The holiday season can only mean two things. One, you're stressed and overwhelmed with family coming to town. Two, you're stressed and overwhelmed before the long journey home to see your family. Either way, now would be the ideal time to smoke a mega relaxing marijuana strain. Something like Granddaddy Purple or a high-CBD option. We know the holidays are the busiest time to travel, which means security is on high alert. Is it a good idea to travel with marijuana this time of year? Is it even legal? The last thing you want is an arrest on your hands. Santa would put you on his Naughty List.
Is It Legal To Travel With Marijuana?
The short answer is no. While cannabis is legal for recreational use across Canada under the Cannabis Act, travelling with marijuana across provincial or international borders is still illegal. The punishment for being caught can vary depending on the circumstances and the provinces involved. For example, the consequences of being caught flying domestically between two provinces where recreational cannabis is legal — say, British Columbia and Ontario — would likely differ from a situation involving an international flight where cannabis laws are far stricter or non-existent.
Studies have shown that a significant number of Canadian travellers admit to bringing marijuana onto domestic flights at least once. Granted, it's not the smartest idea in the world, but it's not like marijuana sets off a scanner. It's not metal. It's not a weapon. A bag search, however, could get you in trouble. Keep in mind that this only applies to domestic flights — not international ones.
But I Need My Marijuana With Me
Hey, we get it. We're on your side here. Recreational benefits aside, there are hundreds of medical reasons as to why passengers travel with marijuana at all costs. Some of us turn to marijuana on a daily basis to keep medical symptoms at bay. You could need your all-natural, green medicine for morning sickness during pregnancy or to promote relaxation, enhance focus, induce sleepiness, or evoke euphoria, and the list goes on!
Who are these airport security officials to tell you no? Or confiscate marijuana from you? It seems rather unfair that you can't legally fly with marijuana.
How To Sneak Marijuana On A Plane
Make a promise to us right now. If anyone asks where you got this information, don't mention our name. It'll be our little secret, okay?
What about those Canadian travellers who have admitted to flying with marijuana? How exactly did they do it? First things first, if you're brave enough to make your move, only bring the amount that you need out of necessity. This could be a gram or even less. The more marijuana you pack, the higher the chance you have of getting caught. Not to mention the stronger aroma. Everyone knows the marijuana smell by now, especially airport security personnel. Oh, and then the drug-sniffing dogs to make your life a living hell.
Secondly, do not check your marijuana. Bring it with you in your carry-on purse or backpack. Airport security conducts random searches on checked luggage all the time. Unless your backpack has liquids in it (throw out your water bottle!), it's unlikely that security will ask to open it. Don't keep marijuana in your pocket, either.
As for the smell, keep your flower in an air-tight vacuum seal container. We honestly don't know if airport dogs can smell it that way… but most humans can't! Put your marijuana in this specialised seal, then wrap a T-shirt or small towel around it, and then fill your carry-on with other belongings. Maybe give the bag a spritz of perfume before you leave for the airport. Even though airport security can be thorough, they're mainly looking for solid and liquid threats to safety. Marijuana is not their main priority.
What If I Get Caught?
Listen, it could happen. You've got to come to terms with that reality right now. While punishment depends on the circumstances, as we mentioned earlier, the general consensus among security professionals is that cannabis is not their primary focus during screening.
Carrie Harmon, a regional TSA spokesperson, released the following statement to Thrillist: "TSA's focus is on terrorism and security threats to the aircraft and its passengers. TSA's screening procedures, which are governed by federal law, are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. TSA security officers do not search for marijuana."
In short, airport security personnel have bigger fish to fry than marijuana in your carry-on bag. They know that marijuana doesn't pose a threat to other passengers or the plane itself. Drug-sniffing dogs can detect marijuana in your bag, but again, these pups are mostly looking for more serious drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine. Signs suggest that you may be fine if you travel with marijuana this holiday season. Do so at your own risk.