It’s OK to pack medical marijuana on a flight ... sometimes. What you need to know

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) quietly updated its website in late April to confirm that medical marijuana is permitted in both carry-on and checked luggage, aligning with its long-standing policy. However, the agency notes that individual TSA officers retain discretion over whether to allow such items through security checkpoints. This policy change follows the Justice Department and Drug Enforcement Administration’s decision to reclassify FDA-approved cannabis-derived drugs and state-licensed medical marijuana products under Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, reducing their federal classification from Schedule I. The reclassification marks a shift in federal recognition of medical marijuana, as qualifying products are now considered to have moderate-to-low potential for dependence. Meital Manzuri, managing partner at Manzuri Law, stated that this provides a legal basis for patients to travel with approved medical marijuana products. Despite the update, state laws and airport policies vary, meaning enforcement may differ depending on location. TSA officials did not provide specific instructions on handling medical marijuana during screenings, leaving interpretation to individual officers. Vincent Joralemon, director of UC Berkeley’s Life Sciences Law and Policy Center, explained that while TSA focuses on security, passengers could still face additional inspections where marijuana is discovered. A 2015 incident at San José Mineta International Airport, where a jar of peanut butter and marijuana were confiscated, highlights the unpredictability of enforcement. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has adopted a more permissive stance, allowing passengers aged 21 and older to possess limited amounts of cannabis within California’s legal limits. Still, travelers should prepare for potential scrutiny, as policies remain inconsistent across airports and states. The TSA’s updated guidance emphasizes that while medical marijuana is allowed, its acceptance depends on officer discretion and local regulations.