Flying With Edibles: Navigate the skies with your favorite treats

Airport jitters are no joke. Whether you’re feeling it in your nerves, your neck, or your feet – air travel comes with several mental and physical stressors that can leave you wiped out before your trip has even started. 

Flying with edibles and other cannabis-related products can be a great way to manage the discomfort from tight seats and long waits while easing your nervous system so you can actually get a little sleep on your flight. But, is it safe to go flying with weed in your bag?

We created this quick guide, so you can stay informed and feel confident flying with edibles. 

Can I fly with edibles?

If you are thinking, "Can I bring CBD gummies on a flight?" then...

Yes, you can! However, there are a few things to stay aware of so you don’t get in any trouble or get held up at the airport security check. 

Frequent flyers, cannabis enthusiasts, and medical marijuana patients can all deeply benefit from knowing how to safely and discreetly bring edibles. It is a subtle and convenient way to maintain your wellness routine and unwind on the go. 

However, intricacies within aviation law and security can seem complex and may leave you feeling uncertain. Despite the differing protocols in each state, it is still possible to safely travel in the US with your favorite bud. 

Everything you need to know about flying with edibles

Weed edibles are perfect for discrete dosing, and are relatively easy to pack so long as you follow standard TSA guidelines for air travel. 

If you are curious about getting edibles through security, here are the most important tips to keep in mind: 

1. Pack edibles in your carry-on bag, not the checked one. This will ensure that your edibles are not tampered with while you are not with your checked bag. Additionally, this can help preserve the quality of your edibles as they will be stored in the cabin along with your other belongings, away from extreme elements under the plane, or on the tarmac. 

2. If traveling between recreationally legal states: do not pack over 28.5 grams ( an eight) of flower or 8 grams of concentrated cannabis. These are the legal limits to carry on your person while traveling in the US. Any amount over these quantities may result in your weed getting confiscated/destroyed and possible criminal charges. 

3. Avoid bringing lighters, dab accessories, or large cell batteries as these items may raise suspicions during security screening. This is outlined in the standard regulations for TSA and airport security. Any items that may be used as a weapon will be confiscated and possibly destroyed at security. If you wish to bring these types of accessories, it is best to pack them in your checked bag, so long as they still meet all safety requirements. 

4. Can you take an edible before a flight? Yes, but it may be advantageous to time your dose so you aren’t having to go through security while coming up on an edible. It takes roughly 45-90 minutes for an edible to take full effect, so taking it upon arrival at the airport may be best, or after making your way through security if you have a long flight. 

5. Be respectful of other flyers and airport staff. In alignment with airplane traveler courtesy guidelines, it is important to be mindful of other travelers and airport staff when using weed on the go. This means avoiding using any smoke or vape products, or doing anything that would be disruptive to others' travel experience. 

6. Pack your edibles or cannabis products inside a small pouch in your carry-on bag. This could be kept with toiletries, medications, or other similar personal items. For additional discretion, some people opt to pack their weed in an organic material like hemp, cotton, or wool as this will show up on the security scan as orange/organic material and will likely mask the weed product as similar organic material. 

Navigating Airport Security

One of the first considerations when flying with edibles is how to navigate security checkpoints seamlessly. Unlike checked luggage, carry-on bags offer greater control and accessibility, making them the preferred choice for transporting weed edibles. However, it's essential to adhere to certain guidelines to ensure a smooth experience with TSA.

When packing your edibles in your carry-on bag, it's crucial to avoid packing over the recommended limit on consumable products. TSA regulations stipulate that liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and fit in a single quart-sized, clear plastic bag. This limitation extends to cannabis-infused products, including edibles, to comply with TSA guidelines.

Ultimately, a TSA officer is looking to keep people safe, not police your packing list. Even though weed is still considered federally illegal, and TSA adheres to federal government jurisdiction, they aren’t actually looking for cannabis or other drugs. Their primary goal is to protect flyers and airport workers, meaning they are focused on security threats, weapons, or anything that could be harmful to the aircraft or people. 

It is more likely that the law enforcement officer will let you pass through with your edibles if you are quick and respectful when moving through security checkpoints. 

The legality of flying with weed: 

The legality of flying with weed varies depending on state and federal laws. While some states have legalized cannabis for both medical and recreational use, federal law still prohibits the interstate transport of cannabis products exceeding 0.3% THC. This discrepancy between federal and state regulations can create confusion for travelers, particularly when passing through airports situated in states with stricter cannabis laws.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) primarily focuses on security threats rather than cannabis possession. However, if cannabis edibles are discovered during screening, TSA officers may refer the matter to local law enforcement. Understanding the nuances of state and federal jurisdiction is essential for travelers seeking to fly with edibles without encountering legal complications

Can drug dogs smell edibles?

