How To Fly With Weed And Get Cannabis Through Airport Security (2024)

I was a little more nervous than usual on my way to the airport this morning. While I’m never zen on the way to fly, because of the weed, vape pen cartridges, live resin, and edibles I had distributed throughout my carry-on and checked bag, I was a little extra sweaty. But since I packed my bag expertly the night before by hiding my stash “in plain sight,” I was fairly confident flying with weed was going to be fine.

In fact, flying with weed is easier than you might think, at least domestically within the U.S. While we wouldn’t recommend following this advice on an international flight, these tips will keep your bag under the radar no matter where you go.

Is Flying With Weed Possible?

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Yes, even though the TSA is a federal agency, flying with weed is possible. Run by the Department of Homeland Security, the TSA is notlooking for your personal use amount of weed, edibles, or even concentrates. The TSA islooking for liquids, weapons, bombs, and anything else that could put a plane full of people in danger. While you shouldn’t smoke at the airport or on your flight, the TSA is too busy to track down every gram of weed people fly with.

If the TSA does flag your belongings and finds you’re flying with weed, the protocol is that they call the local police – not other feds, like the DEA. At your departure or arrival destination, the worst-case scenario is you have to explain why you’re flying with a few grams to a local cop.

Therefore, it’s important to know the law where you are and where you’re going. If you’re in a place where weed is legal, be sure to stay within local regulations. For example, in California, rec users can carry up to one ounce and are also allowed to fly with that amount out of San Francisco International Airport (SFO). If you have your medical recommendation, definitely bring it on your trip. Med users at SFO are permitted to fly with up to eight ounces of flower, so it really changes things.

However, knowing the local laws of your destination is just as important. Flying with weed within the same state is easiest, especially if it’s a state that has adult-use cannabis. But it’s also possible to fly with weed to places where it’s not legal, but it’s still important to know the local law in the slight chance the cops are called. For example, maybe your destination doesn’t have recreational cannabis but has decriminalized up to seven grams of possession; therefore, travel with a quarter of flower or less.

How To Fly With Weed:

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The most important thing to remember when you’re packing is to comply with TSA regulations so you don’t attract attention to your luggage. For your carry-on, that means no liquids over three ounces, and keep all of your little liquids together in a clear plastic bag. Also, remember to separate your computer and over electronics to avoid getting your bag searched in general. The same goes with your checked bag. Keep all liquids together, sitting right on top in case they do check. Plus, don’t pack anything that will draw attention to your bag, like liquids over three ounces, knives and other weapons, lots of cash, or powders.

Most other guides recommend flying with weed in your carry-on. However, there are pros and cons to stashing your buds in either your checked bag or carry-on. I’d say, if you’re a medical patient, it’s worth it to pack your weed in your carry-on with your medical recommendation on hand.

However, I’m not a medical patient and recently flew with about five grams, five vape pen cartridges, and about 500 mg of THC in edibles in my checked bag and was fine. The biggest advantage of flying with weed in your carry-on is the ability to explain yourself to TSA or local cops if they do search your things and find some weed. With checked bags, you won’t have that opportunity, and there’s a chance they will just throw your cannabis out if found.

There are definitely risks to both, and if you’re prone to nerves like me, flying with weed, in general, can definitely make you anxious. I decided to risk it recently and packed my stash in my checked bag according to these tips:

Getting Cannabis Through Airport Security:

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The best way to travel with cannabis flower is to pack it in empty, opaque pill containers with a cotton ball on top. When I flew recently, I put about two grams of a Sativa in a vitamin container and about three grams of an indica in a melatonin bottle. If you’re nervous about flying with weed, especially flower, don’t travel with more than an eighth (3.5 g) or so.

Where you put the vitamin bottles full of weed is also important. I like to pack them, among other pill bottles, in a toiletries case with a zipper. The scanners at TSA are looking for things out of the ordinary, so if you pack your weed “in plain sight” among other vitamins and pills you’re bringing along, it won’t stick out. I also make sure to not pack any liquids in the same toiletries bag as my weed. This way, they have no reason to go through it. It’s also important to find a toiletries bag that doesn’t let the scent escape too much. We’d also recommend packing any actual flower at the bottom of your suitcase.

