Flying with cannabis—or wondering if you can—has become a tricky topic, especially as more U.S. states legalize adult and medical use. The fact is, even if cannabis is legal in your departure or arrival state, the air travel environment is governed by federal law, and that means yes, there are serious restrictions.

What the federal rule says

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) clearly states, “Marijuana and certain cannabis-infused products, including some cannabidiol (CBD) oil, remain illegal under federal law except for products that contain no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis or are approved by the Food & Drug Administration.”

Because airports and airplanes fall under federal jurisdiction (regardless of the state law where you are), transporting cannabis—medicinal or recreational—can still violate federal law.
TSA adds that its officers are not specifically looking for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but if they find them during security screening, they will refer the matter to local, state, or federal law enforcement.

What this means in practice

• If you bring cannabis (i.e., products with THC above the federal limit) through an airport—even if you’re flying within a state where it’s legal—you risk confiscation and potential law-enforcement involvement.
• If you carry only hemp‐/CBD‐derived products that comply with the ≤ 0.3% THC threshold, you are in a safer zone from a federal perspective—but you still must check state laws at your origin and destination.
• Interstate flights amplify risk: moving cannabis from State A to State B (even if legal in both states) involves crossing state lines under federal law, which is more likely to trigger enforcement.
• International travel with cannabis is essentially prohibited under U.S. law and host-country laws: do not bring cannabis abroad.

Tips before you fly

1. Check both departure and arrival state laws. For example, some airports discourage cannabis even if the state allows possession.
2. Keep products sealed and clearly labelled if you are carrying CBD/hemp items. Avoid any misconception.
3. Dispose of cannabis before reaching the checkpoint if you are unsure of legality. Some airports provide amnesty bins.
4. Understand the risk: rarely will TSA pull you over solely for a small amount of cannabis, but it can happen—and law enforcement gets involved.
5. If you have a medical cannabis card, note that it doesn’t exempt you from federal law at airports. You may still face consequences.

Bottom line

Even though many U.S. states have legalized cannabis, the air-travel space is governed by federal law—where cannabis remains illegal above certain limits. The TSA doesn’t actively hunt for pot at checkpoints, but if agents find it, they must refer you to law-enforcement. If you’re flying with THC-rich cannabis, you’re taking a risk. If you limit yourself to compliant hemp/CBD and check state rules, you’re in much safer territory. But when in doubt: leave it behind before you fly.