TSA Quietly Changed Its Marijuana Travel Language

Colorado has been a pioneer state since its creation on August 1, 1876. On the first day of the year in 2014, Colorado was the first state in the nation to open a recreational marijuana dispensary.

Since the legalization of marijuana for recreational use in Colorado, nearly half of the states in the nation have followed suit and legalized weed. 24 states in total, plus Washington D.C., allow adults over the age of 21 to possess and consume marijuana.

READ MORE: No - The Dogs at Colorado's Airports Aren't Sniffing For Weed

However, when it comes to flying with something like a vape pen or an edible, it has been strictly prohibited under federal law. Has that changed in recent years?

TSA Marijuana Travel Rules Have New Wording

According to Fox 21, some changes have happened to the policies and procedures when it comes to TSA and the transport of marijuana on commercial flights. The verbiage surrounding marijuana on airplanes used to be this:

Marijuana and certain cannabis infused products, including cannabidiol oil, remain illegal under federal law except for products that contain no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or that are approved by the FDA.

TSA officers are required to report any suspected violations of law to local, state or federal authorities.

This verbiage on the Transportation Security Administration's website regarding medical marijuana has since been removed.

The updated policy on the transportation of medical marijuana in checked and carry-on baggage now says this:

TSA's screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for illegal drugs, but if any illegal substance or evidence of criminal activity is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.

Flying With Marijuana Is Still Legally Complicated

TSA has said that the policy on medical marijuana has not changed.

READ MORE: Look Inside Colorado's International Church of Cannabis

While marijuana may be legal in the majority of states, whether for medical or recreational use, it is still classified as illegal under federal law. However, that could soon be changing; at least, a reclassification could be coming to cannabis, which could drop cannabis out of the classification as a Class One drug. The current classification ranks marijuana as the same level as heroin, LSD, and ecstasy.

If you are thinking about flying with your favorite edible, you still may want to play it safe and just leave them at home. At least for right now.