How To Fly With Shatter, Wax, And Vape Cartridges:

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Extracts can also be “hidden in plain sight” when you’re packing. I traveled with half a gram of live resin in a little glass jar, which I packed with my toiletries again. In fact, when I’m planning on flying with weed, I bring an extra toiletries bag or two, more than I would actually need for my soap, shampoo, and makeup. It gives me extra space to distribute my weed among similar-looking things without drawing attention to any of them. Because the live resin in a jar was about the same size as a little jar of lip balm, it blended in fine.

I was able to pack a few extra vape cartridges in a similar fashion in my make-up bag. To me, the loose cartridges look enough like mascara or perfume to blend in. Again, it’s important not to pack too many. I may have overdone it, traveling with five even though I wasn’t caught. Just do the math to see if you’re traveling with more than three ounces (about three grams) of cartridges to not draw attention. I should also note I traveled with one cartridge and the actual pen in my carry-on and had no trouble.

Flying With Edibles:

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Edibles are probably the easiest cannabis products to fly with because they resemble “drugs” the least. Depending on the shape of your edible, pack it with similar-looking products. If it’s a baked good, try to remove any weed leaf labels and pack in with other snacks in your carry-on or checked bag. Many edibles come in child-proof punch-out packaging that looks just like pills, so those can be packed with any meds or vitamins you might be traveling with.

Oils, Tinctures, and Drinkables:

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Because TSA is so strict when it comes to liquids, I would suggest you skip them. Although it’s possible to fly with less than three ounces of liquid without drawing attention to yourself, these products are actually the riskiest. If you’re a med patient that needs CBD oil, pack it in your carry-on with your medical recommendation handy to show a security officer. Otherwise, I’d say stick to a reasonable amount of flower, edibles, and extracts instead.

The Perfect Device To Travel With:

PAX

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When it comes to portability and discretion there is nothing like the Pax 3 Vaporizer. A high-quality device that is perfect to accompany you on your flights. Made with premium materials that ensure durability. It also has the best software and hardware in its class.

The Pax 3 has been specially designed so you can pack dried flowers and concentrates, allowing you to change things up with every session. It has a long battery life and is small enough to take anywhere, ideal for traveling with you. Since the Pax 3 has a built-in battery, it is best to store the device in your carry-on luggage.

Its practical design is perfect for passing it around like a regular vaporizer, so you shouldn’t have any problems at the airport, but remember that smoking and vaporizing are prohibited on any aircraft and in some specific places in the airport, so don’t get into trouble.

When you go through airport security, your vaporizer will not attract the attention of the staff because it is not considered a dangerous item. You just need to make sure it is weed-free and does not give off any odor from the material you have used, so you can put it in an odor-proof bag, just in case.

The Best Products To Take On Your Trip:

Binoid

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Tinctures are so discreet that it is hard to tell if they are even cannabis-infused. This is a premium THC-O distillate with 92% purity, paired with MTC oil as the carrier oil. You can add it to your drinks, and apply it under your tongue for quick absorption or on your skin to get mild and soothing effects on your muscles.

Even though THC-O is stronger than Delta 9 THC and much stronger than Delta 8, it is still legal as it is a hemp-derived product. So you can travel with it and enjoy its mental and physical effects. But, be careful with the dosage. You need less tincture to get the same effects as other psychoactive cannabinoids.

This tincture is 100% natural and free of thinning agents. You can find it in 1000 mg or 2500 mg because you will always want to keep some of it at hand. You can travel with THC-O on a plane, but it will make you travel on a skyrocket.

Botany Farms

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I was a little more nervous than usual on my way to the airport this morning. While I’m never zen on the way to fly, because of the weed, vape pen cartridges, the live resin of the best weed strains, and edibles I had distributed throughout my carry-on and checked bag, I was a little extra sweaty.

But since I packed my bag expertly the night before by hiding my stash “in plain sight,” I was fairly confident flying with weed was going to be okay.

Traveling with weed can be nerve-wracking. Avoid the hassle by ordering your weed online and having it delivered to your destination.

