If you’ve grown accustomed to using THC products to sleep or relax, you may be wondering whether you can travel with marijuana. There are a few regulations to be aware of before bringing cannabis products on your next trip, and it’s always important to check specific local requirements, even if you’re familiar with state and federal laws.
Sometimes, your local dispensary in Washington can provide advice on leaving the state with marijuana and suggest which products you’re allowed to travel with.
Travel Laws and TSA Regulations on Marijuana Possession
You can’t legally fly with cannabis in the United States. Marijuana falls under federal jurisdiction as a Schedule I drug if it has a concentration of 0.3% or more THC. Those planning to fly with marijuana should understand that TSA checkpoints are under federal regulation, so transporting marijuana through these security screenings can theoretically result in criminal charges. However, as marijuana becomes legal in more states, TSA has relaxed its official stance on the drug.
Now, TSA officers do not actively search for marijuana, but if agents find any on you, the situation is handed over to on-site law enforcement to assess. If the product is under the 0.3% federal legal limit for THC, you are not in violation of the federal drug policy.
Variations in State Cannabis Laws
Importantly, each state has unique regulations about travel with marijuana. In Washington, for instance, you must be over 21 to use marijuana (except for registered medical exceptions), and you must not carry more than one ounce of recreational marijuana. You’re in the clear if you travel within the state while following those restrictions. However, if you choose to fly to another state — even one where the drug is legal — you could face criminal trafficking charges.
The same is true if you attempt to fly or drive with the drug to a state such as Texas, where recreational use is not legal.
Each airport may also have its own warnings against carrying marijuana. For instance, Denver International Airport bans marijuana even though recreational use is legal in the state. It’s always critical to research the laws and rules in every state you plan to travel to, even if you’ll only be in an airport for a layover.
What About Driving To Get Around TSA Weed Rules?
When considering traveling with marijuana in 2025, some people wonder whether driving is a viable alternative to flying. However, it is still illegal to transport marijuana out of Washington by car, even to other legal states. While driving allows you to avoid airport security and may be seen as a less risky way to travel with marijuana, if caught, you are violating state and federal cannabis laws.
What’s the Best Solution?
To completely avoid legal trouble while traveling with marijuana, only carry products with less than 0.3% THC or wait to purchase your cannabis goods in a legal state upon arrival. It’s best to travel without marijuana in any concentration if you plan to leave the state, as it technically goes against the federal drug policy, even if TSA does not consistently enforce these regulations.
Save yourself the stress and eliminate the headache of trying to safely pack cannabis products by visiting a local dispensary when you arrive at your destination. Be sure not to purchase more than you can use during your stay, and avoid bringing any leftover product back to Washington.
Always Check Before You Go
While local dispensaries such as Cannabis & Glass are great resources for the Spokane area’s weed laws, it’s vital to check the regulations of your destination city before attempting to travel with marijuana. When in doubt, leave your stash at home and support another local cannabis business at your destination.
