Flying with cannabis isn’t as simple as tossing it into your carry-on. Even if you’re departing from a state where cannabis is legal, federal law still makes it illegal to bring any cannabis products on the plane.
If it’s your first time flying with cannabis, it can be tricky because the laws are not the same everywhere. While some states allow legal purchases and possession, federal law still classifies cannabis as illegal. That conflict makes it difficult to know what’s allowed when you’re heading to the airport.
At MedMen LAX, we understand the importance of keeping yourself stocked with the best cannabis products while complying with all air travel regulations. This quick guide will help you understand what to know before flying with weed.
Why does federal law continue to prohibit cannabis even in states where it’s legal? To answer that, let’s take a walk down legal memory lane:
- No weed for you: the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 stopped the use of the plant as a recreational drug
- In 1970, Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act, which placed marijuana into Schedule I of federal law. It still holds this classification today, meaning it is federally considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
- Being Schedule I doesn’t just label cannabis as dangerous; it triggers the strictest regulatory controls under federal law. This locks in significant procedural barriers for lawmakers who want to change cannabis policy at the federal level.
Even in states where cannabis is legal, transporting cannabis products across state lines, including by plane, is illegal. Airports and TSA are bound by federal law, so possession of cannabis remains prohibited, regardless of local state laws.
TSA Cannabis Rules in 2025
Can you fly with weed? The short answer is: Don’t fly with weed. The long answer, according to the Transportation and Security Administration, is:
“marijuana and certain cannabis infused products, including some Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, remain illegal under federal law except for products that contain no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or are approved by the FDA, regardless of whether they are used recreationally or medically.”
While cannabis remains illegal under federal law, TSA’s goal is to “detect potential threats to aviation and passengers,” and “security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs.”
So what happens if the TSA finds weed? TSA officers are legally bound by federal law to refer the matter to law enforcement. In some states where cannabis is legal, airports may have their own regulations and procedures to manage these cases. Regardless, we do not recommend traveling with cannabis in your possession.
What You Can and Can’t Fly With
Traveling with marijuana or cannabis based products, including some CBD oils that contain more than 0.3% THC, whether it’s medical or recreational, is strictly prohibited under federal law. While products with less than the allowable amount of THC are legal to fly with, some states have their own regulations on hemp-based CBD products, so it’s best to check your destination’s ordinances before traveling.
Cannabis Travel Dos and Don’ts
DO: Research state laws for your destination. Even if you’ve previously traveled to this destination, be sure to check for any changes in local, state, and federal laws that may impact your trip. In some states where medical marijuana is legal, you may need additional documentation or permits to purchase products upon arrival.
DO: Keep products sealed and labeled. If you’re planning on traveling with hemp and CBD products, ensure they are properly sealed, labeled, and fit TSA product guidelines, such as liquid quantity regulations, etc.
DON’T: Assume that what’s legal in California is legal elsewhere. Even if you’re traveling from California to a state where cannabis is legal, don’t assume you’re in the clear. Your destination state may have regulations that are vastly different from California’s.
Alternatives for Travelers
Whether you’re taking a weekend trip with friends or a solo vacation to a brand new destination, it’s best that you leave your weed at home and purchase it after you’ve safely landed. We understand how inconvenient it can be to purchase weed somewhere new, but dealing with the legal hassle of a cannabis arrest is way, way more inconvenient.
And there’s good news if your destination is LAX: we’re close by and ready to help. At MedMen LAX, Los Angeles’ most trusted and affordable dispensary, you can purchase your favorite cannabis products to enjoy during your stay.
LAX travelers can conveniently shop at our airport location just two miles north of the terminals. But remember: while LAX airport police permit possession of the state-legal limit inside the airport, the TSA follows federal law: anything over 0.3 % THC is still illegal in U.S. airspace. So be sure to consume your purchases before you hop on your next flight.
