Hand on map with camera, passport, laptop, and coffee, perfect for travel planning inspiration.

How to Travel with Cannabis: What to Know Before You Go

ByKate Lily

Key Takeaways

  • TSA does not actively search for cannabis, but federal law still prohibits it on planes, even if you’re flying from one legal state to another.
  • If you’re flying with a cannabis vape or gummies, keep them in your carry on, not in your checked luggage.
  • Do not bring cannabis — even CBD — on a cruise ship.

This post may feature affiliate links. If you order through these links you will be supporting my site in a small way that means a lot, at no cost to you! Thank you! Disclosure policy.

Intro

Traveling is exciting, but if you’re a cannabis user, hitting the road or catching a flight brings a whole new set of questions. Can you bring your vape? What about your edibles? Will TSA stop you for marijuana?

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re a medical cannabis patient or just someone who likes to stay chill on vacation, this guide will help you understand how to travel with cannabis safely and legally.

Download Kate Lily's free Beginner's Cannabis Glossary

Flying with cannabis within the U.S. is not technically legal, because while many U.S. states have legalized marijuana, it’s still illegal under federal law, which controls air travel. That means it is federally illegal to fly with cannabis, even between two legal states.

But here’s the caveat: TSA officers aren’t looking for weed. Their main job is to search for threats, like bombs and terrorists, not cannabis.

If they do find cannabis during screening, their policy is to refer it to local law enforcement, who will follow state law.

In legal states, you might just be asked to throw it away, or put it in an airport “amnesty box,” especially if you’re carrying a small, personal-use amount.

I do not suggest attempting to fly internationally with any amount of cannabis. The laws of your destination country or international airline may be different than the U.S., and you could face severe penalties if you’re caught with cannabis in an anti-drug country.

Will TSA Stop You for Marijuana?

It depends.

TSA’s official stance is that marijuana is not allowed, but in reality, many people fly with small amounts without incident, especially with edibles or cartridges tucked into their carry-on.

🔍 TSA’s website states:

“TSA’s 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.”

Here’s what TSA might do if they find marijuana:

  • If it’s medical marijuana and you have documentation, they may allow you to proceed, depending on the state.
  • If it’s a small amount of recreational cannabis, they may either let you go without incident, or call airport police to handle it.
  • If it’s a large quantity or appears suspicious, indicating drug trafficking, you could be detained at the airport or face legal consequences.

Bottom line? Don’t flaunt it. Be smart and discreet if you decide to fly with cannabis.

Pro tips for flying with cannabis flower:

Store your cannabis in a smell-proof bag and only bring a small amount. Bring a small one-hitter pipe and clean it before you go.

Here’s a peek at my simple but effective travel set-up:

How to travel with cannabis smell-proof bag.

Can You Fly with a Cannabis Vape?

Yes, but you need to know the rules.

  • Carry-on only. TSA requires that all vape pens, e-cigarettes, and cartridges be packed in your carry-on bag due to the risk of fire in the cargo hold.
  • Labeling matters. Avoid labels or packaging that screams “cannabis.” The more discreet, the better.
Download Kate Lily's free Beginner's Cannabis Glossary

Can You Fly with Cannabis Gummies?

Edibles like cannabis gummies are one of the most discreet forms to travel with, since they are easy to pack and don’t have that telltale weed scent like cannabis flower.

However, they are still subject to the same federal laws as other cannabis products, so it is still up to the TSA’s discretion to let you and your special candies through.

Pro tips for flying with gummies:

  • Don’t carry large quantities. Just bring what you need for your trip.
  • Hide them in plan site, in your toiletry bag, vitamin case, or with your other candy-like snacks. Avoid flashy cannabis branding.
  • Keep them with your personal items, not checked luggage.

Can You Fly with Medical Cannabis?

If you’re a registered medical marijuana patient, traveling gets a bit easier—but only if you follow protocol. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Your medical marijuana card or doctor’s note.
  • Original packaging and prescription labeling.
  • Only the amount legally allowed for personal use.
READ UP

Not sure how to get your Medical Marijuana card? Check out my article, How to Get Your Medical Marijuana Card: A Step-by-Step Guide.

