Medical cannabis now allowed on domestic flights in the United States

U.S. travelers can now fly with medical cannabis, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) having discreetly updated its rules for transporting this substance, even if the precise details remain unclear.

Since the end of April, the TSA has officially indicated that passengers are allowed to travel with medical marijuana on domestic flights, both in their hand luggage and in their checked luggage. This change, published without official announcement, is part of a wider reorientation of federal policy under the’Trump administration, who recently modified the classification of medical cannabis at national level.

But despite this apparent green light, the TSA's message is accompanied by significant reservations, leaving travelers facing considerable legal uncertainty.

An updated policy on federal reclassification

According to several reports, the TSA updated its guidelines on April 27. The new wording confirms that «medical cannabis» can be transported through airport security checks, although the agency provides no details on quantity limits or specific documentation requirements.

This update follows the Trump administration's decision to reclassify medical cannabis from the Category I to the category III. Category I substances are considered to have no recognized medical use, while category III drugs are recognized as having medical value and a lower risk of abuse.

Acting U.S. Attorney General, Todd Blanche, signed the reclassification decree on April 23, just a few days before the TSA website was modified.

Although this reclassification does not fully legalize cannabis at the federal level, it represents a significant step towards aligning federal policy with the reality on the ground: the medical marijuana is now legal in 40 states and Washington, D.C.

«TSA security officers are not looking for illegal drugs»

The TSA's updated statement emphasizes that its mission is not the fight against drug trafficking, but air safety. The agency writes:

«TSA screening procedures are security-focused and designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers.»

She adds:

«As a result, TSA security officers do not look for illegal drugs, but if an illegal substance or evidence of criminal activity is discovered during a security check, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.»

This wording clarifies an important point: TSA agents are not actively looking for cannabis products. However, if they find them during a routine check, they can still trigger a law enforcement response.

A grey area remains for travelers

Although the TSA now explicitly mentions the medical marijuana, However, it does not specify how much cannabis a passenger is allowed to carry, nor what constitutes acceptable proof of medical status. It also stresses that the final decision remains in the hands of the control officer.

This creates a legal grey area for travelers, even when traveling between two states where cannabis is legal.

As reported by SFGATE, The outcome often depends on local jurisdiction. If a passenger is reported to law enforcement, the intervening agency may apply state rules, federal rules, or a mixture of both.

The issue is further complicated by the rise of federally legal hemp-derived products such as vape pens and edibles.

Small quantities are rarely prosecuted

Criminal lawyers interviewed by SFGATE report that travelers carrying small quantities of cannabis are rarely prosecuted, particularly on domestic flights.

But the risks increase sharply with larger quantities. San Francisco attorney, Neil Hallinan, referred to a case involving 11 kg of cannabis. Although the case was eventually dismissed after the customer demonstrated medical use, this incident shows that arrests at the airport still take place.

Hallinan would have warned that transporting more’an ounce of flowers (28 grams) is particularly risky, while edible products may attract less attention.

International travel remains extremely dangerous

While domestic rules are loosening, international travel remains a high-risk area. As SFGATE notes, Americans have been arrested abroad for cannabis possession in countries such as Russia and Indonesia, including Bali, where drug laws can be extremely strict. Even in Europe, some Americans still seem surprised of not being able to fly with cannabis.

In other words, the new TSA guidelines may provide some reassurance to patients using medical cannabis in the United States. However, they do not constitute a free pass to travel with cannabis, let alone across U.S. borders. Conversely, on domestic flights within a state where cannabis is legal, transporting small quantities generally poses no difficulties.