Short answer
TSA officers screen for threats to aviation security. They do not search for cannabis. If an officer finds cannabis during screening, TSA calls a law enforcement officer. That officer applies federal, state, or local law at the airport.
Marijuana sits in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Federal law bans it on aircraft and across state lines. Hemp CBD with 0.3% delta-9 THC or less on a dry weight basis is legal under federal law. TSA lists CBD oil as permitted in carry-on and checked bags.
Cannabis TSA Rules for Checked Baggage: A Practical Guide
What TSA states
TSA's public guidance says security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs. The same guidance says that if an illegal substance is discovered during screening, TSA refers the matter to law enforcement. The referral can happen at a carry-on checkpoint or during checked bag screening.
TSA does not recognize state medical marijuana cards. A card issued by your state does not change TSA screening.
Cannabis with THC above 0.3%
- Federal status: Schedule I under 21 U.S.C. 812.
- A flight crosses state lines. Carrying cannabis between two legal states is still a federal offense.
- TSA can issue civil fines for prohibited items. Drug possession charges come from local or federal police.
- Airport property, including the checkpoint, falls under the jurisdiction of the airport and its police.
CBD and hemp products
The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act. Hemp is cannabis with 0.3% delta-9 THC or less on a dry weight basis. TSA allows CBD oil in carry-on and checked bags when the THC content meets that limit. Checked bags are not capped by the 3-1-1 liquid rule.
Carry the certificate of analysis from the lab. It lists the delta-9 THC percentage.
Liquid limits for tinctures and oils
Carry-on liquids are capped at 3.4 oz (100 ml) per container. The containers must fit in one quart bag. A 1 oz tincture bottle passes the checkpoint. A 4 oz bottle goes in a checked bag. Liquids needed for medical reasons get an exemption from the 3-1-1 rule. Tell the officer at the checkpoint.
Airport rules vary
Some airports place amnesty boxes before security. Travelers drop cannabis there before the checkpoint. Colorado Springs, Las Vegas, and Chicago airports have used them. The boxes are a local policy, not a TSA rule.
International flights
Customs and Border Protection enforces federal law at ports of entry. Cannabis is illegal under federal law. Do not carry it into or out of the United States.
Steps to lower risk
- Read the lab report. Confirm 0.3% delta-9 THC or less.
- Pack tinctures above 3.4 oz in a checked bag.
- Leave cannabis with THC above 0.3% at home.
- Keep CBD in the original packaging with the certificate of analysis.
Unknown: TSA does not publish a count of cannabis referrals. Airport police policies differ by city and state.