, the final decision rests with them regarding what items are allowed through the checkpoint. To stay within legal limits, travellers should ensure they only carry hemp-derived CBD products with 0.3% or less THC.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the laws of the state you are in. While marijuana is illegal under federal law, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs. However, if any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.
If TSA happens to find marijuana in your bag, they are required by law to notify local law enforcement. Depending on the state, this can land a person in trouble.
According to the TSA, the only cannabis-related products that are legal to bring onto a plane (in either carry-on or checked baggage) are those that contain no more than 0.3% THC or medication that has been approved by the FDA.
No, different airports have different rules regarding marijuana. For example, Denver International Airport in Colorado and McCarren International Airport in Las Vegas prohibit marijuana on their property. On the other hand, Los Angeles International Airport and New York airports have made it legal to possess certain amounts of marijuana.
