How do you travel safely with weed?

As a premier cannabis dispensary based in Berkeley, California, Farmacy Berkeley 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.

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.

In California, it’s required by law that cannabis be kept in a child-resistant, tamper-evident, resealable package. Ensure that the product is sealed and not opened while in transit. It’s recommended to keep the receipt from the dispensary with you, as it can serve as proof of legal purchase if needed.

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.

Here’s where things get tricky. Despite state-specific legalization, transporting cannabis across state lines is considered a federal offense due to the federal classification of cannabis. So, even if you’re traveling between two states where cannabis is legal, such as California and Oregon, you’re technically violating federal law.

 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.