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While hemp-derived THCa products are federally legal and technically permitted on flights, it’s wise to avoid risks and leave your THCa items at home when traveling by air. Here’s what you need to know about flying with THCa.
Can you travel by air with THCa, whether within the U.S. or internationally? And if you rely on THCa for wellness purposes and need to travel with it, will you be allowed to bring it on a plane? Are there specific requirements you must meet before flying with THCa?
Getting answers to these questions is crucial to ensure you’re ready before check-in and know how to handle your THCa products.
THCa is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It’s the acidic precursor to THC, known for its potential health and wellness benefits without producing the psychoactive effects typically associated with THC. People use THCa for various reasons, including supporting better sleep, promoting natural relief, and for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Understanding the significance of THCa in some individuals’ wellness routines highlights why one might be concerned about traveling without it.
The legality of THCa hinges on its source.
Sourced from marijuana, THCa is classified as a Controlled Substance and remains illegal at the federal level, though some states have legalized its use.
Conversely, THCa derived from hemp can be legal. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and its derivatives, provided that the products contain less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. The legal status of hemp-derived THCa products is thus contingent on this THC threshold.
In theory, you can legally transport hemp-derived THCa products on a plane within the U.S., provided they contain less than 0.3% THC. These products are supposedly allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage.
However, it’s strongly advised against doing so.
Some domestic airlines have policies explicitly prohibiting the transport of any cannabis-derived products, regardless of their legal status. There’s a significant risk that airline staff will mistake your legally obtained THCa for a marijuana-derived product.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that it doesn’t actively search for cannabis products. Still, it must report any suspected illegal substances to authorities.
The TSA follows federal law, which allows hemp-derived products containing no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. However, the differentiation between hemp-derived THCa and marijuana-derived THC may not be apparent to TSA agents, placing travelers in a precarious position.
While technically permissible, traveling with hemp-derived THCa products is fraught with complexities due to varying state laws and airline policies. Before traveling, verify both the legal status of THCa in your destination state and the airline’s policy on cannabis-derived products.
Traveling internationally with THCa products is generally inadvisable due to varying laws and potential severe penalties in other countries. Research the legal status of hemp and THCa in your destination country thoroughly or consider leaving your THCa products at home.
Traveling with THCa requires careful consideration, research, and potentially documentation. Even if permitted, the process could involve significant time explaining and justifying the possession of THCa to TSA agents or other authorities. It’s often simpler and safer to leave THCa products at home to avoid potential legal complications and delays during your travels.
