The difference between hemp and marijuana may seem like a trivial matter, especially as it boils down to a few percentage points of THC.
But, airports and airplanes are all managed by the Federal Aviation Authority. This means that no matter what state you are flying from and landing in, the delta-9 THC contents of your edibles fall under federal rules.
To bring edibles on your next flight, ensure to double-check the following:
- THC Contents: Do the edibles contain less than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis?
- Airline Regulations: Does the airline allow the transport of hemp-derived edibles?
- Destination Regulations: Does the destination ban any hemp-derived products or cannabinoids?
What if you are flying with a vape? While hemp vapes fall under the same rules as hemp edibles, the device complicates packing. Check out our guide to
flying with a vape for more information.
Flying with Edibles: Rules & Regulations
No matter where you fly, technically, air travel falls under several layers of rules and regulations. Here are the most important to note:
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
The TSA handles airport security in the US. Its primary focus is on security threats, not drug enforcement. But, if TSA officers discover cannabis products, including edibles, during security screenings, they are required to report it to local law enforcement. The
TSA states:
"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.."
So, if you’re bringing hemp-derived edibles on your flight, we recommend keeping them in their original packaging and bringing a printed Certificate of Analysis (more on this later).
Federal Aviation Authority
According to a recent article by the
Washington Post citing federal aviation regulations, "No airline may allow anyone to board a plane if the passenger appears to be intoxicated."
If you are flying with edibles that lead to euphoric and elevated experiences, you'll want to keep them in your bags until you reach your destination.
International Law
Just because hemp is legal in the US doesn't mean it's safe to bring your edibles with you on international trips. Even if you were to travel between two countries with legal hemp–let's say the US and Canada–it's highly illegal to transport any cannabis products over international borders. It's advised to leave your hemp products at home when traveling internationally.
How to Bring Edibles Without a Medical Card: HEMP!