With the constant change in laws surrounding cannabis on the state level, it’s hard to keep up with what is okay and what is still in a gray area. One of the biggest questions when it comes to cannabis is: Can I travel with it?
This is a complicated question, especially when the nuances of state and federal laws are compared. The types of cannabinoids, where they come from, and where they are going all impact what is considered legal.
While it’s easy to answer yes or no to important questions, this doesn’t do the situation or the person asking justice. The landscape surrounding cannabis and its various forms is wrought with confusing legal jargon and gray areas that deserve to be addressed more completely.
For today’s blog, we have decided to clear the air surrounding edibles and whether they can accompany you on your planned vacation. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in and look at what the law says about flying with your favorite edibles.
Are Edibles Legal?
To start, we need to address the legality of edibles and what is considered acceptable. The first and most important question is: Are edibles legal?
The short answer is yes but also no. Some edibles are legal.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp and reclassified it as any cannabis plant that contains 0.3% delta-9 THC or less on a dry-weight basis. This is now what TSA guidelines follow, too. If an edible falls within these guidelines, it is technically legal. State laws vary, though, and delta-9 THC is still federally illegal.
Edibles made from legalized hemp are legal to an extent. But that extent stops at state lines. Even though there was a massive boom in delta-8 and other hemp-based products after the 2018 farm bill, individual states have made moves to reclassify laws surrounding them.
THC itself is still considered federally illegal, so there is no blanket protection in place to allow travel with cannabis between state lines.
Can You Fly with Edibles Domestically?
Check the product’s THC content, the regulations of the specific airline, and your destination's regulations. Most TSA screenings for luggage are focused on clear breaches of the rules. They usually focus more on dangerous things to the airliner or other passengers.
Things such as discreet edibles still in sealed packages are a low priority for airport security.
So, while you aren’t supposed to take edibles with you, there is little effort to prevent you from doing it. How likely you are to end up caught is all a matter of situation, location, and amount.
There are a lot of ifs and maybes, so waiting until you reach your destination to receive the product may be a safer practice. We don’t condone breaking the law, so we don’t recommend attempting to fly with edibles – or any cannabis product, for that matter, even if it’s hemp-derived.
Can You Fly with Edibles Internationally?
In short? NO. DON’T DO IT. Air travel is subject to several layers of rules and regulations, and traveling between countries means the laws of both countries may be enforced. A limited number of countries have outright have legalized cannabis, making it unsafe to fly internationally.
While TSA might not be focused on cannabis and edibles within the US, that doesn’t mean other countries are as relaxed on the issue. The world as a whole tends to be considerably more strict. For example, Japan and France are two common tourist-friendly countries with strict weed laws.
What if You Have a Medical Card?
It might feel like there should already be an exception for something like medical cannabis for flight, but medical cannabis is not federally recognized. There is no legal distinction between medical and recreational cannabis in US federal law (as of yet).
Several countries have legalized medical use, but these programs rarely extend to tourists.
One option for medical cannabis patients is to travel to a location where cannabis is also legal, such as Canada, the Netherlands, or Mexico. Alternatively, some states implement reciprocity laws, which allow out-of-state patients to obtain and use medical cannabis within their state’s borders.
What to Bring If You Plan to Fly with Edibles
If you want to attempt to fly anyway, there are some things you need to come prepped with. Remember that it will also heavily depend on what the TSA decides at your local and destination airports. Likewise, remember that we don’t recommend flying with edibles or other cannabis products. Instead, if flying domestically, wait until you arrive at your destination to receive anything consumable.
COAs and Receipts
Bring lab results of your edibles to eliminate any trouble out the gate. Reliable cannabis brands should provide these with each product. For example, there’s a QR code on the back of our products so that you can reference the specific batch lab test for that product. These tests, called certificates of analysis (COAs), make it easy to show your TSA agent that you’re traveling with a legal product. Bonus points if it doesn’t contain THC.
What to Order When You Arrive (if Flying Domestically)
Traveling can be stressful, but rest assured, you’ll find plenty of options once you’ve landed. For example, Ounce of Hope offers products with portability and convenience in mind.
Perfect for a short trip, our delta-8 gummies, delta-9 gummies, and CBD+delta-8 gummies are available in sample-size packs. Or, for a low-THC option, our Vitality mushroom gummies are an excellent choice.
If your sweet tooth prefers chocolate, we offer milk chocolate and dark chocolate sample sizes. We also have unique options like peanut butter nuggets, which come in a 4-count or 10-count.
Delta-9 honey sticks are another mobile and versatile option, perfect for tea or snacks during your stay.
Finally, our hard candies come in a 4-count sample size, perfect for microdosing when you're on the go.
Can You Fly with Other Cannabis Products?
Probably not, but some other products may be as discreet as edibles if left in their original, unopened packaging. Examples include oils (tinctures), softgels, and vape carts. Our softgels have a 2-count sample option, and our oils have a 1ml syringe option for easy travel.
Final Thoughts
Flying with edibles isn’t as simple as a yes or no answer. While some hemp-derived products may meet TSA guidelines, federal law still classifies THC as illegal, and state rules vary. International travel is even riskier, with many countries enforcing strict cannabis bans.
The safest option? Buy what you need when you land. Ounce of Hope offers a variety of travel-friendly options, so you can skip the stress and enjoy your trip worry-free. Safe travels!
