Passengers travelling within the United States may now be allowed to carry medical marijuana on flights under updated airport security guidance, though authorities have clarified that certain restrictions still apply.
According to a report by The New York Post cited by NDTV, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has revised its policy to state that medically prescribed cannabis products can be carried in both checked baggage and carry-on luggage.
What changed in the TSA rules?
The updated guidance follows the US government’s move to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug, acknowledging that it has accepted medical uses.
Also Read | ‘Waited too long’: Elon Musk’s legal battle against OpenAI collapses in federal court
The change marks a significant shift in how cannabis is treated during domestic air travel in the United States. For years, travellers faced uncertainty because marijuana laws differ across American states. While several states permit medical or recreational cannabis, federal law still classifies marijuana as illegal, per NDTV report.
Since airports and aviation security fall under federal jurisdiction, many passengers remained unsure whether carrying cannabis through airport security checkpoints could lead to legal trouble.
The TSA has made clear that passengers are not completely exempt from scrutiny. Transportation Security Administration website
TSA explains the ‘catch’
Despite the relaxed guidance, the TSA has made clear that passengers are not completely exempt from scrutiny.
Under the revised policy, TSA officers are not actively searching for drugs during routine screening procedures. Their primary focus remains identifying threats related to passenger safety, including weapons and explosives.
However, the agency stated that if officers discover cannabis products during screening and suspect that federal or local laws may have been violated, they can still alert law enforcement authorities.
Also Read | 'No nuclear weapons for...': Trump halts Iran attack for now, warns military action still possible
This means travellers could still face complications depending on the laws of the departure or arrival state.
Travellers advised to check local laws
Legal experts quoted in reports say passengers carrying small quantities of medically approved marijuana are unlikely to face prosecution in states where cannabis use is legal.
Even so, travellers are being advised to carefully check state-specific regulations before flying, as cannabis laws continue to vary widely across the country.
The updated TSA guidance reflects the growing acceptance of medical marijuana in the United States. At the same time, authorities have stressed that the policy does not amount to full legalisation of marijuana for all airline passengers.
