High Altitude: Can You Air Travel with a Weed Pen?
Are you planning a trip and wondering whether you can take your favorite Apothecare Hash Rosin Cartridge with you because, well, it’s just great to have around? Is it safe? Is it worth it?
You already heard a lot of anecdotes about how so-and-so flew with his whole stash in the backpack and nothing happened. You might have probably looked on Reddit, but, of course, no one was able to give a direct answer. A simple Google search is somewhat helpful, but you still have some questions. It’s true, the rules and regulations are hazy (pun intended), but we are here to help you get some clarity. Here is Apothecare’s guide to air travel with cannabis. It is everything you need to know before packing your smoking gear.
Understanding Federal Regulations
First things first: flying within the United States means that you must follow the TSA rules if you want to avoid any trouble with law enforcement. However, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is mostly concerned with passenger safety, not with your wellness routines. According to the agency’s website, the “TSA screening does not include active search for marijuana products”. So, the TSA officers won’t dig into your bag to just find cannabis products: they have a bigger fish to fry.
However, cannabis—including THC vape pods and weed pens—is still illegal under federal law, and when you are in an airport or on a plane, you are the subject to federal laws. This means that while TSA agents aren’t on a look out for weed pens, if they happen to stumble upon one, they are required by law to report it to the airport’s law enforcement.
And where that leads will depend on the airport in question and the situation on hand. Expect anything from a confiscation and a stern word to lengthy interrogation and even a charge.
In short, there are always risks, even if you have a medical card, and even if you travel from one state that legalized cannabis to another. Let’s break it down a little more. What’s different when you pack your THC pen for a domestic flight compared to international travel?
Weed Pens and Vape Pods: Domestic Flights
First of all, let’s talk about CBD vape pens and other minor cannabinoids products. If they are derived from hemp and not marijuana, they are absolutely legal to fly with, within the United States. Just be aware that since CBD vapes look and sometimes smell indistinguishable from their THC counterparts, the difference might be hard to explain on the spot.
And what if it is indeed a THC vape pod that made the TSA stop you and refer to the local law enforcement when you take a domestic flight? Well, in short, it’s a gamble. Each state handles cannabis differently. In states where cannabis, medical and recreational, is legal, local law enforcement may take no action if the TSA agent reports your stash to them. In others, you could face fines or legal penalties, or, at the very minimum, a very unpleasant situation that can put a stain on your vacation. It’s critical to research the laws before heading to the airport of both your departure and arrival states.
Here is what we know about some busy US airport when it comes to THC vapes:
LAX (Los Angeles):
The police are usually lenient. If the TSA at LAX airport stopped you during the screening because of your stash and you did not step behind the security line (so you are not yet under the federal law), the police will possibly do nothing unless you don’t carry more cannabis than legally allowed by California law
DIA (Denver International):
Be careful, they are strict in Colorado when it comes to crossing state lines with any cannabis product at the Denver Airport. The airport policy explicitly bans cannabis on-site
BOS (Boston Logan):
Massachusetts legalized cannabis, but the confiscations of THC pens, gummies, flower and other obviously cannabis-made products are common at the Boston Logan International Airport
JFK (New York):
New York recently allowed recreational use of cannabis and the law enforcement in the JFK Airport became more relaxed when it comes to domestic flyers and cannabis. But do not confuse leniency with permission. Your vape pod may be gone in a blink of an eye
DTW (Detroit Metro):
As you probably know, Michigan’s cannabis laws are liberal and there are no reported aggressive enforcement policies at DTW Metro Airport when it comes to small amounts of personal-use cannabis. If TSA comes across your weed pen, they will hand it over to the Wayne County Airport Police who will confiscate your goodies but will not pursue charges.
All of that being said, remember: TSA agents are obligated to report found cannabis to the local police whose decisions depend on many factors. Your cannabis will be confiscated and getting caught might delay your travel or cause you might miss your flight altogether.
And there is something else: lithium-ion batteries. There are TSA rules that regulate battery safety: you are allowed to bring them in your carry-on but packing them in checked baggage is prohibited due to fire risk. This rule is strictly enforced, and failure to comply can lead to confiscation of your weed pen and serious federal charges.
Weed Pens and Vape Pods: International Flights
International flights are far more stringent and far more straightforward: just don’t do it,please. Almost universally, carrying cannabis—including THC vape pods or weed pens—across international borders is strictly prohibited. In some countries, especially in Asia and the Middle East, you can face severe, life-altering penalties: not only fines and deportation, but real prison sentences.
If you rely on weed pens or vape pods for medical purposes, its essential to check the destination country’s laws and rules and look for alternative medications or solutions to avoid legal troubles.
What to Do if Your Weed Pen is Found
If TSA finds a weed pen or vape pods containing THC during security screening, the agents are obligated to notify local law enforcement, and they will do just that. Depending on the state, the outcome can range from a brief delay and an uncomfortable exchange to quite severe legal consequences. If you find yourself in such a situation, stay calm and be fully cooperative. It probably won’t be the end of the world, but the calmer you are the faster you will be able to get back on track with your plans.
Final Thoughts
So, can you bring a THC vape on a plane? Technically, no. It’s risky and often illegal, even within the United States. Yet, weed pens, vape pods and other cannabis products brought for personal use are not the TSA’s priority. When traveling, prioritize safety and compliance. If you are planning a trip from our home state of Michigan, think twice, especially if you are flying to a place where you can buy legal cannabis. And when you are back? We got you with our robust weed pen menu here in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
If you are flying to Michigan, you’ll find Apothecare high-quality, lab-tested weed pens and vape pods at select locations. Why risk jail time when you can be smoking the best cartridges this state has to offer? Safe travels!
