Planning a getaway this year? If edibles are a part of your daily routine—or just your idea of vacation fun—you’re probably wondering: can you fly with edibles? Before you toss that bottle of gummies into your carry-on, it’s important to understand what’s legal, what’s risky, and how to travel smart with cannabis.
Traveling with cannabis can be confusing since laws vary by location, but when flying, federal law takes precedence. Federal regulations allow you to bring cannabis on a plane only if it’s hemp-derived and contains no more than 0.3% THC. However, local laws at your destination may be stricter and can override federal rules. Feeling confused? Don’t worry—there’s more to consider beyond this basic guideline. Keep reading to get the full picture and find out if you can fly with cannabis edibles. We’ll focus primarily on domestic flights and provide you with information on what to expect if you’re traveling internationally.
Understanding TSA Jurisdiction
The Farm Bill of 2018 made hemp plants and hemp-derived cannabis products with a THC content of 0.3% or below federally legal. Many states adopted similar laws. However, some states adopted stricter laws, while others are more lenient.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) aligns with federal jurisdiction. Therefore, you can legally take cannabis on a plane if it is hemp-derived and has a low THC content. Be aware that the same laws may not apply on the ground once you reach your destination state. Under no circumstances should you travel overseas with cannabis products, as laws in other countries are much stricter. We strongly advise against taking this risk.
Additionally, some airlines have specific rules regarding flying with edibles and other cannabis products. Ensure you read the fine print before flying to avoid trouble with local law enforcement.
Travelers should also be aware that safety, not illegal drugs, is the TSA’s main priority. When they search your bags, they are mainly looking for weapons, not drugs. However, if a TSA officer is having a bad day and finds cannabis in your luggage, they may decide to detain you for a search, causing you to potentially miss your flight.
The Difference Between CBD and THC Edibles
The type of cannabis you take on a plane also comes into play. For example, you may wonder, can you take CBD or THC edibles on a plane? The answers are different.
CBD is a non-euphoric cannabis product that is almost always hemp-derived. Additionally, it always contains low levels or no THC. Therefore, it is federally legal and okay to fly with.
THC edibles can produce euphoric effects and come in two varieties: hemp-derived and marijuana-derived. Hemp-derived edibles containing 0.3% THC or less are federally legal and permitted in most states. In contrast, marijuana-derived edibles remain illegal at the federal level but may be legal in your state or the state you’re flying to.
Airport security won’t mind if you take a product that contains a variety of cannabis compounds and very low levels of THC. However, if the product is pure THC, derived from marijuana, or contains THC concentrations higher than the 0.3% limit for hemp-derived products, it is illegal. Additionally, cannabis laws can vary between your departure and destination states, so legal in one place doesn’t always mean legal in another.
What Can You Bring on a Plane?
Federal law governs airports and air travel, so marijuana (THC over 0.3% or marijuana-derived) remains illegal on planes—even between states where marijuana is legal. Also, local and state laws at your departure and arrival airports can affect enforcement. TSA typically focuses on security, but if they detect drugs, they may involve local law enforcement.
According to United States cannabis laws, here’s what you can bring on a plane when traveling domestically.
Hemp-Derived Cannabis Edibles
You can legally bring hemp-derived products, including CBD and edibles, only if they contain 0.3% THC or less on a dry weight basis, as defined by the 2018 Farm Bill. These products are federally legal and generally allowed on flights. However, TSA’s primary focus is security threats, not drug enforcement, so if they find cannabis products, they may refer the matter to local law enforcement, depending on the state laws where the airport is located.
FDA-Approved Cannabis Medications
You may also take certain medical cannabis products on a plane, such as Epidiolex, a THC-free CBD medication that reduces seizures, and Marinol, a synthetic form of THC that reduces nausea and vomiting and increases appetite. However, you cannot take other forms of medical marijuana on a plane, even if you have a prescription and a medical marijuana card. Federal authorities will not let you carry cannabis products that are not FDA-approved.
Tips for Taking Cannabis on a Plane
Here are some tips for taking cannabis on a plane. They will help you avoid a rigorous security screening process that may cause you to miss your flight.
- Take the Products in Their Original Packaging. The original packaging will enable the appropriate law enforcement agency to identify the contents of the product. Once they see the ingredients are hemp-derived and in line with THC limits, they are unlikely to give you a hard time.
- Bring Edibles in a Carry-On. Airlines that allow cannabis insist you keep it in your carry-on rather than your checked luggage. It’s unclear why they enforce this law, but packing cannabis-infused products in a carry-on may be the best idea because it prevents them from jiggling around and spilling all over your luggage. It also reduces the risk of non-edible products like vapes accidentally activating.
- Take Prescriptions. If you plan to take prescribed marijuana products on the plane, bring your prescription so a TSA agent can confirm you’re legally allowed to have them.
What You Cannot Legally Bring
TSA rules outlined forbid you from bringing the following products on a plane:
THC-Infused Edibles Exceeding 0.3% THC
You are not allowed to bring cannabis edibles that contain more than 0.3% THC on a plane, regardless of whether they were purchased legally in a dispensary. This includes THC-rich gummies, brownies, chocolates, and other infused edibles. Under federal law, these are still classified as Schedule I controlled substances, making them illegal to possess or transport across state lines, even between two legal states.
