Planning to travel with cannabis? Here’s what you should know!

Are you a medical marijuana patient? Do you use it to fight the symptoms of your medical condition?

Well, you are not alone. Millions of people are using cannabis today to get relief from their medical conditions. 33 out of 50 states in the United States have legalized the use of cannabis. And California is the first state that legalized the use of cannabis – both medicinal and recreational. It was approved in November 2016 by 57% of California voters. The recreational use of cannabis was recently approved under Proposition 64 where as medicinal use has been legal for a decade now.

If you are an MMJ patient, flying with your strain has definitely crossed your mind. Here are few FAQs you must be familiar with:

Can I fly with cannabis?

According to TSA.gov, TSA security officers do not look for medical cannabis. But does it mean you can fly with cannabis? Well, it’s more complicated than that. If you are looking to sneak your cannabis into your bags when flying, this is the not the right place for you. This blog is for mature and responsible adults who genuinely want to know about the laws of flying with cannabis.

The simple answer of this question is NO. You cannot fly with cannabis. Technically, airports come under federal property and cannabis is federally illegal. This means you cannot fly with it and if caught might have to face serious consequences.

Can I carry cannabis in my carry-on bag if I am flying to a city where it’s legal?

No, you cannot legally carry it in your carry-on bag when flying. The Transportation Security Administration explains on its site that possessing cannabis like CBD oil is not legal under the federal law. TSA Officers have to report a person carrying or possessing cannabis or cannabis-infused product.

I have medical cannabis card in San Francisco. Can I now travel with cannabis?

Well, you can. But the point is you should not. You are not complying with the federal law. Cannabis is considered as a Schedule I drug by the federal government and carrying such drugs to another state makes you a criminal. Having a cannabis card allows you to legally buy, consume, possess and even grow cannabis in your city. But the moment you decide to cross a state border, you are no longer covered under the state cannabis law.

Cannabis is legal. Why would I be in trouble for traveling with cannabis?

There is no doubt that cannabis is legal in 33 states out of 50. But the federal government still hasn’t approved its use, making it federally illegal to possess or travel with it. You are prohibited to transport cannabis from one state to another even if you are source and destination approve cannabis.

According to Nico Melendez, a former representative of TSA, TSA officers do not actively look for medical marijuana or other drugs, but if caught carrying it during routine searches, they immediately report it to law enforcement.

It definitely confusing as states where it is legal allow possessions of a certain amount of cannabis. But Jonathan Havens, a co-chairman of medical marijuana law practice said, “the issue of carrying cannabis is crossing state borders with a product that is federally illegal.”

No matter if it is legal in your state and in the state you are traveling to, when you cross state border with it, you can be charged against criminal charges.  

I have cannabis card in San Francisco. Can I buy cannabis in any other city with it?

Yes, but not every state allows non-resident MMJ patients. There are few states which welcome non-resident MMJ patients. There are only 4 states which allow you to legally buy and consume cannabis if you have a valid cannabis card. These 4 states are – New Hampshire, Michigan, Arizona, Rhode Island. If you are planning to travel to one of these states, you can rest assured that you can legal buy cannabis.

Takeaway

Cannabis is legal in the state of California but it is still not federally legal. It’s not legal under the federal law, even though President Donald Trump has shown his will to support its legalization. But the day when it becomes federally legal is still far. And since cannabis is not legal under the federal law, there are some prohibitions on its use. Firstly, you should carry a valid cannabis card and if, in case, it expires, you need to get marijuana card renewal in San Francisco. Secondly, you are not allowed to carry it when traveling to another state or city.