Marijuana Detection: Airport Security And Drug-Sniffing Dogs

Marijuana is a hot topic at airports, especially as its legal status varies from state to state and country to country. While it may be legal in some places, it remains a controlled substance in others, including at a federal level in the US. This discrepancy has led to confusion about what travellers can and cannot do when passing through airport security. So, what do travellers need to know about taking marijuana through airports?

Marijuana shows up as orange on airport scanners

Marijuana, like any other biological material, will show up as orange on an airport scanner. The colours on a baggage X-ray indicate the type of material an item is made of, rather than identifying the item itself.

Since explosives are often made of organic materials, such as glycerin and potassium nitrate, a TSA agent will pay close attention to any item that appears orange on the scanner. This makes it challenging to get marijuana through airport security.

If an airport scanner detects marijuana, a TSA agent will confiscate it and report the passenger to the relevant local authorities. However, it is worth noting that TSA agents are not concerned with finding marijuana. They are more interested in dangerous items such as explosives and weapons.

If you are travelling with marijuana, it is important to follow all the rules and regulations of the airport and your destination. Even though marijuana is legal in some states, it remains illegal under federal law and is prohibited when crossing state lines.

TSA agents are not actively looking for marijuana

While marijuana may show up as orange on an airport scanner, TSA agents are not actively looking for marijuana. Their screening procedures are focused on security and detecting potential threats, such as weapons and explosives. If they do come across marijuana during their security checks, they are required to report it to the relevant authorities.

TSA agents are not concerned about small amounts of marijuana for personal use. However, their primary focus is on public safety, and they are bound by federal law. So, while they may not actively search for marijuana, if they find it, they will confiscate it and may notify federal law enforcement, depending on the amount and your age.

The consequences of being caught with marijuana at the airport vary depending on the state and local laws. For example, in California, if you are over 21 and have a legal amount of weed, the TSA will likely just confiscate it. However, in states like Texas, where marijuana is illegal, you could face more severe penalties if caught with it at the airport.

It's important to remember that even if marijuana is legal in your state, it is still illegal to transport it across state lines or fly with it on an airplane due to federal regulations. So, while TSA agents may not be actively looking for marijuana, it's best not to risk trying to bring it through airport security.

Marijuana is illegal under federal law

Federal law prohibits the possession, distribution, or trafficking of marijuana. The penalties for violating these laws are severe and include prison sentences and large fines. For example, a first offence of simple possession of marijuana is a misdemeanour, punishable by up to one year in prison and a minimum fine of $1,000. If the offender has a prior drug conviction, the penalty increases to a mandatory minimum of 15 days in prison, up to 2 years, and a fine of $2,500.

The conflict between state and federal law has created a confusing situation for individuals, businesses, and law enforcement. While some states have legalised marijuana, it is still illegal to cross state lines with the drug. This means that even if an individual is travelling between two states where marijuana is legal, they are still violating federal law.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operates under federal jurisdiction, so while TSA agents are not concerned about finding small amounts of marijuana, they are required to report any marijuana they find during security screenings to local law enforcement. If you are caught with marijuana at an airport, it will likely be confiscated, and you may face additional penalties depending on the amount you have and your destination.

It is important to remember that the legal status of marijuana varies by location, and what is legal in one state may not be legal in another. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the laws and regulations of the specific airport and state you are travelling through to avoid any legal issues.

Airports have different rules about carrying marijuana

Airports in the United States have varying rules about carrying marijuana. While marijuana may be legal in some states, it is still illegal under federal law. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a federal agency, and its officers are required to report any suspected violations of the law to local, state, or federal authorities.

At LAX, for example, the airport recognizes that under California law, individuals aged 21 or older can possess up to 28.5 grams of marijuana and 8 grams of concentrated marijuana for personal consumption. The airport also states that California peace officers do not have the jurisdiction to arrest individuals complying with this law. Similarly, airports in Chicago and New York have essentially made it legal to possess weed within their premises.

On the other hand, some states where marijuana is legal still have airports that ban marijuana possession on their premises. This includes Denver International Airport (DEN) and McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, which has an ordinance prohibiting possession. Minnesota's airports also ban marijuana possession. These airports often provide amnesty boxes where passengers can dispose of their cannabis products before proceeding through security.

When travelling with marijuana, it is important to consider not only the laws of the state you are departing from but also the laws of your destination. Even if you are travelling between two states where marijuana is legal, it is still illegal to carry it on an airplane due to federal jurisdiction.

In summary, while some airports may allow passengers to possess marijuana within their premises, it is essential to be aware of the specific laws and regulations of your departure and arrival locations before attempting to travel with marijuana.

Dogs at the airport are more likely to be sniffing out explosives than drugs

Dogs are a common sight at airports, and they are often used to improve safety and security. While drug-sniffing dogs are the most commonly recognised form of canine security assistance, dogs at the airport are more likely to be sniffing out explosives than drugs.

Drug-sniffing dogs are trained to find a number of drugs, with marijuana and cocaine being the most common due to their frequency in smuggling. They work in conjunction with a handler, walking through security checkpoints and sniffing the air around passengers and their luggage. When a suspect is identified, the dog gives a silent cue to the handler, such as sitting down next to the suspect's bag.

However, the primary focus of airport security is on public safety, and dogs play a crucial role in detecting explosives and preventing dangerous events, whether intentional or unintentional. Dogs are trained to identify the common chemicals used in building bombs, and their noses contain over 100 million scent receptors, making it impossible to mask the chemicals that compose explosives.

In addition to explosives, security dogs also screen for firearms by detecting the scent of gunpowder, which lingers on a gun for weeks after it has been fired. The presence of these dogs helps to deter potential threats and improve the overall safety of the airport.

While drug-sniffing dogs are an important aspect of airport security, their role in detecting explosives and firearms is even more critical. Their ability to identify subtle scents and keep illegal substances and objects out of the airport makes them invaluable members of the security team.

Frequently asked questions