Since the widespread cannabis legalization across the US, the use of drug-detecting police dogs in airports has ceased, due to the high volume of cannabis use today. Someone who has a trace amount of cannabis on their shirt may be detected by a police dog, making this a less viable security measure, as they would likely run into many false positives. 

TSA canines are paired with handlers and trained for 12-18 weeks to learn how to properly detect explosive odors in busy transportation environments. Currently, canine units for drug searches are not an active part of TSA and airport security, as their primary objective is to detect security threats and protect the public. 

Most working dogs at the airport are not trained to sniff for drugs or cannabis, as this would impact their level of accuracy in detecting traces of controlled substances. So there is no need to get anxious around TSA canines, they are simply there to keep you safe! 

What happens if you’re caught with edibles in an airport?

If you do happen to be traveling in a state where cannabis is illegal and you are caught, there are a few things that could happen. 

TSA is there to enforce safety measures, and therefore they cannot arrest travelers themselves. If a TSA agent finds cannabis and decides to report it, they would call in local law enforcement to handle the situation. In fully illegal states, this could mean fines and arrest depending on the nature of the situation. It is best to avoid carrying cannabis into US states that still have strict rules around cannabis possession. 

In most cases, a TSA agent may let you pass through with your cannabis product, or request that you dispose of it at security. In these cases, you would not face criminal charges but may lose your personal stash. This is why knowing the local laws ahead of traveling can set you up for success and avoid any run-ins with law enforcement. 

Can you fly with edibles If you have an MMJ card?

One of the best ways to protect yourself when flying with edibles is to acquire an MMJ card or doctor’s recommendation card to use medical cannabis. Though some states may not recognize cannabis for medical use, this medical card may protect you from having your weed confiscated at security and could help in situations where law enforcement becomes involved. 

International travel and weed

Distinguishing between CBD and THC products is crucial when traveling. 

While hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC are generally permissible for travel within the United States and internationally, THC-containing cannabis products remain subject to federal and local police and international customs restrictions. Travelers should exercise caution when transporting THC edibles to avoid inadvertent violations of federal, international, and local laws.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating compound found in weed or hemp that is often touted for its potential therapeutic benefits, including anxiety relief, pain management, and stress reduction. CBD-infused products, such as gummies, tinctures, and capsules, have gained popularity among consumers seeking natural alternatives for wellness and relaxation. It is obvious why CBD is such a great option for travel! 

On the other hand, THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for producing the "high" sensation, typically associated with weed consumption. While THC-containing edibles may offer similar therapeutic effects as CBD products, they are subject to stricter regulations due to their psychoactive properties and potential for abuse.

When traveling with CBD edibles, it's advisable to carry them in their original packaging and to be prepared to present them to TSA officers if requested. This can help expedite the screening process and reduce the likelihood of any misunderstandings or concerns. 

Additionally, travelers should familiarize themselves with the laws and regulations governing CBD products in their destination to ensure compliance with local ordinances.

Domestic travel in the US with weed

For travelers journeying between legalized states, the landscape becomes slightly more manageable to navigate. States such as Colorado, California, and Oregon have established regulations permitting individuals to possess weed within specified limits, including at airports. However, it's essential to remain cognizant of TSA guidelines and potential interactions with other law enforcement officials to mitigate any risks.

When traveling between legalized states, it's advisable to research and familiarize oneself with the specific laws and regulations governing weed possession and transportation in each jurisdiction. 

While some states may allow for the possession and consumption of weed products, others may have stricter regulations or prohibitions in place. By staying informed and exercising caution, travelers can minimize the risk of encountering legal issues while flying with edibles.

As of 2024, Idaho, Wyoming, Kansas, and South Carolina categorize cannabis as fully illegal, offering the harshest consequences for weed possession in the US. In these states, weed is treated similarly to federal law, where it is still classified as a controlled substance and could land you a jail sentence.  It is highly ill-advised to travel to and from these states with weed products. 

Conclusion

Flying with weed edibles can be a soothing and convenient supplement to make your travel experience more enjoyable. With proper preparation and understanding of the legal guidelines, you can soak in all the benefits of cannabis and CBD wherever you venture next. 

By adhering to TSA guidelines, understanding federal regulations and state laws, and exercising discretion, travelers can fly with weed without any worries. Whether seeking relaxation or therapeutic relief, flying with edibles is very safe and possible with careful planning and mindfulness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are edibles detected by airport security?

Since edibles have the same appearance as normal food, these items are easy to get through security. So ensure that edible foods look exactly like the old food.

Can drug dogs smell edibles?

While police dogs are trained in drug detection, there are limitations on the detection of edible cannabis products. The alternative methods for drug identification include specialized tools and training dogs to identify edibles for example.

Can I fly with Delta 8 gummies?

It's legal for everyone to enjoy Delta8's gummies, flowers, and vapors.

Can TSA tell if food is edible?

Although, airport scanners don't know if food is edible. The edible products in the scanner have the same orange color as all organic materials.