Unless you’re one of the lucky ones, the next big travel opportunity is still at least a couple of months off for most of us… but on the plus side, there’s no better time to begin thinking about your supply-away-from-home strategy! When your next flight rolls around, you might be thinking about taking a lil’ reefer onboard with you. But before you stuff your stash into your suitcase, let’s talk about why that might not be the best idea—and why PuffPal could be the travel buddy you actually need.
The Travel Drama of Flying with Cannabis
First things first: flying with cannabis, even if it’s medical or just CBD flowers, can be a tricky business. While some countries have warmed up to cannabis for medical purposes (looking at you, Canada and Germany), the rules vary wildly depending on where you’re going and the countries you pass through. You might get the green light in one place, but find yourself in a legal conundrum as soon as you touch down somewhere else. Not the kind of adventure you want to start your vacation with, right?
Here’s one example. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has a policy that allows passengers to carry up to 28.5 grams of cannabis, as permitted under California law. However, if a traveller is flying to a state or country where cannabis is not legal, they can still face legal trouble upon arrival. In several cases, travellers arriving in non-legal states have had their cannabis seized and received fines. And to cite a specific case where international air travel was involved, a Canadian traveller was caught with a few grams of cannabis in their luggage while flying from Canada to Japan. Even though the amount was small and legal in Canada, Japan’s zero-tolerance policy on cannabis possession led to their arrest upon arrival. This serves as a reminder that even small, recreational amounts that are legal in the country of origin can result in serious consequences abroad.
Even if you’ve got a prescription, each country has its own requirements. (You could start here as a means of figuring out what your destination-to-be specifically asks for, but further research would be wise.) Some ask for paperwork, others might have strict quantity limits, and some could even confiscate your goodies until they’ve been verified in a lab. Long story short: it’s a gamble, and one you probably want to avoid.
CBD Flowers: Are They Worth the Risk?
Let’s not forget about CBD flowers, those friendly buds that promise all the calm without the high. You can find them in shops everywhere, but bringing them on a plane is a different ball game. Why? Because airport security might not be able to tell the difference between your low-THC CBD stash and the high-THC stuff—and they might not wait around for lab results before taking action.
In Texas, for instance, where cannabis remains largely illegal, even travellers carrying CBD products have faced arrests and confiscation of their goods. Many travellers assumed that CBD, which is often legal in other states, would be permissible; however, Dallas-Fort Worth airport authorities treat these products with the same level of scrutiny as THC-rich cannabis. Several individuals were detained or fined for possession of CBD oil that exceeded the legal THC threshold. Even small, seemingly harmless items like edibles have led to legal complications due to the inconsistent laws surrounding THC content.
Bottom line: leave the flowers at home unless you’re ready for an impromptu legal Q&A.
PuffPal: Your Go-To Travel Solution
So, what’s a savvy traveller to do? Enter the PuffPal app! Instead of risking your vacation with all the complexities of flying with cannabis, PuffPal connects you with cannabis-friendly spots at your destination. Whether you’re looking for a club that offers legal access or a lounge where you can safely and legally enjoy your cannabis once you’ve landed, in many popular destinations, PuffPal has you covered. Why stress about crossing borders with a stash when you can locate safe, legal cannabis options wherever you are? PuffPal takes the guesswork out of finding clubs or dispensaries that meet local regulations, so you can enjoy your holiday with peace of mind—no customs drama necessary. Rant over…
Fly High—Responsibly
With cannabis laws still evolving, the smartest move for air travel is to skip the carry-on cannabis altogether. Instead, let PuffPal be your guide to a hassle-free trip. It’s like having a local expert in your pocket who knows where the best (and legal) spots are—so you can spend your time enjoying the view from your flight, not worrying about customs officials. If you haven’t already, download PuffPal today and travel stress-free, knowing that your cannabis experience will be safe and totally holiday-ready wherever you go. 
