One of life’s greatest pleasures is going on a good vacation. Whether you prefer relaxing on the beach, exploring new urban settings, or checking out scenic locations and natural parks, it’s always good to take a break from the demands of work and home.
And if you love marijuana, few things can enhance the thrill of traveling and the rejuvenation you get from a much-needed vacation than taking your favorite cannabis products along for the ride — as long as you have the right weed travel guide.
Marijuana laws are constantly changing. Recreational weed is legal in some states, illegal in others, and officially prohibited at the federal level. And even in states that have given the O.K., there are still places where smoking may not be allowed. As a recreational user, you should know the ins and outs of traveling with weed to avoid getting yourself into hot water when you’re out of town.
Weed Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go
Whether you’re someone who indulges in recreational marijuana on a regular basis or just every now and then, weed can be an excellent travel companion. Visiting those famously majestic purple mountains? A joint rolled with a primo local strain will make them even more so. Planning to spend your week taking it easy by the sea? A supply of edibles can double the pleasure of kicking it back on the beach.
However, traveling with weed isn’t always as simple as remembering to pack your favorite products along with your swimsuit, and a run-in with law enforcement is a guaranteed way to kill your high and your vacation. Here’s how to take your weed with you when you travel.
1. Do Your Research
The first step in putting together a fail-safe weed travel plan is to research. Recreational marijuana is a big topic in American politics today, and the rules and regulations are known to change faster than you can hit a dab. Even if you pride yourself on staying plugged in, it’s a good idea to brush up on cannabis news before you take off.
One of the most important things to know about is where weed is legal and illegal. Only 23 states have legalized recreational marijuana, which means that it remains illegal in over half of the country.
Likewise, legalization is far from a one-size-fits-all issue. Even if you’re traveling between states where marijuana is legal, the specific laws and penalties can vary substantially. If you’re planning on traveling with weed, make sure you understand:
- The laws and penalties local to your destination
- The laws and penalties local to any state you’re traveling through
The official websites of individual states are always reliable sources to check out. The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and the Marijuana Movement are also great resources for the latest cannabis laws all over the country.
2. Know the Rules for Flying With Weed
If you plan on packing a bowl as soon as you check into your hotel, you need to know how to take your supply with you, especially if you’re flying. The good news? The TSA has its hands full, keeping everyone safe in the air and at airports. When scanning luggage, they’re looking for things like weapons, suspicious liquids, and bombs — not the handful of gummies you’ve mixed in with your Haribos.
If you’re flying from a state where pot is legal to another state where it’s also legal, you won’t get busted for bringing products that contain0.3% or less THC. If you break that rule and get caught, the TSA defers to local law enforcement, who determine the penalty for traveling with weed at their discretion.
3. Pack Appropriately
Traveling with weed is risky, but there are ways to minimize those risks. Again, the TSA isn’t the DEA, so agents aren’t on the lookout for your secret stash. Whether you tuck it into your carry-on or checked luggage, your chances of avoiding detection are better if you follow TSA’s luggage rules to a T. That means:
- Keep liquids in a transparent bag, and don’t put more than three ounces in your carry-on
- Separate your laptop or other electronics, as bags containing them will be searched
- Avoid suspicious items like powders, excess cash, and weapons
If you’re traveling with flower, most weed travel guides recommend concealing it in an opaque (i.e., non-transparent) bill bottle and stuffing a few cotton balls in on top. If you’re bringing products like vape cartridges, shatters, and waxes, consider packing them in with your toiletries and other personal care items where they’re less likely to stick out.
4. Opt for Discretion
Finally, the best tip for traveling with weed is to be discreet. If you’re flying, don’t bother lighting up or vaping at the airport — you’ll only draw unnecessary attention to yourself. If you want to join the mile-high high club, consider dosing with an edible or two before checking in.
When you get to your destination, be smart about where you imbibe. Even if recreational marijuana is legal, most states prohibit the consumption of it in public places. Likewise, your specific hotel may have its own rules about smoking on the premises. The workaround? Opt for low-key, odorless ways to get high, like:
- Edibles
- Vaporizers
- Tinctures
- Topicals
Quality Cannabis Products for a Quality High
For anyone who enjoys using marijuana, having your favorite products on hand makes the best vacations even better. Now that you know the tips and tricks of traveling with weed, you’re ready to stock up before your next trip. But before you do, we have one final tip: If you’re taking weed with you, take only the best.
At DDM Cannabis, you’ll find an unbeatable selection of quality cannabis products from the best brands in the business. From edibles to vaporizers and concentrates to topicals, if you’re looking for the best, look no further. Shop today.
