Can You Fly With Medical Marijuana Now? TSA’s Latest Policy Explains

The Transportation Security Administration said in its latest guidance that airport screening procedures are designed to protect aviation security, not to search for marijuana.

The TSA has revised its travel guidance recently, green-lighting medical marijuana in carry-on and checked bags under “special instructions.”

Under guidance updated on April 27, TSA, the agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), stipulated that its officers “do not search for illegal drugs,” but rather focus on identifying potential threats to passengers and aircraft rather than narcotics enforcement.

The guidance was updated just days after the U.S. Department of Justice and DEA officially reclassified state-licensed medical marijuana and FDA-approved cannabinoid products to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act.

The policy touched on a blurry line between expanding state marijuana legalization and federal prohibition. Yet, it was clear about one thing.

“If any illegal substance or evidence of criminal activity is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer,” the guidance said.

The policy reflects a new trend among federal agencies that are pivoting toward adapting to cannabis legalization without formally changing federal law.

However, TSA operates as a federal agency, while cannabis enforcement at larger airports largely depends on local laws. While some states and airport jurisdictions have a softer stance on cannabis possession, others insist on maintaining strict prohibition. TSA itself does not offer travelers protection from state or local cannabis laws.