One question we get, nearly more than any other, is whether or not one can fly out of LAX with cannabis on their person. Which probably says a lot abut the friends we keep. But anyway, with a new year here, we wanted to update you on the current state of weed on the wings. So what's the deal?
First, we'll explain it as if you just took three inverted dabs and need it straight: Weed is not federally legal. So N-O, it is technically not permitted to fly with weed. The official LAX policy is that you can have weed on your person inside the airport, but not while trying to go through TSA security. Hence the ominous signs reminding you of this.
TSA, the people scanning your bags, are federal employees. And if you're flying to a country where drugs are punishable by death, god help you, no U.S. law is going to change that. Not to mention the scary states where possession is still treated like it's 1953.
Essentially, there's a widely noted tolerance for people carrying small personal amounts out of the airport when flying domestically. As long as you do your best to keep your herb hidden discretely and not stanking up the joint, you have a strong chance of getting onboard with your small stash. That is not a legal right, though.
Authority being authority, there is no guarantee some drug war gladiator might not want to make an example of you or bust you to flex their power or kiss their supervisor's nalgas. And while Reddit seems to be filled with stories of people bringing ounces right in front of TSA-knowing eyes, try not to be a total dipshit about it, as there's always potential that you could be in trouble if someone sees/smells it. So you are definitely taking a risk trying to enter federal airspace with cannabis on your person. A gram stuffed into the pocket of some folded jeans, though? You're probably good, Al Capone Jr., always be discrete, be clever, and never make assumptions that you're allowed to do this. You're not. And don't tell anyone L.A. TACO sent you.