Cannabis Products from Dispensaries in Legal States
If a TSA officer discovers cannabis on your person or in your luggage, they are required to report it. The outcome will vary depending on the cannabis laws in the state where the products are discovered. If the cannabis is found in a legal state, you may be questioned or detained while they search your luggage, the cannabis may be confiscated, or you may be waved on.
What Happens if the TSA Finds Edibles?
Although transportation security priorities remain focused on finding weapons, TSA security officers may take various actions if you are packing edibles or other types of cannabis that violate rules.
Considering all the possible outcomes, you may be better off leaving your cannabis at home and purchasing it once you arrive at your destination. Here’s what will happen if TSA discovers edibles in your luggage.
Determining Legality
If TSA discovers edibles in your luggage, they will determine whether or not the product complies with federal law. This involves checking the THC content (must be 0.3% or less) and determining whether it’s hemp-derived or marijuana-derived. Even if the edibles are legal in your departure or destination state, federal law governs air travel, and only hemp-derived products are permitted.
Possible Confiscation
In many cases, local law enforcement may simply confiscate the edibles—especially if they appear to be marijuana-derived or exceed the legal THC threshold. Officers often choose confiscation over escalation, particularly in states with legal cannabis, to avoid delays or paperwork.
Travel Delays or Missed Flights
If there is any suspicion of illegal substances or if your product requires further inspection, you may be detained for questioning or subjected to a thorough search of your luggage. This can cause significant delays and, in some cases, result in a missed flight, even if no charges are filed.
Risk of Arrest
Arrests at TSA checkpoints for cannabis possession are uncommon, especially in states where cannabis is legal. However, arrest is still possible under certain circumstances. For example, you may face legal consequences if you are:
- A minor in possession of cannabis or other illegal drugs.
- Carrying a large or suspicious quantity that suggests intent to distribute.
- In possession of marijuana in a state where it remains illegal.
- Wanted for unrelated criminal activity or outstanding warrants.
While TSA agents themselves do not arrest travelers, they are required to notify local law enforcement if they discover cannabis or other illegal substances. What happens next depends on state and local laws.
Rules for International Travel
So far, we have discussed the rules for domestic flights, but international travel is considerably more complex. Several countries have strict anti-cannabis laws and impose extreme penalties even for small amounts of cannabis.
That’s why we strongly recommend avoiding bringing cannabis abroad at all costs—many countries enforce harsh penalties for possession. What’s legal at home could land you in serious trouble overseas, so it’s simply not worth the gamble.
Here are some famous examples of people who have been arrested for trying to take cannabis on international flights.
- Brittney Griner. This WNBA star was arrested in 2022 for possessing a cannabis vape cartridge and was sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison. She was eventually released in a prison swap.
- Marc Fogel. This American teacher was arrested in Russia in 2021 for possession of medical marijuana. He was released in a prisoner exchange in 2025.
- Rachel Sennott. This actress was arrested in the Cayman Islands in 2024 for possessing a CBD product called “Mom Grass.”
- Matt Fox. This Australian athlete was arrested in Japan in 2025 for attempting to smuggle THC tablets into the country. Japan has strict cannabis laws and may even penalize people who test positive for use abroad.
Tips for Safe and Legal Air Travel
To sum it up, here are some tips that ensure a safe experience when carrying edibles on a plane for domestic travel.
- Carry Legal Hemp-Derived Products. Ensure the products you carry are federally legal. They should be hemp-derived with a low THC content. Avoid recreational cannabis (marijuana) with THC levels over 0.3%
- Keep Packaging and Lab Reports if Possible. Packaging and lab reports typically indicate the THC levels and origin of the product. Presenting them at a security checkpoint could save a lot of hassle.
- Know the Laws of Arrival, Departure, and Layover States. You may leave from a state where cannabis is legal, but if you are flying to an illegal state, you could get in trouble, and that includes layover states. Be aware of the laws that apply in each state to ensure a safe travel experience.
- Avoid Carrying Anything Questionable on International Flights. Given the extreme potential punishment involved when being caught with an illegal substance on international flights, it is best to leave cannabis at home when flying internationally. Avoid bringing anything that airline security may consider a “dangerous drug.”
- Use Amnesty Boxes. Amnesty boxes are available at most airports. You can deposit your cannabis in these boxes to avoid unwanted searches or potential penalties, no questions asked.
Final Thoughts- Can You Fly With Edibles? [Uncover Insider Tips on How To Do It Safely]
So, can you fly with edibles? Technically, yes—you can fly with edibles domestically in the U.S. if they are hemp-derived and contain no more than 0.3% THC, as outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill. These products are federally legal. TSA’s primary focus is on security threats, not cannabis enforcement, so while agents aren’t actively searching for edibles, if they do find them, they are required to alert local authorities.
That said, legality doesn’t stop at federal law. Even if your edibles are compliant, you should always check the cannabis laws of your destination. Some states may still restrict or prohibit the possession of THC-containing products, even if they’re hemp-derived. Flying out might not be the problem—flying into a more restrictive state could be. In most cases, travelers report no issues, but there is always some level of risk, especially when crossing into stricter jurisdictions. And given the global climate, you should never take cannabis on an international flight. We hope you have a safe and pleasant travel experience.