Can You Take Cannabis on a Road Trip?

Practically speaking, it’s much easier to drive with cannabis than to fly, since there is no TSA checkpoint or bag x-rays. However, driving across state lines with cannabis is still federally illegal, even between two legal states.

Here are some quick tips to travel safely and discreetly with your cannabis:

  • Keep your cannabis sealed in a smell-proof storage bag and stored away from the driver’s seat.
  • Packed in a locked trunk is the safest spot. In the backseat out of reach from the driver is the second safest spot.
  • Don’t consume cannabis in the car, especially flower. If you get pulled over and your car smells like weed, it may give police probable cause to search your vehicle. Laws on this vary by state.
  • Don’t drive while high (this applies whether you’re on a road trip or in your hometown!)
  • If you’re a Medical Marijuana patient, be sure to keep your Medical Marijuana Card with you and be prepared to show it if needed.

Can You Take Cannabis on a Cruise Ship?

This is a big no. Nearly every cruise line lists cannabis on their prohibited items list, even CBD products. You can face serious consequences if you try to sneak it onboard.

Royal Caribbean and Carnival have both stated that passengers with marijuana are subject to “fines, arrest, and denial of boarding without refund or compensation.”

Carnival Cruises banned a Texas mother of two for life for bringing CBD gummies onboard to help her sleep. That’s right, non-intoxicating, non-THC gummies still resulted in a lifetime ban.

Cruise lines don’t play when it comes to cannabis, so you shouldn’t either. It’s best to leave it at home.

Best Products for Traveling with Cannabis

Small smell proof BAG

Formline Supply 7″x6″ Smell Proof Bag

Formline Supply 7"x6" Smell Proof Bag

Small, inexpensive, and lined with a patent-pending 2x smell-proof design, this greeting-card-sized bag will keep your cannabis odorless and discreet. It’s my go-to for travel.

Buy from Formline
Small One Hitter Pipe

Grav 16mm Octotaster with Silicone Skin

Grav 16mm Octotaster pipe with Silicone Skin

This little hitter from glass heroes Grav is travel-ready: the silicone skin protects glass from drops, a built-in glass screen keeps dry herb out of the tube, and you can pre-pack a bowl and secure with silicone end cap to prevent spills.

Buy from Grav
Small smell proof jar

Staze Vacuum Sealed Smell Proof Jar

Staze smell-proof jar

With a patented airtight seal, this sturdy jar from Staze is extra durable, and even waterproof. It keeps your flower odor under control so you can travel with ease.

Buy from Amazon

Final Thoughts on Traveling with Cannabis

Cannabis laws vary from state to state, and traveling with weed safely can seem overwhelming. If you’re ever unsure, it’s safest to leave your stash at home and purchase legally at your destination (where allowed).

But if you want to bring it along, follow the guidelines in this article, and keep everything discreetly stored so you can enjoy it once you reach your final destination.

Once you arrive, you may still want to remain discreet. Read my article, How to Get Rid of Weed Smell: A Complete Guide for tips on keeping your stank down.

Safe travels!

FAQs

Get answers to a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions.

Technically federal law still prohibits cannabis on planes, even between legal states. However, enforcement is usually minimal if you carry a small amount discreetly.

TSA doesn’t arrest people, they notify local law enforcement. In legal states, you’ll likely be asked to dispose of it or may be allowed to continue if it’s a small amount.

Yes, but it must go in your carry-on. Never check it in your luggage. Be discreet and follow battery regulations.

Yes. Gummies and other edibles are more discreet, odorless, and easier to conceal. They also draw less attention during screening.

It’s risky. Even if it’s legal where you’re from, many countries have zero-tolerance laws. You risk serious penalties if you’re caught.

Yes—if it contains less than 0.3% THC and is derived from hemp, CBD is legal under federal law. Still, double-check local laws, and don’t bring it on a cruise ship.

TLDR

Flying with cannabis is illegal, even between legal states, but the TSA rarely confiscates personal use amounts.
Vapes must go in your carry-on.
Edibles and topicals are most discreet to travel with.
Kate Lily
Certified Cannabis Educator

Similar Posts