Answer first
TSA does not search for cannabis at checkpoints. Cannabis is still a Schedule I drug under federal law, and no federal rule permits a passenger to carry it on a plane. If a TSA officer finds cannabis during a bag search, the officer calls local law enforcement. What happens after that depends on the airport, the state, and the amount.
Cannabis and TSA screening
TSA staffs the checkpoints at U.S. airports. TSA states its officers do not search for cannabis or other drugs. Screening looks for weapons and explosives.
When an officer finds cannabis during a search for a prohibited item, TSA refers the matter to a law enforcement officer. The TSA officer does not make an arrest. Airport police or the local police agency decide the next step.
Federal law status
Cannabis is a Schedule I controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act. 21 U.S.C. 844 sets a first offense for simple possession at up to one year in prison and a $1,000 minimum fine. Moving cannabis from one state to another can be charged as distribution under 21 U.S.C. 841. A state medical card or a state recreational law does not apply in federal court.
Hemp is treated as a separate category. The 2018 Farm Bill defines hemp as cannabis with 0.3% THC or less on a dry weight basis. Hemp products are legal under federal law. TSA liquid limits still apply to oils and tinctures: containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less in a carry-on bag.
What depends on where you fly
- Departure airport: state and local police handle a referral. In a state with legal cannabis, a passenger inside the state possession limit may face no charge. In a state without legal cannabis, possession can lead to arrest.
- Airport property: airport operators and local governments set rules for terminals and parking lots. Some airports post signs that prohibit cannabis on the property.
- Arrival state: the destination state's law applies at the gate. Carrying cannabis into a state where it is illegal can lead to charges.
- Checked bags: TSA screens checked bags. A search that finds cannabis follows the same referral process. Lithium vape batteries must travel in carry-on bags.
International and border travel
Customs and Border Protection enforces federal law at ports of entry. Cannabis is prohibited at those entry points. CBP can seize the product, issue a fine, and deny entry. Possession can affect visa status and immigration applications. A state medical authorization does not change this.
Flight crews
FAA rules bar pilots and other crew members from using cannabis. 14 CFR 91.17 prohibits crew from operating an aircraft with a drug in the body that affects safety. FAA drug testing programs include marijuana. Use can end a pilot's medical certificate.
Questions with no fixed answer
TSA does not publish a list of airports where cannabis referrals lead to arrest. The outcome depends on the police agency, the amount, and state law. Ask the airline and the airport police before you fly if the answer matters to your plans.