How do you travel safely with weed?
As a premier cannabis dispensary based in Berkeley, California, our Farmacy Berkeley weed shop is proud to provide education and resources that empower our community to make informed, responsible choices. In this spirit, we’re addressing a topic we often get queries on – how to travel with weed safely and legally.
Before we dive into the details, it’s important to underscore that while recreational cannabis flower is legal in California and several other U.S. states, laws regarding its possession and transportation can vary widely. Moreover, at the federal level, cannabis remains classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Hence, it’s crucial to acquaint yourself with the laws applicable to your route when you want to travel with weed.
Travel with Weed: Know the Legal Limits
California law permits adults aged 21 and over to possess up to one ounce (28.5 grams) of cannabis flower and eight grams of concentrated cannabis. It’s crucial not to exceed these limits, as doing so can result in significant legal consequences. Other states have similar possession limits, but it’s important to check the specific regulations of your destination.
Packaging Matters
In-Vehicle Transportation
If you’re driving, your cannabis should be stored in a sealed container and kept in the trunk of the vehicle. It’s unlawful to consume cannabis while driving or to have an open container of it in the passenger area. This applies to all forms of cannabis, including edibles and vapes.
Traveling between States
Air Travel
When it comes to air travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) primarily focuses on security threats, not drugs. However, if they discover cannabis during screening, they’re obligated to refer the matter to local law enforcement. This applies regardless of whether cannabis is legal in the state you’re flying from or to.
Some airports in legal states, like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), have implemented policies allowing passengers to carry personal amounts of cannabis. Still, this doesn’t guarantee you’ll avoid problems upon arrival if cannabis is illegal in your destination state.
Bringing cannabis across international borders, even into or out of countries where it is legal, is a serious crime. Penalties can range from fines to imprisonment, and they are enforced rigorously. We strongly advise against attempting to travel internationally with cannabis under any circumstances.
Conclusion
Lastly, remember that consuming cannabis in public remains illegal, even in states where recreational use is permitted. Hotels and other accommodations often have their own rules regarding cannabis use, so it’s essential to verify the policies in advance to avoid any inconvenience or penalties.
In conclusion, while cannabis law reform has been significant in recent years, the patchwork of legislation makes traveling with cannabis a risky proposition. Always research local and federal laws thoroughly before deciding to take cannabis on your journey. At Farmacy Berkeley Cannabis Dispensary, we encourage all our clients to prioritize safety and legality, ensuring that their cannabis experience remains a positive one.