The Bottom Line
Crossing state lines with cannabis is federally illegal, even between two legal states. Airports are federal jurisdiction. When in doubt, don't travel with cannabis—purchase at your destination instead.
Flying with Cannabis
TSA's Official Position
"TSA's screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. 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."
TSA searches for security threats, not drugs
Cannabis is still federally illegal
If found, matter is referred to local police
Outcome depends on local/state laws
Legal state airports may allow disposal
CBD products (<0.3% THC) are federally legal
What Happens If TSA Finds Cannabis?
| State/Airport | Likely Consequence |
|---|---|
| California | Disposal or leave behind, no arrest for small amounts |
| Colorado | Typically confiscation only for personal amounts |
| Texas | Potential arrest, possession is criminal offense |
| Florida | Without medical card, could face charges |
| New York | Decriminalized, likely disposal only |
| Georgia | Strict laws, potential felony charges |
| Nevada | Usually disposal for small personal amounts |
| Illinois | Legal state, likely confiscation only |
Driving Across State Lines
Federal crime regardless of state laws
Transporting cannabis across state lines is a federal crime under drug trafficking laws, regardless of whether both states have legalized marijuana.
High-Risk Routes
- • Colorado to Kansas/Nebraska - Heavy enforcement on I-70, I-76
- • California to Arizona/Nevada - Border checkpoints common
- • Washington to Idaho - Idaho strictly enforces cannabis laws
- • Oregon to California - Federal checkpoint at border
What NOT to Do
- • Transport any amount across state lines
- • Assume legal states mean legal transport
- • Hide cannabis thinking you won't be caught
- • Mail or ship cannabis anywhere
Safe Alternatives
- • Purchase at your destination
- • Use delivery services in legal states
- • Consume everything before leaving
- • Find cannabis-friendly accommodations
Medical Card Reciprocity
Some states honor out-of-state medical marijuana cards, allowing you to possess (and sometimes purchase) cannabis as a visitor. However, this does NOT make interstate transport legal.
| State | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| ✓Arkansas | Visiting patients can apply for 30-day card | $50 |
| ✓Maine | Accepts all state medical cards at dispensaries | Free |
| ✓Michigan | Out-of-state cards honored, same limits apply | Free |
| ✓Missouri | 60-day visiting patient program | $25 |
| ✓Nevada | Accepts cards from states with similar programs | Free |
| ✓New Hampshire | Limited reciprocity, no purchase allowed | N/A |
| ✓Oklahoma | Temporary 30-day licenses for visitors | $100 |
| ✓Washington DC | All state cards accepted | Free |
| ✓Puerto Rico | Recognizes all US medical cards | Free |
Important: Reciprocity laws change frequently. Always verify current policies before traveling. Having your card accepted does NOT make crossing state lines with cannabis legal.
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Never Travel Internationally with Cannabis
Attempting to leave or enter any country with cannabis is a serious crime that can result in imprisonment, heavy fines, or worse. This applies even to countries where cannabis is legal domestically, like Canada.
| Country/Region | Status & Risk |
|---|---|
| Canada | Legal domestically, cannot cross border with cannabis |
| Mexico | Decriminalized small amounts, still risky |
| Netherlands | Tolerated in coffee shops, illegal to export |
| Thailand | Recently decriminalized, strict export laws |
| Japan | Extremely strict, severe penalties |
| Singapore | Death penalty for trafficking |
| UAE/Dubai | Zero tolerance, traces can result in jail |
| Most Asia | Generally very strict laws |
Smart Travel Tips
Purchase at Your Destination
Buy cannabis when you arrive in legal states instead of bringing your own. This is the safest legal option.
Research Local Laws
Check possession limits, consumption rules, and where you can legally use cannabis at your destination.
Know Consumption Locations
Public consumption is illegal almost everywhere. Know where you can legally consume before you go.
Never Drive Impaired
DUI laws for cannabis are strict in all states. Wait several hours after consuming before driving.
Keep Receipts
Save dispensary receipts as proof your purchase was legal if ever questioned.
Use Delivery Services
Many legal states offer cannabis delivery to your hotel or rental—convenient and avoids transport issues.
Traveling with CBD
What's Legal
- • Hemp-derived CBD with <0.3% THC
- • FDA-approved CBD medications (Epidiolex)
- • Products with proper lab testing/labeling
- • Domestic flights within the US
Tips for Flying with CBD
- • Keep in original packaging
- • Carry lab results/COA if available
- • Follow TSA liquid rules for oils
- • Be prepared for additional screening
Cannabis Travel Law Timeline
Controlled Substances Act makes cannabis federally illegal, affecting interstate transport
California legalizes medical marijuana, creating first state/federal conflict
Colorado & Washington legalize recreational use, interstate travel issues emerge
Farm Bill legalizes hemp CBD (<0.3% THC), clarifying some travel rules
TSA updates policy: not actively searching for cannabis but will report if found
More states legalize, reciprocity agreements expand
Some airports in legal states allow disposal amnesty boxes
24 recreational states, increasing pressure for federal reform
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly with cannabis from one legal state to another legal state?
What happens if TSA finds cannabis in my bag?
Can I fly with CBD products?
Can I drive through a state where cannabis is illegal?
Does my medical card protect me when traveling?
Can I mail cannabis to myself at my destination?
What about international travel with cannabis?
Are there amnesty boxes at airports?
Can I use cannabis in my hotel room?
What if I have a connecting flight through an illegal state?
Plan Your Trip
Recreational States
Find states where you can legally purchase cannabis as an adult visitor.
Medical States
States with medical programs and reciprocity for out-of-state cards.
Get a Medical Card
A medical card can provide benefits in reciprocity states.
All State Laws
Research specific laws for any state you'll be visiting.