Want our recommendation? Try Botany Farm’s new Delta 9 THC gummies. These are hemp-derived and fully legal all over the US.

DazeD8

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One of the best things about traveling with Delta 9 THC alternatives like Delta 8, THC-O, CBD, and the likes is that there are so many ways you can enjoy the benefits of these cannabinoids.

DazeD8is a brand that proves you don’t have to stick to just smoking (especially if you’re traveling across state lines). This Kentucky-based brand prides itself on creating top-quality products made out of 100% Kentucky-grown hemp, available in your favorite way to consume cannabis.

You won’t get held up by TSA if you’re carrying federally legal products like DazeD8’s THCV and Delta 8 gummies, which are perfect for on-the-go use and available in a bunch of fruity flavors that will have you enjoying the taste just as much as the effects.

DIMO

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Located in Southern California,DIMOis known for producing top-shelf products. Infusing California vibes into their brand has put them atop the cannabis industry.

MeetDIMOand their potentDelta-8 pre-roll collection. These smokes are the perfect portable travel buddy. For a different kind of legal cannabis experience, try thePremium HHC Pre-rollsthat come in Tropicana, Runtz, and WiFi OG.

If you’re not much of a smoker, try DIMO’s sour and sweetPremium Delta-8 Gummiesto relax those pre-flight jitters. They also have a few tastyPremium HHC Gummiesin Blue Raspberry, Sour Peach, and Strawberry.

Of course, DIMO also has a bunch ofPremium Delta-9 Edibles, but you may have a little legal trouble flying with them.

Plain Jane

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Recently, over 75,000 happy customers can attest to this South Oregon-based brand that brings high-quality and accessible CBD and other cannabic compounds products to people across the United States.

If high-quality flowers, tinctures, gummies, cartridges, moonrocks, oils, or pre-rolls show up at your door at any place and any time doesn’t sound like a dream come true, we’ve got way different priorities.

Plain Jane knows that they serve a group of diverse people across different communities: that’s why they have something for everyone.

For the edible lover, some Delta 8 Gummies should do the trick. With lots of fruity flavors to pick from and a cerebral and body-buzzing effect, it’s a great option for getting rid of stress after a long day.

These CBD Pre Rolls are a great option if you’re more into the physical act of smoking and the benefits of cannabinoids. The expertly-rolled joints come packed with cannabinoids working together to give you the entourage effect: reaping the benefits of all terpenes and compounds.

Plain Jane’s products are perfect for travel. You’ll want one before bed to drift off to a night of blissful sleep, a midday smoke to relieve some tension, or a morning smoke with a coffee to go into the day with a clear mind.

OCHO Extracts

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Tired of the same tasting edibles and carts? The people atOCHO Extractshad the same thought and created top-shelf products that are creative and tasty, so it feels like a treat. If you want to travel with products, we think getting a Horchata or Jamaica-based gummy might make any flight a little bit more exotic.

Before we dive into the actual treats, let’s have a small talk about OCHO Extracts. Orange County-based.

This hemp-based company wanted to innovate and create safe and transparent products you can enjoy. Add these to the Hispanic heritage, and you’ve got a solid concept to change your old gummy and vape flavors for Aguas Frescas-inspired flavors you’ll love.

These edibles are true treats with 12.5mg of their delicious Delta-9 Live Resin extract. They feel potent and hit the right spot with incredible body buzz and mental highs, but they also get the right flavors.

If you want a silky and creamy treat with a hint of cinnamon, go for the Horchata gummies. For something floral yet sweet, with a touch of a summer infusion, the Jamaica (Hibiscus) flavor is perfect for you. Or, for something fresh and right out of your favorite Mexican water stand, the Strawberry Fresca brings in the perfect pair: strawberries and cream in a gummy form.

Delta 8 Resellers Calli Extrax Live Resin Gummies

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If you want to get your hands on some delicious Delta 8 gummies, you’ll want to check out Cali Extrax.

These gummies are made with live resin, and each packs a potent 2500mg punch. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also some of the strongest Delta 8 gummies on the market.

