Federal law? State law? Which takes precedence when you want to travel with cannabis?

Public service announcement in TSA trays at Ontario airport. Sponsored by Organa Brands, a major cannabis manufacturing company.

By Catharine Hamm

July 9, 2018 5 AM PT

You can’t take it with you. Actually, you can. But it’s not a good idea when you’re traveling, especially for the risk-averse.

We speak, of course, of cannabis; its use was approved by 57% of California voters in November 2016. Proposition 64, known as the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, allows the recreational use of marijuana in the Golden State; medical marijuana had been legal for about a decade before that.

Legal, it should be noted, in California. Not legal according to federal law, although President Trump has signaled his willingness to support legislation that, according to an L.A. Times article, would “end the federal ban on marijuana.”

The conflict between state and federal law is at the root of the confusion. To clarify issues about traveling with cannabis, here are some questions and answers to help guide you.

Note that the answers are based on what’s legal now and are offered with the knowledge that there is a bit of “wink, wink, nod, nod” going on. The easiest way to stay within the law is not to break the law, because who wants to deal with legal matters when you could be enjoying the glories of the place you’re visiting?

Note also that this is only for the U.S. International laws vary widely and wildly.

Question: May I have cannabis in my carry-on bag if I’m flying to a state where its use is legal?

Answer: No, not legally, in carry-on or checked baggage, and here’s why, according to the Transportation Security Administration’s explanation on its website: “Possession of marijuana and cannabis infused products, such as Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, is illegal under federal law. TSA officers are required to report any suspected violations of law, including possession of marijuana and cannabis infused products.”

Q. But would they bust me for that?

A. Maybe. Maybe not. You get a hint of the “maybe not” in TSA’s further explanation: “TSA’s screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs…”

But, it notes, if it does find drugs, it will “refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.”

Q. But it’s legal in California, so why would I be in trouble?

A. Because it’s not legal under federal law. You cannot transport cannabis to another state, which is what you’ve just tried to do.

Nico Melendez, formerly a representative for TSA, said in an email that “TSA doesn’t actively search for cannabis or any other drug, but if they find it during routine searches, they notify law enforcement and let them enforce local drug laws.”

It’s especially confusing because California laws allow possession of some marijuana. But, said Jonathan Havens, co-chairman of the cannabis law practice at Saul Ewing Arnstein and Lehr, a firm with offices in several states, the issue is crossing (or attempting to cross) state lines with a “federally illegal product.”

“It doesn’t matter if a state has said you can consume it,” Havens said. “When you are crossing state lines … to another state, even if it’s another state that has a law on their books, with a federal illegal product that’s interstate commerce and that’s a problem.”

Q. OK, I’m driving to Oregon, where it is legal. Am I OK?

A. No. See above in re: transporting across state lines. You want to indulge while you’re there (or any other place where recreational use is allowed)? Buy it there, use it there and leave it there when it’s time to come home.

Any time you have cannabis in the car in California, by the way, make sure it is sealed and in the trunk, not in the passenger compartment, Havens said.

Q. I’m driving to Arizona and I want to take cannabis. I bought it legally in California. Am I OK?

A. No. You must abide by the laws of the state you are in, and it is not legal for recreational use in Arizona. And you also can’t transport it across state lines.

Take a look at Weedmaps’ page or the page from the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws page, each of which has a rundown on each state’s laws.

Q. I have a license for medical marijuana. Can I carry it on a plane if I have all the paperwork?

A. You can, but you’re not complying with the law if you’re flying. Same problem: not legal at the federal level.

Q. I have a medical card in California. Can I use it to buy in the state I’m visiting?

A. Possibly, but don’t count on it. “People should not assume there is reciprocity,” Havens said.

Q. Aren’t these answers conservative?

A. Yes. But I appreciated what Chris Beals, president and general counsel for Weedmaps, which he describes as the “largest tech company servicing the cannabis space,” told me: You may be complying with state law, but if you’ve run afoul of federal law, “You’re generally not dealing with the state authorities who have put a legal system in place.

“The easiest advice is: Don’t travel with cannabis across state lines. You never know when you’re going to [encounter an authority who says] cannabis prohibition should be the law, regardless.”

Have a travel dilemma or question? Write to [email protected]. We regret we cannot answer every inquiry.

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