Can You Fly With Delta 9? What You Need To Know

With delta 9’s growing popularity, many users wonder “can you fly with delta 9” products on planes legally. We break down the fuzzy legalities around transporting federally compliant delta 9 over state lines and on flights so you can travel informed.

While some hemp-derived delta 9 products now fall into a legal gray area federally, laws regarding all forms of cannabis vary widely between states and territories. Similarly, individual airline policies create another layer of rules to navigate.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about flying with delta 9 products to avoid hassles, confiscations, or legal troubles.

What is Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for its characteristic “high”. Traditional marijuana products contain high levels of delta 9, while hemp plants have only trace amounts.

Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and its derivatives became federally legal if containing less than 0.3% delta 9 THC. This opened the door for products like:

• Delta 9 gummies
• Delta 9 vape cartridges
• Delta 9 tinctures
• Other hemp-derived edibles

When sourced from hemp and meeting the 0.3% criteria, delta 9 products are legal at the federal level but remain in a gray area of shifting state laws.

Can You Fly with Federally Legal Delta 9 Products?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) – responsible for airport security – defers to federal law regarding hemp products and does not actively search for drugs during screening.

However, TSA agents must report any questionable items found to local authorities. With varying levels of cannabis expertise among agents, this poses an unnecessary legal risk.

The TSA states:

“Marijuana and certain cannabis infused products, including some Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, remain illegal under federal law except for products that contain no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or that are approved by FDA.”

While technically permitted, traveling by air with any delta 9 product requires assuming risk that a given TSA agent understands the intricate legal differences between hemp and marijuana-derived THC.

State Laws Add Another Layer of Confusion

Even if afforded smooth passage through TSA security checkpoints, state laws bring additional variability when traveling with delta 9 products.

Although meeting federal regulations, your destination state may classify delta 9 products as illegal controlled substances depending on local cannabis legislation. Transporting cannabis products across state lines further muddies legal waters.

Thorough research into arrival and departure state laws provides the only certain path to avoiding confiscations or legal repercussions. When in doubt, leave delta 9 products secure at home.

Airline Policies Prohibit All Forms of Cannabis

Beyond shifting state laws, most domestic airlines explicitly prohibit all cannabis, hemp, and THC products in checked luggage or carry-on bags as outlined in their terms of carriage.

For example, American Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta policies have no wiggle room for federally-compliant hemp products. How strictly these rules get enforced likely depends on the discretion of individual airline crew members.

However, sticking to airline policies provides the only sure way to prevent denials of boarding or other headaches.

Can Dogs Detect Delta 9 Products?

Surprisingly, most delta 9 products made from purified isolates emit little to no odor for detection dogs to pick up on. However, to play it safe, discretion and secure storage provide the smartest approach to air travel with any THC product.

Alternatives to Flying with Delta 9

Rather than risk confiscations or legal issues while traveling with delta 9, safer alternatives exist:

• Purchase at Your Destination: An increasing number of states allow adult recreational or medical cannabis. Verify local laws and locate licensed dispensaries upon arrival.
• Explore Hemp-Derived Alternatives: Other hemp products produce effects similar to traditional THC without the same legal pitfalls. Popular options include Delta 10, Delta 8, THC-O, and HHC vapes/edibles.
• Plan Ahead with TSA: Travelers requiring cannabis for medical reasons can apply for TSA exceptions with proper documentation from their doctor. following special screening and storage rules.

While federal laws continue evolving around hemp-derived products, avoiding the risks associated with air travel provides the smartest option for most consumers. Instead, find compliant delta 9 products after reaching your destination.

Summary: Key Takeaways About Flying with Delta 9

• What is legally permitted differs between federal, state, and airline policies
• TSA defers to federal laws but agents have final discretion on what to flag
• Carry-on and checked delta 9 products can still get confiscated
• Travel across state lines complicates legal status
• Alternatives like purchasing upon arrival or other hemp products are safer
• When in doubt, leave delta 9 products at home to avoid hassles

While hemp products usher in exciting new possibilities for consumers, understand the intricacies of conflicting cannabis legislation before attempting to pass through complex airport security environments. Reaching your destination without unwanted stress provides the ultimate goal.

FAQS