Cannabis Travel: What You Need to Know

Traveling with cannabis has become easier with its legalization in many places. Countries like Canada, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay, Thailand, and Germany are considered cannabis friendly. Of course, there are plenty of US states where you can enjoy cannabis without any trouble.

While it is an excellent idea for cannabis lovers to enjoy some weed tourism, it's essential to understand the rules to avoid trouble.

Here's a simple guide to help you travel with cannabis, whether by plane, train, or automobile, and explore places where it's okay to enjoy. 

Flying with Cannabis:

Vapes have become really popular and cannabis vaping is on the rise. One of the most common questions people ask is can they take thier vape pens on a plane. 

Can I fly with weed?

You can't fly with cannabis in the United States, even between states where it's legal. Airport security (TSA) focuses on safety, but if they find cannabis, they must report it to the police. This could lead to problems like missing your flight or getting fined.

Can I take my vape pen on a flight?

You can take a vape pen that hasn't been used with cannabis oils on a flight. But if it has cannabis residue, it's illegal to take it on a plane.If you have a 510 vape battery and there is no vape cartirge attached and no vape residue on it then you can take this battery on a plane. Pack it in your hand luggage.
If you have a dry herb vaporizer that has not been used then you can pack that in your hand luggage. If the vape has any cannabis residue then it can't be taken on a plane. 

Flying internationally with weed:

Never take cannabis across international borders. It's illegal and can get you in serious trouble, even between countries where it's legal.

Driving with Cannabis:

Taking cannabis on a road trip:

In states or countries where cannabis is legal, you can have it in your car for personal use. Keep it in a secure place like the trunk to avoid problems if you get stopped. Don't drive under the influence of drugs, and don't smoke in the car; the smell of weed in a vehicle may lead to some awkward questions if stopped by authorities, and you may be accused of driving under the influence of drugs.

Train Travel with Cannabis:

In the US, the trains are run by Amtrack. Amtrak is under Federal Jurisdiction, so like planes and airports, you don't want to be caught with cannabis there as you could get into a lot of trouble. Amtrak does not encourage travelers to carry weed or other similar items.

In 2019, Congress enforced a smoking and vaping veto on all trains of Amtrak, including connecting services and stations.

No weed in any form is allowed on trains. Officers could come aboard and ask for a search of your belongings. You are generally under no obligation to allow this.

If you're planning a long trip by train and need to relax, smoking, vaping, and THC gummies are not allowed. While it is doubtful your gummies would be detected, we would suggest only taking federally legal CBD gummies or edibles on a train. 

Cannabis Tourism:

Weed-friendly places:

• United States:States like California, Colorado, and Oregon allow recreational cannabis. Cities like Denver and Portland are popular with cannabis tourists.
• Canada:Cannabis is legal across Canada, with cities like Vancouver and Toronto having dispensaries.
• Europe:Amsterdam (Netherlands) is famous for its cannabis cafes. While the sale of cannabis for recreational purposes remains technically illegal, it is tolerated within certain formalized conditions in the country's famous "coffee shop" establishments.
• Barcelona (Spain) is like Amsterdam in some ways. It has many cannabis clubs where people can partake. In Spain, possession and even cultivation of the plant is mainly decriminalized, and cannabis is easy to come by.  
• Lisbon (Portugal) is known for its relaxed cannabis laws.
• Germany legalized recreational cannabis in 2024, and the Czech Republic is drafting legislation for recreational use.  
• There are also many other European countries where cannabis is partly or wholly decriminalized; these include Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Estonia, Italy, and Slovenia.
• South America:Uruguay was the first country to fully legalize cannabis, with other countries like Argentina and Colombia following.

Tips for Traveling with Cannabis:

• Know the laws:Learn the rules where you're going and any places you'll pass through. Laws can be different from state to state and even province to province.
• Pack smart:Keep cannabis in sealed, smell-proof containers. Plain packaging is best to avoid drawing attention.
• Use responsibly:Only use cannabis where it's allowed, like private spaces or designated areas.
• Avoid international travel risks:Never try to take cannabis across borders, even if it's legal where you start or end your trip.

Conclusion:

Whether traveling in Europe, the US, or Asia, it is easy to find whether cannabis is legal or decriminalized in states and countries; there is no need to risk taking cannabis across international borders. Always obey the laws and be discreet. Be aware of your surroundings. It is illegal to consume cannabis on federal land in the US. In Amsterdam, weed is confined to coffee shops or used at home.

If you're not sure of the law, then don't take the risk. Many countries have to sever laws against the possession and use of cannabis. If you fall foul of them, you could easily find yourself in a lot of trouble a long way from home.

Traveling with cannabis can be fun and easy if you follow the rules. Whether you're exploring weed-friendly cities in the US or enjoying cannabis cafes in Europe, always stay legal and respect local laws. By planning ahead and staying informed, you can have a safe and enjoyable cannabis-friendly trip. Happy travels!

**Please note that this article is not legal advice. Countries' and states' laws, as well as policing attitudes toward cannabis, are liable to change. Always check the laws of the places you will travel or go through and seek legal advice from a professional if you are in doubt.**