Do you plan on traveling this spring or summer season? Many of us will want to experience optimal wellness on our trips by taking along our favorite cannabis products, such as vapes. But you may wonder, “Can I bring Delta 8 pen on plane rides?” The answer to the question is, well, complex.
In most cases, you can bring your Delta 8 pen on a plane—but there are important rules about how to pack it. Regulations can vary depending on the airline and the local law enforcement policies regarding your departure and destination points. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need about flying with Delta 8 vape pens so you can travel confidently and without surprises! Keep reading to find answers to your most pressing question: Can I bring a Delta 8 pen on a plane?
Delta 8 and Travel
First things first—let’s break down the essentials of flying with Delta 8 and other cannabis-based products. You might get confused with the different types of cannabis products there are; they come in two categories: hemp and marijuana. Hemp-derived products containing 0.3% THC or less are legal under federal law.
In contrast, marijuana remains federally illegal, but it may be legal for recreational and/or medical use in certain states. We’ll primarily focus on domestic flights, with notes on international travel where applicable.
Check Legal Status
Cannabis isn’t the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) primary focus. Agents are more focused on weapons. However, if they find cannabis in your luggage, they may pull you over to the side and search your belongings, leading to travel delays. If the cannabis is legal at your departure and destination, you will likely be approved for air travel. However, some airlines do not permit cannabis vapes on their aircraft, which only confuses matters.
Carry On Storage
Store vapes in your carry-on baggage, following TSA regulations for vaping devices and electronic cigarettes. Place your vape cartridges with your liquids in a clear plastic bag. Store the pen itself in your carry-on with the switch turned off.
Prepare for Security Checks
TSA may stop you for a security check, and it’s important to provide them with what they need to make the process run smoothly. Have your D8 pen and other cannabis products readily available for inspection. Your cannabis should be in a labeled container to clear up any confusion. Package your items according to airline rules to ensure you can legally fly.
Secure Your Devices
Airlines require electronic smoking devices to be packed in carry-on baggage to reduce the risk of combustion. They also ask that these devices be well secured, further preventing accidental activation and fire risk. For best results, pack them in a protective case.
Traveling With Delta 8: Tips and Things To Avoid
We now have a good idea of how to travel with Delta 8 THC vapes, but what about edibles and tinctures? The following sections will explain all travel-related cannabis laws that apply to other forms of Delta 8 THC and cannabis products.
Carts and Disposable Vapes
Place your carts in a plastic baggie with your other liquid items. Disposable vapes should be well-secured and turned off. Both items should be in your carry-on baggage. Keeping them in your checked bag could cause them to rattle around and pose a fire risk.
Gummies and Edibles
Candy and food are legally permissible in your carry-on and checked luggage. That means you can bring gummies and other edibles on a plane as long as they comply with federal laws and the specific state laws of both your departure and destination locations. However, if you take large quantities, a security dog may smell the cannabis, causing guards to pull you to the side for questioning, leading to delays. It’s also possible to lose gummies in your luggage.
Tinctures
Any tinctures taken on a plane for personal use must follow TSA regulations for traveling with liquids. Use containers that are 100 mL (3.4 ounces) or less, place them in a resealable plastic bag with your other liquids, and pack them in your carry-on.
Hemp and Air Travel: Simple Rules To Follow
Flying with hemp products can be tricky—especially when you’re navigating the patchwork of state and local laws. However, you can’t go wrong if you follow these simple rules regarding hemp and air travel.
Vape Cart Restrictions
Vaping devices and carts are permitted on airplanes. However, both products must be packed in carry-on luggage. Secure and turn off your vape pen, and store your cartridges in a clear plastic bag with your other liquids.
Federal Law vs. State Law
Travelers must also be aware of federal and state regulations. Per the 2018 Farm Bill, products containing Delta 8 THC are federally legal, provided they are hemp-derived and have a THC content of 0.3% or below. Most states, like Maryland and Tennessee, align with the Farm Bill. However, other states, like California, fully prohibit Delta 8 THC. Federal law applies when you are in the air, but state laws apply at airports.
Interstate Travel Considerations
The varying legal status of Delta 8 means passengers must be aware of state laws during interstate travel. Your baggage will be checked when crossing state lines upon leaving that state. If you are traveling out of a state where Delta 8 is categorized with other illegal drugs, it’s best to leave it out of your luggage.
Delta 8 vs. Other THC Products
Different cannabis laws apply to different states and different cannabinoids. For example, CBD products, which are almost always hemp-derived with low THC levels, are accepted in most states. Delta 8 products are also hemp-derived with low THC levels, but some states are wary of it because it is unregulated at the federal level.
Then there are products with high THC levels—mostly derived from marijuana—which are federally illegal but legal in most states for recreational or medicinal purposes. Travelers should avoid traveling with these products. If airport security discovers marijuana in your possession, it could lead to fines and penalties. It’s also illegal to travel with medical marijuana, even if you have a medical marijuana card.
Compliance for Smooth Travel
Here are some simple rules and handy tips to help you travel smoothly and stress-free.
- Look at the airline and TSA rules in advance. Doing so will help you determine the best way to travel with cannabis.
- Be prepared to cooperate. Have your cannabis products ready to show to TSA agents and local authorities if they ask to see what’s in your luggage. Label products for full transparency and, if possible, have the Certificate of Analysis (COA) handy so you can prove your product is safe and legal.
