TSA quietly updates its rules to allow flying with medical marijuana
Medical marijuana is now permitted in both carry on and checked bags, subject to ‘special instructions,’ according to the TSA website
UsenB
American travelers can now fly with medical marijuana after the TSA quietly updated its rules on carrying the drug – though specific details remain unclear.
Medical marijuana is now permitted in both carry-on and checked bags, subject to “special instructions,” according to the TSA website, which was updated without fanfare on April 27.
“TSA's screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers,” the website states.
“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.”
The page does not give details on the amount of medical marijuana allowed per person on a flight or the specific reason for the rule change.
The Independent has contacted TSA for comment on the rule change.
It comes after the state-licensed medical marijuana was reclassified from a Schedule I to a Schedule II drug, meaning that it is now considered to have low potential for dependence, rather than no medical use and high abuse potential.
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order rubber-stamping the change on April 23, four days before the TSA’s website was updated.
The reclassification does not legalize marijuana but significantly changes its regulation, offering tax breaks to licensed operators and easing research restrictions.
TSA reiterates that the final decision for allowing items, including medical marijuana, rests with the TSA officer.
The move to reclassify the drug largely legitimizes medical marijuana programs in the 40 US states that have adopted them, allowing state-licensed producers and distributors to register with the DEA.
Schedule III drugs are defined as having moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. The Schedule I classification, which marijuana previously fell under, is reserved for drugs without accepted medical use and with high potential for abuse.
