Our restrictions on what we can and cannot travel with are constantly changing and adapting to the temperature of today’s current society. Most recently we faced harsh and strict changes over the past 3 years with travel due to the pandemic. We’ve had to wear masks everywhere we go to protect our neighbors, friends and families. We’ve had to get vaccinated to protect ourselves and each other. We even had to stop traveling all together at one point!
On the flip side there have been restrictions lifted and laws changed with the social popularity and medical data that shows positive reactions to once a big no no and criminal problem, marajuna. Currently, marijuana is now legal for adults in 18 states and Washington, DC. Medical marijuana is legal in 38 states and DC. Additionally, in recent months a handful of states have passed cannabis reform measures.
With our states and laws still changing, it does bring up the question, how do I travel while carrying weed? Let’s go over some of our best practices on what to do while driving and flying with marajuna.
Research
For any trip, no matter what you are bringing, you should always do some basic research on where you are going,
The most important research for you to do is with your departure city and destination and determining if weed is legal or illegal- they will dictate the local laws you are subject to follow.
This doesn’t just pertain to recreational marijuana, but also the legal status of medical marijuana and hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD). For instance, some states allow out-of-state medical marijuana patients to obtain temporary licenses to purchase from dispensaries through reciprocity policies, while others don’t.
Mode of Transportation
Whether you are hopping on a Greyhound or flying the skies, each mode of transportation will vary on your restrictions to carry.
When flying, people tend to get nervous about being caught, since by law it is still federally illegal, but the TSA’s job is not to bust people for weed. Their job is to strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation. The TSA does not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs, during a security screening. Meaning they’ve got bigger fish to fry than your vape pen.
When driving across state lines, it’s super important to do your state to state research and understand driving while holding is 100% the riskiest form of travel. For example in California, adults are allowed to carry up to 28.5 grams of marjuna and 8 grams of concentrates. But in Texas, the penalty for possession is still surprisingly high; you can land in jail for up to 180 days for possession of less than 2 ounces of the drug.
Quantity
When flying, most states you will need to keep it under 1/8th or 3.5 grams (in flower form). If you keep those same measurements across other forms of weed, but as long as you keep it under that amount you should be good to go. Anything over that you risk it being confiscated and thrown out, which is a bummer and expensive!
Keep your marajuna in your carry on! Never keep it in checked bags. It may feel like the opposite of what you are supposed to do, but again the TSA doesn’t care about your weed.
When driving, I would advise you to proceed with caution. You should keep any marijuna that you have on you in your trunk so you eliminate yourself from possible DUI consideration. If you are driving from a legal state into an illegal state, police tend to check those out of state plates that have lower restrictions for marajuna. Do yourself a favor and don’t create additional attention to yourself by blowing smoke out the window or turning your car into a hot box of smoke. This could lead to a DUI and high priced fines, and even jail time.
Key Takeaways
At the end of the day it’s up to you on what you do and do not carry.
A simple checklist to do before you leave on your next trip is to do your research, keep the quality below the maximum, and don’t create attention to yourself! As long as you are smart, safe and comfortable, you won’t set off any red flags.
If you are traveling to a state that has legal & medical marajuna, it may be easier, and a great reason to check out a new, cool local dispensary. Most stores look like Apple Genius bars and trendy pop up shops. They have great customer service and daily sales for you to choose from. Plus you get to invest and support local communities and businesses. Keeping the mindset on “green” trends.
Travel green and travel smart!