- Consider leaving cannabis products at home. We all understand how cannabis contributes to an improved vacation experience, especially for those with chronic conditions. However, travel delays can also ruin a vacation. It may be best to leave your cannabis products at home and purchase them in your destination city rather than fly with them.
- Know airline regulations. The most popular airlines in the country—Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Pacific Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Spirit Airlines, New Pacific Airlines, and Delta Air Lines—may have rules prohibiting cannabis products of any kind. Determine which rules apply to the airline you’re flying.
Federal and State Laws You Should Know
Before you take off, make sure you’re not flying blind—these federal and state laws could affect your travel experience. Here are some laws you should be aware of that may impact your travel experience.
Traveling with Delta 8 THC
Most TSA agents don’t look for cannabis in luggage. However, if they find it, it could be a problem, especially if you are trying to take it into or out of a state where it is illegal. Check local laws and airline rules to ensure you don’t face any trouble while traveling.
Product Compliance
Product compliance is a factor in how you travel with your cannabis products. For example, store your vape devices securely and turn them off. Pack cartridges and tinctures with other liquid items in a clear plastic bag, and place everything in your carry-on.
Federal Legality
Federal legality does not have much impact on the rules that apply when you travel with cannabis, as state laws apply in airports where you are likely to get searched. However, federal law has guided many state laws, making hemp-derived products with a low THC content legal in most states. But beware: what’s legal in your state might not be legal in your chosen destination.
State Restrictions
Although many states have legalized low-THC products with hemp-derived cannabinoids, some state-specific laws prohibit Delta 8 and stronger cannabis products. Check with local laws and ensure you don’t bring any illegal products in and out of those states.
Legal Risks While Traveling
TSA agents may not focus on cannabis, but law enforcement can impose serious legal consequences if they catch you with it in a state where it’s not allowed. Depending on the amount of cannabis you carry and the legal laws that apply, you may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony. You may also be detained, leading to travel delays that can potentially ruin your trip.
Proper Labeling
Labeling will let a law enforcement officer know what your product is so they can determine if it’s legal. Don’t just place a piece of tape on the bottle; write the product’s name in marker (wise guy!). It’s best to keep the original packaging to provide a sense of legitimacy.
Public & Law Enforcement Perception
Even though cannabis may be permitted in certain states, consuming and carrying it could impact how the public and law enforcement perceive you. For example, suppose law enforcement finds cannabis in your luggage (even legal cannabis). In that case, they may think you are a troublemaker and decide to detain you and search your other belongings, causing you to miss your flight. You should also refrain from using cannabis in public places on your travels. Doing so is typically illegal and can make you seem like an unwanted tourist to the locals.
FAQs- Can I Bring My Delta 8 Pen on a Plane?
Can You Take Delta 8 on International Flights?
No, you cannot take Delta 8 THC on international flights. Although it is legal on most domestic flights, it is illegal to board an international flight from the U.S. with cannabis. It’s also illegal to take cannabis across international borders.
Will You Be Arrested for Bringing Delta 8 on a Plane?
It is possible to be arrested for bringing Delta 8 on a plane. However, it is highly unlikely. Airport security would first have to find the cannabis in your luggage. They will only arrest you if you are bringing the cannabis to or from an illegal state or carrying a quantity that would qualify as trafficking.
Is Delta 8 Legal To Transport?
It may or may not be legal to transport Delta 8 THC—it depends on the circumstances. If you are transporting Delta 8 THC to and from a legal state, you should be within your legal rights. This legal status can change if you transport Delta 8 into an illegal state or carry amounts that may qualify you for felony possession. These rules apply whether you transport Delta 8 on a plane or in a car. Other transportation systems, like train and bus companies, don’t have specific rules regarding cannabis transport, which may make you feel safer. However, they are also more likely to have dogs that can sniff out cannabis in your luggage.
Is Delta 8 Bad for Your Heart?
Delta 8 is generally safe for heart health and general wellness. However, there is always a risk of consuming Delta 8 products that are not well-tested and manufactured with unwanted ingredients. Purchase from a trusted provider to ensure optimal well-being. Smoking Delta 8 THC and other cannabis products can also be detrimental to heart health—this is typically the case with smoking in general. Delta 8 oils, gummies, and capsules may be better options for people who have a history of heart disease.
Can You Fly to Colorado With Delta 8?
No, you can’t fly to Colorado with Delta 8. Colorado is one of the many states that prohibits Delta 8 THC. Therefore, law enforcement can fine and penalize you if they catch you bringing Delta 8 into Colorado.
Final Thoughts- Can I Bring Delta 8 Pen on Plane Rides? [TSA Rules You Should Know]
If you’re wondering, “Can I bring my Delta 8 pen on a plane?” the answer is yes—you can bring a hemp-derived Delta 8 pen on a plane, but there are a few catches. You must be aware of the legal framework and TSA guidelines to avoid potential problems. Ensure you take your Delta 8 vape pen to and from a legal state and follow airline regulations, which may vary by company. To breeze through airport security and enjoy a smooth flight, ensure your Delta-8 pen is powered off, securely stored, and placed in a clear plastic bag inside your carry-on.
If your destination permits, you can also ensure an enjoyable vacation by bringing along quality Delta 8 products. Exhale Wellness has a wide variety to choose from, including Delta 8 vapes, gummies, and flower. Shop with us for the products you need to improve your wellness!