Traveling With Marijuana During Your Summer Vacation
Are you confused about marijuana laws right now? If so, you definitely aren't alone. Currently, the laws across the nation regarding marijuana are the result of patchwork legislation that seems to be constantly in flux. This is creating a lot of problems, particularly for travelers who may be heading out of their home state during vacation time.
If you use medical or recreational marijuana, here are some of the most important things to keep in mind this summer.
Travel By Plane
Policies in use by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may add to your confusion. Officially, any cannabis products with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) level of 0.3% or more, including CBD oils, are considered marijuana under federal law and are, therefore, illegal to possess or use. On the other hand, the TSA takes pains to note that its officers are focused on air security, not drug use.
In practical terms, that means that TSA agents aren't looking for anybody's medical or recreational marijuana in their carry-on luggage, but they can turn someone over to regular law enforcement, if they happen to notice marijuana while they're checking your bags for contraband. It's then up to the local police to decide if you will be charged and prosecuted for a marijuana offense.
Visiting Parks And Monuments
Marijuana -- even when used medicinally -- remains a Class I prohibited drug, under the Controlled Substances Act. A first offense for simple possession can net you a year in prison and a fine of (at minimum) $1,000. If the government thinks you were trying to sell or distribute the drug (which is usually determined by the quantity you have on you at the time you are caught), you can get five years in a federal penitentiary and a $250,000 fine.
Keep that in mind, if you plan to spend any time during your vacation in a federal park or visiting any national monuments. Even if local laws permit marijuana use -- like they do in Washington D.C. -- you could immediately put yourself in legal danger, by crossing onto a property that's under federal jurisdiction.
Travel Between States
Interstate travel with any type of marijuana product is very risky. If you're traveling out of your home state, you're wise not to bring any type of marijuana along with you. If you feel like you need to take the risk and travel with marijuana, make sure you understand the laws of every state that you pass through before you make that decision. Keep in mind that even two states that allow marijuana use may have different rules about how much a person may transport, at any given time.
If you are charged with a marijuana crime while traveling from one state to another, an experienced interstate marijuana defense attorney can protect your rights and assist with your defense.
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