What Happens If You Try To Go Through TSA With Marijuana Gummies?

You've packed your bags, double-checked your flight time, and you're ready for your trip. The anticipation is palpable, and you're hoping things will get a whole lot smoother once you've settled in and popped one of the fruity edibles tucked away inside your bag. But wait! Are you actually allowed to bring marijuana gummies along for the ride? Let's face it: Those colorful, chewy bears look harmless enough — but pack them in your carry-on, and you might be risking more than just a bad high.

After all, marijuana gummies — despite their innocent appearance and legal status in some states — are still very much illegal in the eyes of the federal government. And guess what? Airports in the United States fall under federal jurisdiction. So before you shrug it off, thinking, "It's just a few candies," it's also worth considering the potentially sticky situation that might come with getting flagged by TSA at a security checkpoint. After all, it only takes one eagle-eyed agent (or a particularly thorough bag check) to turn your vacation plans into a legal nightmare.

Even though TSA agents aren't necessarily out there actively hunting for your secret stash, if they do happen to find weed in your luggage, things can go south faster than you can say, "But it's medicinal!" Best-case scenario? You lose your gummies and possibly miss your flight due to the security delay. Worst-case? You're potentially looking at federal drug charges, depending on where you're flying in and out from.

For example, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has a surprisingly chill policy. According to its website, passengers 21 and up are allowed to carry "up to 28.5 grams of marijuana and 8 grams of concentrated marijuana for personal consumption." That said, LAX also cautions that "TSA screening stations are under federal jurisdiction," highlighting the complex relationship between state and federal marijuana laws. At the same time, hubs such as Denver International, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International, and Las Vegas's Harry Reid International all strictly prohibit carrying the substance. Ultimately, however, the severity of the consequences depends on factors like the amount you're carrying and if it's coupled with another form of suspicious (or illegal) activity — say, trying to smuggle a whole duffel bag full of bullets and fireworks.

Look, we get it. Maybe you use marijuana medicinally, or perhaps you just want to take the edge off during a long flight. However, when it comes to air travel, it's always better to play it safe than sorry. The smartest move? Leave the gummies at home, and mark them down as one of those things you never want to be carrying through airport security. Your future self — the one not dealing with a grumpy TSA agent or law enforcement officer — will thank you.

Alternatively, if you absolutely need cannabis for medical reasons, make sure you do your homework carefully. Research the specific laws at your destination and consider legal alternatives once you arrive, such as buying gummies after you land. On top of that, you can also take a closer look at TSA's guidelines on medical marijuana. In short, these dictate that cannabis-infused products with no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight — or those given the thumbs-up by the FDA — are alright to come through.

As for those thinking about mailing gummies to their destination — just don't. That's also illegal and could land you in even hotter water. All of which goes to say, when it comes to air travel and marijuana in any form, the risks far outweigh the benefits. And let's be honest, no amount of in-flight relaxation is worth jeopardizing your ability to travel in the future.