Cali Extrax gummies are perfect for those looking for a powerful Delta 8 experience while on the go. Falling under the 2018 Farm Bill, these products are federally legal and disputable in all states. Flying with weed is possible, but you’ll need to be careful. Airport security is no joke; you don’t want to get caught with weed in your carry-on.

Here are a few tips to help you fly with weed:

  1. Don’t bring more than you need.
  2. Keep it in your carry-on, not your checked baggage.
  3. Be discreet.
  4. Don’t fly with weed if you’re going to a place where it’s not legal.

Following these tips will help you fly with weed without any problems. If you want to try some of the best Delta 8 gummies on the market, check out Cali Extrax from Delta 8 Resellers.

Don’t Risk It And Visit A Local Dispensary

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Not traveling with weed at all and buying it at the local dispensary of your destination is always the safest way to not get into trouble with authorities.

That might sound like a downside if you don’t know what you can find at your destination and prefer to travel with what you already have, but we are here to help you learn about fantastic products you can buy when you get off the airplane.

An excellent dispensary with multiple locations on the East Coast is Insa. They are in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Florida and sell anything you would need with premium quality, flowers, vaporizers, edibles, and you name it!

You should try their Infused Rocket pre-rolls, handcrafted with double the dosage of the competition and infused with premium concentrates.

How To Fly With Weed And Get Cannabis Through Airport Security (2024)

FAQs

Can airport security detect weed? ›

In most instances, airport scanners can detect weed, and security personnel in most airports across the globe are trained to spot weed, too. They will usually confiscate any weed they find and report its owner to local authorities. That being said, it's not impossible to carry weed through airport scanners.

Does TSA look for drugs? ›

Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but if any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.

Can I take an edible before a flight? ›

Are edibles legal on a plane? The quick answer is no (1). According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), taking cannabis products on an airplane is illegal. The TSA states that marijuana and cannabis-infused products remain illegal under federal law.

What does weed look like on airport xray? ›

On an airport scanner, the color orange represents any biological material. This includes weed. What is this? A TSA agent will pay particularly close attention to any item that shows up as orange on the scanner because explosives are often partly composed of organic materials like glycerin, and potassium nitrate.

How do airport scanners detect drugs? ›

As a bag scanned goes through the scanner, it absorbs radiation energy from the X-ray. The density of contraband such as drugs is very well known, and is easy to spot by airport security. Once a detector identifies an object with a suspicious density, the bag will be flagged for the additional inspection.

What happens if they find weed in your checked bag? ›

If marijuana is legal in the state, TSA spokeswoman Alexa Lopez said a passenger found with a small amount will typically be allowed to dispose of it. The discovery of larger amounts or if a small amount is found in a state where it is illegal might result in local law enforcement being called.

How do airports find drugs in luggage? ›

They use advanced x-ray or millimeter-wave technology to locate any illegal contraband. The metal detectors will easily locate any weapons, but the scanners are best for spotting drugs that you've stored in your bag or on your person.

What drugs do airport dogs smell? ›

Drug Screenings

Dogs can find all sorts of narcotics, like marijuana, opium, cocaine, and heroin. These drug dogs always work in conjunction with a handler. They walk through security checkpoints sniffing the air around passengers and their luggage.

What triggers a TSA bag check? ›

TSA counts on the traveling public to report unattended bags or packages; individuals in possession of a threatening item; and persons trying to enter a restricted area or similar suspicious activities at airports, train stations, bus stops and ports. If You See Something, Say Something™.

What happens if weed is found in checked luggage? ›

If marijuana is legal in the state, TSA spokeswoman Alexa Lopez said a passenger found with a small amount will typically be allowed to dispose of it. The discovery of larger amounts or if a small amount is found in a state where it is illegal might result in local law enforcement being called.

Can metal detectors detect weed pens? ›

If your vape pen has a metallic body, it will definitely be detected by the metal detector. Vape pens are made of different materials, but they're all still considered “metal” by airport security.

Do dogs at airports sniff for weed? ›

Drug Screenings

Dogs can find all sorts of narcotics, like marijuana, opium, cocaine, and heroin. These drug dogs always work in conjunction with a handler. They walk through security checkpoints sniffing the air around passengers and their luggage.

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