by Donald Wood
Last updated: 10:25 AM ET, Tue April 11, 2023
Dry and trimmed cannabis buds, stored in glass jars. (photo via UrosPoteko / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
As many travelers prepare for the upcoming unofficial April
20 holiday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is offering advice
for those hitting the road with marijuana.
TSA officials revealed that when a security officer discovers
marijuana
on a traveler or in their luggage—the agency is not actively looking for cannabis
or other illegal drugs—they refer the matter to local law enforcement,
regardless of each state’s stance.
Since marijuana remains illegal under federal law, agents
have been advised to handle the discovery of the controlled substance the same way
at every airport, with TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers saying the agency “is more
concerned about terrorism and security threats to aircraft and passengers.”
“It is important for me to note that TSA’s response to the
discovery of marijuana is the same in every state and at every airport –
regardless of whether marijuana has been or is going to be legalized,” Dankers
continued. “This also covers medical marijuana.”
Police called to the scene will determine whether to
initiate a criminal investigation or if the matter will be dropped and the
person will be permitted to carry the contraband, based on local laws regarding
the legality of marijuana.
Other cannabis-infused products remain illegal under federal
law unless they contain no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or are
approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They will be handled in the
same way as standard cannabis.
Last year, a study found that 65 percent of Americans said
they would travel to a city or country to experience its licensed
marijuana market.
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