{"id":33859,"date":"2024-03-11T13:39:07","date_gmt":"2024-03-11T13:39:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/?p=33859"},"modified":"2026-04-06T09:18:53","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T13:18:53","slug":"can-you-travel-on-a-plane-with-medical-marijuana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/can-you-travel-on-a-plane-with-medical-marijuana\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Travel On A Plane With Medical Marijuana?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thirty-eight states have now legalized some form of medical cannabis, and there are thousands of dispensaries open across the country. However, every state has different rules and regulations regarding medical marijuana, and it can feel confusing to navigate the various laws, particularly since cannabis is still a federally illegal substance.<\/p>\n

Many patients want to carry their medical cannabis products with them when they travel, but what is permitted? Can you carry marijuana across state lines, or take it on a plane? We’ll help you navigate this complicated question to avoid difficulties or legal troubles when traveling.<\/p>\n

Can You Travel on a Plane with Medical Marijuana?<\/h2>\n

The two most common types of cannabinoids used by medical marijuana patients include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). CBD and hemp, which are not psychoactive and typically contain less than 0.3% THC, are federally legal. As such, it’s permitted to travel across state lines<\/a> or on a domestic flight with CBD products. CBD can be placed in either checked or carry-on bags. Note, however, that flying to other countries with CBD products may not be allowed.<\/p>\n

THC is trickier. As a psychoactive product that can get users high, it’s illegal to travel across state lines with cannabis products, whether recreational or medicinal. Flights fall under federal jurisdiction, and cannabis is federally recognized as a Schedule I substance with no medicinal purposes. So, in short, you cannot fly with any medical marijuana products, even if they are in a checked bag.<\/p>\n

This law applies to interstate travel and flights within your state. Even if medical cannabis is legal in your state, it is not allowed at airports since they are managed by the federal government. This applies to all cannabis products, including vapes, edibles, tinctures, flowers, and more.<\/p>\n

TSA’s Stand on Medical Cannabis<\/h2>\n

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) websit<\/a>e, “TSA\u2019s 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.”<\/p>\n

Whether or not you’ll be charged with possession can depend on state laws or the law enforcement officer present. However, getting caught with cannabis can cause you to miss your flight or have the substance seized from your possession. If you do get charged, you may face up to five years in prison or a fine of $250,000.<\/p>\n

Can a Medical Card Be Used in Other States?<\/h2>\n

If you have a medical card, certain states allow reciprocity<\/a> (which means your out-of-state card can be used to purchase dispensary products).<\/p>\n

The following states allow reciprocity:<\/p>\n