The cannabis edibles market has been growing by leaps and bounds in the US. Many people use edibles for relaxation and recreation, and some people have been prescribed cannabis edibles for medical conditions. Because they have become so popular, many now question if flying with edibles is legal and whether or not it’s worth it. Can you bring edibles on a plane without getting into trouble with airport security?
According to the TSA, flying with edibles is legal if certain conditions are met – let’s jump into the nitty-gritty so you can ensure you’re taking all precautions before hopping on a plane.
*The author of this article is not a legal representative and the information is not intended to offer legal advice. For your safety and to avoid legal repercussions, consult a lawyer in your State.
What Are Considered Edibles
Edibles are cannabis products that can be consumed by eating or drinking. Typically, edibles come in the form of:
- Baked goods
- Candy or chocolate
- Gummies
- Drinks
- Capsules
- Tinctures
MOOD edibles include Crispy Cereal Treats, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Gel Caps, Gummies, and Tinctures.
Where You Can Fly With Edibles
Can You Fly With Edibles Domestically?
Flying with edibles depends on the type and concentration. TSA guidelines state that cannabis infused products with less than 0.3% THC in dry weight are permissible. The great news is – all MOOD products follow these federal guidelines. So, before bringing edibles on a plane, ensure that the state you’re traveling from and the state in which you land both allow for cannabis products containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.
Can You Take Edibles on a Plane Internationally?
Be very careful when taking edibles on a plane to an international destination. Even if your landed destination has legalized cannabis – they may have strict laws against flying in with it.
Canada is a great example of this – although you can legally purchase cannabis products across the country, they have strict laws against transportation. Their website states that any form or amount of cannabis must be declared and is illegal to enter or leave the country in any form – including marijuana edibles and CBD. If you try to enter the country without declaring your cannabis product, it’s considered a serious criminal offense.
Although not an edible, we all know the case of Brittney Griner who was detained in Russia for carrying hash oil cartridges in her luggage at Moscow airport – don’t be Brittney Griner!
What About My Airline?
TSA’s website states that flying with cannabis derived edibles that contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis is lawful. But what about your airline? Are they bound by the TSA’s guidelines?
Technically, no. One example of an airline refusing legal marijuana products is American Airlines. The screenshot below from their website states that they refuse to admit marijuana products onto their flights. Their information in accordance with federal law is either outdated or does not take into account the legalization of hemp derived products with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC in a dry weight basis.
For reference, airline employees don’t check your baggage – TSA does. However, you might want to check with your airline before boarding to avoid any issues and perhaps choose one that follows the guidelines set forth in the 2018 Farm Bill.
What About Cannabidiol (CBD)?
You can travel with CBD or bring CBD edibles on a plane if you are flying within or between states or countries that permit these products – and there’s less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis. As a word of warning, prior to booking travel it is wise to learn the laws of each state or country in which you will be traveling.
A TSA agent has no way of knowing at a glance that your CBD product contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. So, if you want to fly with CBD products your best bet is to travel with unopened products that have proof of official testing on the label or print out a copy of the official tests before boarding. At MOOD, we provide a QR code on packaging that leads to the proof you need to bypass security.
Can You Travel with Edibles made with CBD Internationally?
When boarding a flight in the US, flying internationally with edibles containing cannabis or other cannabis products with less than 0.3% Delta-9 on a dry weight basis will depend on where you intent to land. Be sure to research the laws of your destination country and be advised CBD laws are not concrete as per the time of writing this article. Speak to a local legal entity of your desired destination before trying to board an international flight.
How to Fly With Edibles: Bringing Edibles on Plane Legally
How to travel with edibles legally includes making sure your product contains less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis. However, TSA won’t just take your word for it – you have to provide ample evidence that this is the case. Here’s how to bring edibles on a plane legally:
Packaging
Keep all your edibles in their original packaging. Make sure that it clearly states the ingredients and legal requirements. Also, try your best to leave the packaging sealed so TSA officers don’t feel it necessary to further question the contents of your edibles.
How MOOD Packaging Helps
We make flying with edibles super easy by placing a QR code on all our packaged products. By simply scanning this QR code, TSA officers are able to see our 3rd party lab test results showing your product is within the legal requirements to fly with edibles.
THC Limits
As previously mentioned, flying with edibles with less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis is legal – so long as it doesn’t contain any other illegal substances such as THC-O. If you can prove the THC content of your product, you’re not showing signs of intention to traffic, and your to and from destinations have legalized cannabis – you should be good to board!
*This is not intended to be legal advice, nor has this information been verified by a legal representative. For legal accuracy, consult a legal representative in your State.
MOOD Products
Buying Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC products from a reputable source is important for several reasons:
- You have to be able to trust the product you consume
- You have to ensure the THC content is within the legal limit.
At MOOD, we ensure the quality and legality of our products with 3rd party lab test results. The QR code on our packaging mentioned above directly links to these tests which can also be found on our Certificates of Analysis page. We work with small family run farms and each batch is quality tested to ensure your safety from a health and legal perspective. Check out MOOD reviews to see what our clients are saying about our products.
How Much is Too Much?
If you carry too many edibles on a plane, you might be at risk of being accused of trafficking. Use common sense when determining how many packages of edibles on a plane you want to take.
MOOD Delivers
When flying with edibles to a destination where hemp-derived products are lawful, you can save yourself a lot of trouble! Why bother packing more product when you can just order it in? Check out our MOOD delivery page to see if we deliver to your destination state.
More About Flying with Edibles
Can I Eat an Edible Before Getting on a Plane?
Consuming edibles before boarding flights is not prohibited. But it is best to consume in moderation. Should you show signs of intoxication, airports can ask you for a drug test. (And if you’re wondering “do edibles show up in drug tests,” the answer is yes). They are also more likely to check your baggage to see if you are flying with edibles. And if you appear too intoxicated, airport security can prevent you from boarding.
