Travelers carrying marijuana travel joints face a complex set of rules that vary significantly across federal, state, and airport jurisdictions. While cannabis legalization continues to expand across the United States, airports remain governed by federal law—creating potential confusion for travelers who assume local legalization covers air travel.
Under federal law, cannabis remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. This means that, regardless of state legalization, marijuana cannot legally cross state lines or be transported through federal airspace. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reinforces this standard. According to TSA policy, officers are not actively searching for cannabis, but if marijuana is discovered during screening, federal regulations ultimately guide the response. TSA’s official guidance states that officers must notify local law enforcement if prohibited items—including marijuana—are found.
However, what happens next depends heavily on the state and airport in question. In legal states such as Colorado, California, Nevada, Oregon, and others, local airport police may simply require the traveler to dispose of the cannabis before flying. At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), for example, the airport’s public policy states that passengers over 21 may possess up to the state-legal amount (28.5 grams of flower or 8 grams of concentrate) within the airport, but it cannot be taken past security or onto an aircraft. This model is similar at airports like Denver International Airport, where possession is technically banned on airport property, though enforcement varies.
The situation is equally nuanced with medical marijuana. While many states allow approved patients to carry cannabis within their borders, TSA maintains that federally illegal substances may not travel between states—even if both states allow medical use. TSA has clarified that FDA-approved cannabis-derived medications, such as Epidiolex, are permitted, but herbal cannabis, pre-rolls, and travel joints are not.
Travelers should also be aware of international implications. Even flying between two legal regions—such as U.S. states with regulated cannabis—does not grant permission to take marijuana across borders. Countries like Japan, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates impose severe penalties for possession, even if the cannabis was legally purchased elsewhere. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) routinely warns travelers that declaring cannabis products will not protect them from enforcement, including fines, detainment, or entry denial.
Experts recommend several key steps for travelers:
- Know your departure and arrival state laws. Just because one airport allows possession doesn’t mean the destination does.
- Never attempt to fly with cannabis, including pre-rolls or travel joints. Federal law prohibits it, and TSA screening can lead to delays or law enforcement involvement.
- Use airport amnesty boxes where available, especially in cities like Las Vegas and Chicago.
- Consider hemp alternatives containing less than 0.3% THC, which are legal federally under the 2018 Farm Bill—but still restricted in some states and countries.
As cannabis tourism grows, so does the need for travelers to understand the boundaries of legalization. Staying informed ensures that travelers enjoy their journey safely, legally, and without unnecessary complications.