Cannabis and Travel, what to know

As of 2020, 11 states completely legalized the use of cannabis, with 22 states legalizing medical use. This is, collectively, over 30 states, which is progress. With this knowledge, we can see the United States slowly moving toward complete legalization, at least this is our hope. Unfortunately, carrying cannabis across state lines or into other countries can be extremely dangerous and risky right now. Also, unfortunately, young adults and some older adults do this anyway. 

To be honest, there are many people who are transporting cannabis across state lines, and it’s unnerving. Yes, cannabis has great aspects, but not all law officials agree with this. And until they do, every cannabis law you break is a risk taken for no good reason. It’s just not worth it, no matter how much you want to enjoy cannabis use with family and friends.

Here’s an example of what I mean

Let’s say it’s the holidays, and many people are returning to their present home from their visit to their old hometown. Yes, you guessed it, holidays are for visiting relatives. And as you may know, visiting relatives can be stressful, hence the need for a nice soothing edible that may dull the edge. 

The problem with this is that some hometowns have yet to legalize cannabis use, especially recreationally. While flying to visit parents in Georgia from a state like Colorado, carrying a pocket full of cannabis may seem okay, it’s not as failproof as you think. You may get to Georgia with your little plastic container of bud, but when you go back to the airport, you might get searched. And if so, you may not make it back to Colorado any time soon.

Just don’t do it: Cannabis and travel can be more than problematic

Here’s the rule of thumb: NEVER FLY OR CROSS STATE LINES WITH CANNABIS! It’s illegal, and if you get caught, you can pay some hefty fines along with jail time. The Pot Brothers at Law are a firm from California that specializes in dealing with this particular cannabis issue. 

A recent case where a Chicago med patient who purchased cannabis in the state of California (He also has a med card for California) flew back to Chicago and got caught by authorities. Did he get a little slap on the wrist? Oh no, the law put the hammer down on this California native.

He is now facing $25,000 bail just for traveling with cannabis products. You see, considering the repercussions and how huge they are, it’s never a good idea to mix cannabis and travel. While you may not get caught, you’re still playing a classic game of Russian roulette. Maybe that bullet will catch you and maybe not. But do you really want to take the risk? 

Is it ever okay to travel with cannabis?

I’m going to venture and say, ​“Not really”. It’s like missing a favorite caffeinated beverage that a state doesn’t carry due to legal reasons. Although it may be a soothing drink, you can wait until you get home if this drink is not legal. It’s about being responsible.

Even though a state like NY may allow cannabis use, the TSA is a federal operation and MUST report you to local authorities. And you’re probably thinking, ​“Well, at least I can transport marijuana from one fully legal state to another”, yeah, that’s not true. You see, the borders between states and interstate highways are federal property, and this is a completely different set of rules. Cannabis is still illegal when it comes to federal jurisdiction.

And when it comes to other countries, Canada has a ban on any amount of cannabis being transported across the border from the states. And if you’re caught with cannabis when trying to cross the border, you can be arrested and even barred from ever entering the country again. Wow! Sounds serious, doesn’t it?

The future of Cannabis and travel

The rules are changing, so maybe in the future, it won’t be such a risk. But for now, just say no to cannabis and travel. I know that it’s helpful to have a nice edible or vape when visiting friends and family, especially if you struggle with anxiety, but it’s best to tough it out. You are free to make your own decisions, but honestly, my opinion is that you should avoid traveling with cannabis. You’ll thank me later.

Enjoy cannabis while staying safe

The bottom line is this: It’s okay to enjoy all the great aspects and benefits of cannabis. It’s just best if you’re doing these things legally. At LucidaClub, we believe there are many ways to utilize cannabis for the good of all. If you live in a legal state, why not try a wonderfully smooth vape or creative edible. 

You deserve it!