Should You Keep Edibles in Checked Bags?
You can! The 2018 Farm Bill distinguished lawful hemp from unlawful marijuana on the basis of the Delta-9 THC content. Specifically, any Cannabis sativa L. containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis is lawful hemp, anything exceeding that threshold is unlawful marijuana and a Schedule I controlled substance. Provided the airline allows it, traveling with hemp-derived edibles in a checked bag is lawful. This is only true if you are traveling between states with that have legalized hemp products with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.
Just be sure you follow the protocol mentioned above like MOOD’s sealed packaging with QR codes to 3rd party tests, stay within the legal limit of THC (all our products follow this!), and don’t take enough with you for it to be considered trafficking.
How Edibles Look on an Airport Scanner
Edibles on a plane scanner just look like regular food. Edibles will show up as orange on the scanner to indicate organic material, which may trigger a search as explosives also show up as orange on the screen. An agent cannot tell whether edibles contain cannabis on a screen, but may be able to recognize cannabis products by their distinctive odor.
Can Drug Dogs Smell Edible Gummies at the Airport?
Yes, it is possible for drug dogs to detect edible gummies if they are trained to alert on the scent of cannabis. Since edibles on a plane are legal under the limit of 0.3% Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis within certain States – don’t let this intimidate you if you’re following the rules!
If You Have to Carry Edibles on a Plane for Medical Reasons
TSA in states that have legalized cannabis products with less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis allow passengers flying with edibles for medicinal purposes and recreational purposes. Edibles with less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis is legal under many state laws which in turn have legalized bringing edibles on a plane. For example, edibles are legal in New York state. If you can show a medical marijuana prescription and/or have proof you’re carrying cannabis within those restrictions, TSA personnel shouldn’t have an issue if they find edibles in your luggage. Be sure to also check that your airline follows these guidelines as well!
What Happens if You Get Caught With Edibles at Airport Security
The answer to “What happens if I get caught with edibles at the airport?” depends on whether your state allows traveling with edibles.
If TSA identifies cannabis products with more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis, 1 of 3 scenarios can happen:
Scenario 1: They Might Let You Get Away with It
The TSA is more interested in items that could potentially threaten the safety of other passengers, like weapons or explosives, than they are in you bringing edibles on a plane. If you do not have a criminal record and remain polite and reasonable with the TSA personnel, they might wave you and any illegal edibles through. A quick reminder that edibles with less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis are legal in most states – and that we don’t condone carrying illegal edibles at any time, not just while boarding a plane!
Here is a story from someone who was stopped by TSA for edibles and got away without confiscation or charges. TSA personnel may look the other way over a small quantity of illegal THC content, but this is not guaranteed..
Scenario 2: They Will Confiscate the Edibles Then Let You Go
If marijuana is legal in the state you are flying from, the TSA can confiscate your edibles if you cannot show evidence that they contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis, or if they refuse to accept your evidence. This is an enormous inconvenience and reason enough to avoid flying with edibles. That’s why at MOOD, we make it easy with a QR code that shows lab test results for each product!
Scenario 3: They Will Let the Authorities Handle It
If you are carrying a large quantity of edibles, if TSA agents cannot determine the amount of THC in the products you are carrying, or if you are not of legal age to possess edibles, TSA officials may contact local authorities for further investigation. This means that at best you will miss your fight and may well be charged with a felony.
Red flags that might prompt an in-depth search and a call to state police when flying with edibles include looking nervous or intoxicated or having enough items for a suspicion of trafficking.
Here’s a video of a passenger getting escorted for carrying too many edibles at the Los Angeles airport.
Why Travel With Edibles When You Can Order Upon Arrival?
Our online dispensary makes it easy to receive your CBD, Delta 8, and Delta 9 cannabis edibles when you arrive at your destination – given that you land in a state that allows such products. So, why bother yourself to fly with edibles if the state you’re traveling to has legalized cannabis?
Here’s a list of our most popular edibles ready to order!
15mg Delta 9 THC Gummies
With 15mg of Delta 9 THC and 15mg of CBD, you’ll enjoy a balanced and fun buzz with these potent gummies. These gummies are made exclusively from hemp, making them 100% federally legal in all 50 states. Flying with gummies from MOOD means you’re following Federal Law as all our products contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis!
Delta-9 THC Chocolate Chip Cookies
Delicious and potent – these edibles are balanced with a 1:1 CBD/THC ratio. Use them to get a good night’s rest or to enjoy the day while you’re up. Chew 40mg for a strong high, or double to 80mg for a really strong high!
Delta-9 THC Chocolate Crunch Treat
A mix of your favorite breakfast cereal, gooey marshmallows, and a 1:1 CBD/THC ratio. So tasty we have to remind you to eat in moderation until you know how this treat will affect you!
Bottom Line: Edibles on a Plane with less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC on a Dry Weight Basis is OK in Many States
Flying with edibles that contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC ona dry weight basis is federally legal. As long as it’s also considered legal in your state, you can board!
Be sure to fly with unopened packages that give quick access to their legality – like MOOD’s QR code on all products. Check to make sure your state is covered under the 2018 Farm Bill and think twice before bringing edibles on a plane crossing international borders. Bring as small a quantity as possible so as not to trigger concerns that you are trafficking in controlled substances. Purchase products from a reputable source, like MOOD, where you can actively show TSA officers the contents of your edibles via a QR code.
Taking cannabis-related products with more than the allowed percentage of THC on a flight is unwise and carries risks. The best way to stay out of trouble is to carry legal amounts in small quantities from reputable sources.
*The author of this article is not a legal representative. Speak with a local legal rep for the most accurate and updated information on flying with edibles.
