States that have legalized recreational use of marijuana are booming with tourists that are excited about being able to walk into a store and legally purchase weed. However, the debate around marijuana laws is still alive in many states, leaving these plant lovers in legality limbo.
With varying laws about marijuana, it’s hard to know the rules around how much you can buy, how much is legal to fly home with, and if it is legal to ship home or to a friend?
Let’s face it. When you’re high, the last thing you want are more reasons to feel paranoid. Keep reading to understand your marijuana how-to-travel guide so your mind can ponder less stressful matters like sativa or indica, if life insurance for marijuana smokers is a thing, or whatever happened to Taco Bell’s verde sauce.
The Legal Difference between THC and CBD
THC, also known as Tetrahydrocannabinol, is not the same thing as CBD, which is also known as Cannabidiol. The difference between the traveling regulations placed on THC and CBD is largely due to the effects that each has on the body.
Both have medicinal qualities, but THC is the component in cannabis that creates that “high” feeling while the consumption of CBD is more similar to the calming effects of a cigarette.
Because of this difference, when it comes to CBD, you aren’t facing many restrictions other than being sure that the CBD you’re traveling with has 0.3% of THC or less. In 2018, the Farm Bill was passed which removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act.
With this, hemp can be legally grown and manufactured for CBD products for sale to the national public. So having CBD in federally run places like the airport is completely legal.
Marijuana in Airports
Though the Farm Bill was a great step forward, traveling with marijuana products is still very much in the grey. The TSA is not looking to bust people for carrying marijuana; however, in the majority of states, carrying more than an ounce of THC infused products is against federal drug trafficking laws.
You are not likely to be arrested for possession or any other drug-related charges if small amounts are found on your person in the airport, but fines and other forms of repercussions would be issued to you if authorities are notified.
You can, however, arrive at an airport under the influence of marijuana in the states where recreational use is legal. But if you are under enough influence to cause a disruption, you will likely face legal consequences.
Current laws concerning marijuana in airports leave a few gaps. Although airports are city-owned, airports are run federally so even in states where cannabis use is legal, any amount you have on your person is considered illegal the moment you are given a boarding pass.
If you ever find yourself reaching into your pocket or bag and discovering that joint you misplaced, don’t get scared or feel the need to turn yourself in. Airports now have anonymous drop bins where you can dispose of any extra cannabis items from your person without having to face any legal punishment.
Marijuana in Cars
Once within a state where recreational use of cannabis is legalized, it is completely legal to travel in a vehicle with no more than the set max amount that is legally allowed to purchase within that state.
In the state of California, the legal carry amount of cannabis and THC infused products is up to one ounce or 8 grams of cannabis concentrates, (such as wax), for adults age 21 or older.
For reference, here is a list of that amount in common weed products:
- 57.5 gram pre-rolled joints
- 16 vapor pen cartridges (500 milligrams of THC per cartridge)
- 80 standard gummy packs of 10 (each gummy = 10 grams of THC or less)
- 40 pot brownies (200 milligrams per square)
- 32 pot cookies (250 milligrams per cookie)
Note that these examples are per the state of California’s regulations, and if you are planning a vacation to a state where recreational use is legal, you should research the exact laws of that state to be safe and secure in your choices when purchasing cannabis.
It is also important to remember that in all states where cannabis has been legalized, cannabis products are legal to have in the car, but you should be sure that you are not under cannabis influence while operating a vehicle.
Marijuana on Boats
Just like with flying, the best thing to do is to research the policies of not only the place you’re going, but also to ask the company that’s taking you what their policies are regarding marijauana product use while on board.
With that being said, know that the state laws of wherever you embark don’t always carry over to seas. That means that even if you’ve bought from a dispensary that’s a mile from the port, federally marijauana is still illegal and will be considered so once the board leaves the dock.
When it comes to traveling with cannabis on a boat or a cruise, the best practice is to only partake during stops where cannabis use is legal.
If you are found with illegal substances such as marijuana while on a cruise, you will likely be charged according to wherever your next port is. This could bring you large fines, and though unlikely, possible jail time in a foreign country.
Always remember that due to the technicalities of bringing cannabis on board, you are truly doing so at your own risk.
Use Marijuana Products Wisely
Even though some of these things may feel restrictive, and you may be tempted to offer law enforcers to take a hit of your vape pen, you can relax and look at the bright side.
In addition to more laws being passed to decriminalize marijuana, the overall attitude towards the substance and its various uses is becoming generally more relaxed. Enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of marijuana without worrying so much about negative ramifications.
Danielle Beck-Hunter writes and researchers for the insurance comparison site, QuickQuote.com
