Medical marijuana has become a great alternative to traditional medication for treating a variety of qualifying conditions. However, due to the differing laws from state to state, it can be difficult to know where you can travel with medical marijuana products with a prescription.

The marijuana plant contains over one hundred different chemicals, known as cannabinoids, and each has a different effect on your body. The two most common cannabinoids in marijuana are:

  • Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): creates a high and euphoric sensation due to its psychoactive properties
  • Cannabidiol (CBD): non-psychoactive, known for its promising health benefits

Since CBD does not contain psychoactive properties, you can travel with all CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC. However, when traveling with products that contain greater than 0.3% of THC, the laws vary significantly from state to state. 

Medical Marijuana Laws

As of June 2021, 18 states, two territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana use for both medical and recreational purposes. Additionally, as of May 2021, 36 states, four territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized the medical use of cannabis products. 

In Florida, a comprehensive medical cannabis program has been implemented, allowing tens of thousands of people to get the medical marijuana that they need through the form of vaporizers, tinctures, sprays, pill capsules, edibles, or topical solutions. Despite the recent changes to the law regarding both medical and recreational use, any kind of marijuana is still considered illegal on the federal level.

Traveling with Medical Marijuana

Federal law governs airplane travel, so it is currently illegal to bring marijuana onto a plane. However, with medical marijuana, there is a legal grey area when flying. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), CBD products (THC less than 0.3%)  are permitted in carry-on bags and checked bags, but medical marijuana products are still federally illegal.  

The purpose of TSA’s security screenings are to identify any potential threats to the airplane and its passengers. Security officers are not actively searching for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but if any illegal substances are discovered during a security screening, TSA will call local law enforcement. The final decision of allowing any substances through the security checkpoint lies with the TSA officer. While you may not face any legal jurisdiction, you may miss your flight or lose possession of your medical marijuana. 

It is important to remember that for your medical marijuana card to be valid, you must be traveling between states where medical marijuana is legalized, and which offer reciprocation for out of state cards. Since marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, you should always review the most up-to-date information for the states or countries you are visiting before traveling. Although the probability of facing a penalty is low, individuals can still face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for cannabis trafficking. Usually, these penalties are reserved for high-volume distributors of cannabis. 

One very important point to remember, is that although states may honor your medical marijuana card, or allow recreational cannabis use, most state laws require cannabis products to be purchased within state lines to be legal.  Therefore, the safest policy is to purchase new product in a state, rather than risk federal and state law violations by transporting medical cannabis between state lines. 

If you are traveling by train in the United States, Amtrak is currently the only passenger railroad service that provides regularly scheduled long-distance intercity trains. On all Amtrak trains, buses, and stations, the transportation of marijuana in any form is strictly prohibited, even in states or countries where recreational use is legal or permitted medically.

Contact a Florida Medical Marijuana Doctor

As laws and regulations about medical marijuana continue to change, more and more research emerges about the benefits of medical marijuana in treating a range of medical conditions. If you are curious about whether or not you qualify for medical marijuana in your treatment plan, take MMTCFL’s patient survey today to help our Florida medical marijuana doctors determine if you are eligible for a medical marijuana registration card.