Can You Bring THC Products on an Airplane? | Flying with THC Explained

Many cannabis consumers love THC products because of the therapeutic benefits. With changing federal and state laws, consumers are confused about the states where they can find their favorite products legally. And which products can they take to other places or not?

Though many states have legalized the medical cannabis use, federal law still categorizes marijuana products as a Schedule I substance. In this guide, you will know the TSA rules about flying with THC and which products you can carry on flights. 

Flying with THC Products in the United States

Federal vs. State Laws on THC and Air Travel

A concerning question for cannabis consumers is whether they can fly with THC products in the United States. Here’s your answer in the context of both federal and state laws. Federal laws override state laws. 

THC products are legal in many states, but federal cannabis law still classifies marijuana products as a Schedule I substance. No matter what state allows the use of THC products, it is federally illegal to take THC products with >0.3% delta-9 THC content at any airport, either in carry-on or checked luggage. You can only take FDA-approved drugs or hemp-derived products while travelling.

TSA Guidelines on Cannabis, THC, and CBD Products

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not actively look for cannabis products. However, during screening, if they find any drugs or cannabis products that are illegal, they are supposed to report these products to local law enforcement. 

The CBD products and those that contain THC content less than 0.3% by dry weight are federally legal and can pass airport security. While THC gummies, rizzy drinks, and vapes are strictly prohibited. Travelers caught with restricted products will face legal actions based on the law. 

Types of THC Products and Their Risks During Air Travel

1. Edibles, Gummies, and Snacks

Cannabis edibles look like snacks, but taking them on your flights is illegal according to federal law. Though TSA does not actively detect cannabis edibles, food items can lead to bag checking. If your edibles are discovered during screening, the airport security officer confiscates the product and reports to law enforcement. As a result, you will face legal consequences according to local state laws. 

2. Vapes, Oils, and Concentrates

When it comes to traveling with THC products, THC vapes, oils, and concentrates are high-risk products. Though the Federal Aviation Administration allows carrying e-cigarettes in passengers' carry-on, this rule does not apply to THC vape pens. Carrying these prohibited items will result in confiscation, denied boarding, and criminal charges.  

3. Flower, Pre-Rolls, and Raw Cannabis

THC flower, pre-rolls, and raw cannabis are highly risky items to carry on travel. They have a strong smell that could easily attract the attention of a TSA officer. No matter whether you are flying between two legal states, carrying marijuana on a plane is federally illegal, and FSA will enforce federal law. You can consume legal THCA flower in a state where it’s legal, but you cannot travel with it. 

Domestic Flights: What You Need to Know

Risks of Carrying THC on U.S. Domestic Flights

Even on domestic flights, federal law restricted carrying THC products on airplanes or through airport security. The TSA officer will confiscate the product, involve law enforcement, and delay your travel. Some state airports are lenient, but you still face legal consequences like fines, criminal charges, and denied boarding. 

Can You Fly Between Legal States with THC?

No, you can’t. Flying with THC between two legal states is an interstate transportation, which falls under the category of federal jurisdiction. Therefore, it’s illegal to carry marijuana or THC products on travel, though your departure and arrival states allow medical and recreational cannabis. 

Medical Marijuana Patients and Air Travel

Traveling with a Medical Marijuana Card

Some consumers think that a medical marijuana card can allow them to take marijuana products on flights. No, it cannot. Federal law overrides state laws; it’s illegal to carry marijuana products on domestic and international flights, even with a medical card. It’s better to enjoy the delta 9 CBD bundle during your stay in the state. You can only take FDA-approved cannabis medications while travelling.

International Flights and THC Laws

Bringing THC Into or Out of the U.S.

The federal laws strictly prohibit carrying THC products on international flights. This rule applies whether you are entering or leaving the United States. You are restricted from carrying THC products while you are flying out of the U.S. or returning from another country. 

However, you can enjoy THC products while staying in a legal state from a trusted brand like CannaAid. We only ship products in the legal states. Our products are not available for shipment to the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia.

Differences in Countries Like Canada & Europe

Cannabis laws vary in different countries. Canada allows travelling with cannabis on domestic flights, but transporting it across borders is prohibited. International law enforcement is strict, so it’s never safer to travel internationally while carrying THC products. 

Flying with CBD vs THC Products: What’s Allowed?

CBD Products with Trace THC

Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived CBD products with THC content less than 0.3% by dry weight can be carried on travel. These CBD products include capsules, gummies, and tinctures that meet the bill’s requirement. 

Travelers are advised to take CBD products in their original packaging and keep third-party lab reports in case a TSA officer asks about legality issues. 

Why Is Hemp-Derived THC a Safer Choice?

Hemp-derived THC products are safer to carry on flights as compared to marijuana-derived products. Hemp-derived THC products, such as compliant delta-8 products and low-dose delta-9 products, fall under the federal hemp laws. 

International flights are stricter than domestic flights, and state laws may vary from one another. However, taking hemp-derived THC instead of marijuana-derived THC reduces legal risks.

Practical Tips for Air Travel & Cannabis Products

Here are some practical tips for you to follow to ensure safe travel and prevent legal consequences:

• Leave your THC products at home while going on domestic or international flights

• Always check travel regulations, airport, and state laws before travel

• Only carry hemp-derived CBD products that are federally legal

• Keep your hemp-derived products in original packaging

• If you are in doubt, don’t take the risk of carrying cannabis products

THC & Air Travel FAQs

Q. Can airport scanners detect THC edibles?

No, airport scanners cannot directly detect THC, but they can flag food items that will lead to bag checking.

Q. Can I bring THC gummies on a domestic flight?

No, you cannot bring THC gummies on a domestic flight. THC gummies are federally illegal and are restricted on every U.S. flight.

Q. Is it legal to bring THC vape pens or oils on a plane?

No, the THC vape pens and oils are restricted on any plane, no matter if you have bought them legally. 

Q. What happens if the TSA finds THC in my luggage?

TSA may confiscate the THC item, involve local law enforcement, and restrict your boarding based on the airport regulations.

Q. Are CBD products with trace THC allowed on airplanes?

Yes, CBD products with THC less than 0.3% by dry weight are federally allowed to carry on flights.

Q. What are the penalties for carrying THC on international flights?

The penalties may include fines, arrest, or imprisonment because many states have banned THC entirely.

Q. Can I carry products containing THC in Denver airports?

No, you can’t. Denver International Airport does not allow the possession of marijuana or THC products within its premises.

Q. Is it safer to travel with CBD gummies vs THC gummies?

Yes, hemp-derived, legally compliant CBD gummies are safer to carry while travelling. THC gummies are federally illegal. 

Conclusion

Carrying THC products on flights is considered illegal by federal law. Many states allow recreational and medical cannabis use, but marijuana products are considered a Schedule I substance. When it comes to traveling with cannabis, federal laws override state laws.

The 2018 Farm Bill allowed hemp-derived products to be carried on flights. At CannaAid, we provide a range of compliant THC and CBD products that contain THC content less than 0.3% by dry weight. Explore our cannabis collection to enjoy a rich cannabis experience.