Flying High? What You Need to Know About Traveling with Weed in Canada and the USA

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You’ve packed your bags, and you are all set to go, but you can’t help but wonder if that little stash in your carry-on is going to get you in trouble. It’s really easy to think you are legal since both Canada and the U.S. have legalized marijuana, but the rules for flying with weed are actually more complicated than you might have thought. From airport security to state and provincial regulations, the do's and don'ts of traveling with cannabis can prevent you from having an uncomfortable conversation or, worse, missing your flight. Here’s everything you need to know for a stress-free, completely legal cannabis-inclusive trip.

Flying with Cannabis in Canada

In Canada, where recreational cannabis has been fully legal since 2018, flying with weed is surprisingly straightforward—as long as you’re staying within the country. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) allows travelers to bring up to 30 grams of dried cannabis (or the equivalent in other products) in their carry-on or checked luggage when flying domestically. However, the product must be for personal use, and it’s a good idea to keep it in its original, labeled packaging from a licensed dispensary to avoid unnecessary hassle.

However, it is worth stressing that the product is still illegal internationally. Leave the weed at home if your flight is leaving Canada and is going to a country or state that has not legalized cannabis—no matter how many states allow it. 

Smuggling cannabis into another country can incriminate a person, leading to fines, imprisonment, or a ban on the person’s future travels.

Flying with Cannabis in the USA

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The U.S. is a different story. While cannabis is legal for recreational use in over 20 states and for medical use in many more, it remains federally illegal. This creates a complicated situation for air travel, which is governed by federal law. Technically, flying with cannabis in the U.S. is illegal, even if you’re traveling between two states where cannabis is fully legal. However, the reality on the ground (or in the air) is a bit more relaxed.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) isn’t searching for cannabis in your luggage. Their primary threats of worry are weapons or explosives. If they do find cannabis during a search, they will usually hand it over to local law enforcement. In states where cannabis is legal, you are unlikely to face real trouble for carrying around small amounts of what you intend to use personally. Airports, however, can be different. For example, Los Angeles International (LAX) and Denver International (DIA) have specifically allowed travelers to have small amounts of cannabis with them within the airport, whereas others might not be so lenient.

The Key Rules for Flying with Weed

Both in Canada and the U.S., there are certain rules to follow. First of all, know the laws of your destination. This is because, although you may be permitted to consume or own cannabis in your departure city, arriving in a state or province that has enforced prohibition can amount to an offense. Second, always transport your cannabis in its original packaging from a licensed dispensary. This not only tells everyone that it is a legal product but also allows for easier verification of the content by the authorities.

Lastly, think about the dangers of carrying around cannabis paraphernalia like pipes, grinders, or vape pens. Although these items are usually legal, having cannabis residue on them may trigger the security at the airport. It is always safe to clean your equipment before traveling.

What About Medical Cannabis?

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Patients of medical cannabis are subject to slightly different rules. Carrying medical cannabis is usually okay in both Canada and the U.S. as long as you have the right paperwork. In Canada, it’s your medical cannabis prescription you should produce if asked. In the U.S., a state-issued medical cannabis card might be helpful when flying from one state to another that allows medical cannabis. However, since cannabis is still federally illegal, even medical patients are not immune to the federal ban.

Final Puff

It doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking experience flying with cannabis if you take the time to understand the rules. Crossing borders is a no-go in Canada, though, for domestic travel with cannabis. In the U.S., more caution is required because of the patchwork of state laws and federal oversight, even though the TSA isn’t actively hunting for your stash.

The key is to stay informed, stay legal, and always err on the side of caution. Nothing, of course, can ruin a trip faster than getting grounded over a few grams of green.