Flying With Pot: What You Need to Know Before Hitting the Skies

Weed laws are a patchwork in the U.S., and nowhere is that more obvious than at the airport. One state lets you buy edibles at the corner dispensary, while another treats a vape pen like contraband. The second you head for a TSA checkpoint, it’s not about state laws anymore; the focus shifts to federal regulations.

So what does that mean for cannabis consumers trying to fly in 2025? Let’s get into it.

Can you bring pot on a plane in 2025? The short answer is technically no, but the real answer is more complicated. While cannabis is legal in many U.S. states, it’s still federally illegal, and flying means you’re under federal jurisdiction the second you step into the airport. That includes both TSA checkpoints and the airspace you’re traveling through.

Can you fly with pot? Sometimes people do, but whether you should is a whole different conversation. Let’s break down what you need to know if you’re considering flying with pot this year.

When it comes to TSA’s marijuana policy, the agency’s official stance is surprisingly hands-off, for the most part. TSA marijuana rules explained on the TSA website say their officers aren’t looking for cannabis, but if they find it, they have to involve local law enforcement.

Recreational Cannabis

If you’re carrying recreational cannabis, TSA doesn’t care about your stash unless it’s discovered during screening. When that happens, the decision isn’t up to TSA; it’s up to airport security or police in that state. In legal states, they might just tell you to toss it or take it back to your car. In non-legal states, you could face fines or charges.

So, can you bring pot on a plane for personal use if it’s legal where you’re flying from? Technically, no. But in practice, TSA usually defers to local cannabis laws at the departure airport. Once you’re in the air, though, federal law kicks back in.

Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana has similar risks. Even if you have a medical card, TSA treats medical marijuana just like recreational weed under federal law. That means TSA’s marijuana policy still applies, and officers will handle your products the same way regardless of your medical status.

Bringing your medical marijuana on a plane? You’re rolling the dice. Some states have medical reciprocity, but the federal government doesn’t recognize medical cannabis, so your card won’t protect you from TSA searches or airport police action.

Can you bring pot on a plane in your carry-on or checked bag? Technically, neither is federally legal, but if you’re going to risk it, carry-on is safer.

Putting cannabis in checked luggage is a rookie mistake. TSA screens checked bags behind the scenes, and if they find something suspicious, they’ll open your suitcase without you present. That means you won’t have the chance to explain or discreetly toss anything before law enforcement gets involved.

When you’re flying with pot, the better option (if you’re going to take the risk) is to keep small, personal-use amounts in your carry-on, but know that you’re still breaking federal law.

Can you bring pot on a plane for an international flight? Absolutely not. Cannabis might be legal in your state or even in the country you’re visiting, but crossing international borders with cannabis is considered drug trafficking. That applies to medical marijuana, too.

If you’re wondering how to fly with pot internationally, the answer is simple: don’t. It’s not worth the risk. Countries like Japan, Russia, and the UAE have extremely strict drug policies, and travelers have been detained for amounts as small as a vape cartridge or leftover gummies.

Here’s a quick look at public figures who tried flying with pot and paid the price:

• Nicki Minaj – Stopped in Amsterdam with cannabis products; shared the experience live but avoided serious charges after being detained and paying a fine.
• Gigi Hadid – Caught bringing cannabis into the Cayman Islands in 2023; paid a $1000 fine and moved on.
• Paul McCartney – Arrested in Japan in 1980 for carrying half a pound of cannabis; spent 10 days in jail before being sent back to the UK.
• Raekelle Powell – Detained last year in London for having 41 pounds of cannabis in her luggage, which she claimed she was paid $300 to carry. Powell was sentenced to 15 months in jail.
• Brittney Griner – Arrested in Russia for bringing cannabis vape cartridges in February 2022, Griner was sentenced to 9 years before a prisoner exchange brought her home in December of 2022.

Can you fly with pot without getting caught? Some people try, but here’s where it usually goes wrong. If you’re flying with pot in 2025, avoid these common mistakes:

Thinking “It’s Legal in My State, So I’m Fine”

Just because you bought your cannabis legally doesn’t mean you can take it through TSA. Remember: airports and airspace are federal, not state. TSA’s marijuana policy doesn’t change just because you’re departing from a legal state.

Packing Products in Your Checked Luggage

Don’t pack cannabis in your checked suitcase. TSA checks checked luggage more thoroughly than you think, and you won’t be there to explain yourself.

Bringing an Entire Stash

Bringing your whole collection of flower, vapes, edibles, and dabs is an easy way to get in trouble. If you’re going to risk flying with pot, keep it minimal and discreet.

Thinking a Medical Card Protects You Federally

Having a medical card does not shield you from federal law. TSA marijuana rules explained on their website clearly state that medical marijuana is treated the same as recreational cannabis at the federal level.

Assuming Dogs Don’t Detect Cannabis

Yes, drug dogs can absolutely smell weed, including edibles and vapes. Even if the TSA agents don’t care, local airport police might, especially if canine units are involved.

For more travel tips, check out Herb’s Guide to Flying with Weed.

Can you bring pot on a plane in 2025? Technically, no, but people do it all the time. Flying with pot is a risk, sometimes small, sometimes huge, depending on where you’re going, how much you’re carrying, and what airport you’re flying out of.

The safest move? Leave your stash at home. If you’re determined to travel with cannabis, stay informed, minimize risk, and don’t assume your medical marijuana card will save you. When it comes to TSA marijuana policy, the rules haven’t changed: cannabis is still federally illegal, and travelers take their chances every time they pack it.