If you’re planning to travel across state lines or fly with delta 8 THC in your possession, there are some things you’ll want to know. Before you head out the door, you might like to learn about the federal laws regarding the delta-8 possession and traveling with medical cannabis. Can you take delta 8 on a plane? Find out below.
Table of Contents
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta-8 THC produces physical and euphoric effects similar to but milder than delta-9 THC, the most prominent cannabinoid and psychoactive compound in most cannabis products. Delta-8-THC occurs naturally and is an isomer of delta-9 THC. The difference between the two molecules is simply the location of a carbon double bond.
Delta-8 THC’s popularity began when an oversupply of CBD extracted from U.S.-grown hemp caused the price of CBD to decrease substantially. The cannabis industry marketed the products to those seeking pain relief and stress management, patients uninterested in an intense high, and people living in illegal areas.
What are the effects?
Delta-8 can provide physical relaxation and pain relief but with milder psychoactive effects than regular THC. For people who don’t want to experience an overwhelming high, the lower potency of Delta-8 THC may be beneficial. However, it will produce more mental effects than CBD oil and other hemp products.
There’s a lack of substantial research and empirical evidence regarding Delta-8’s impact on your overall mental health. Many survey participants recently reported using Delta-8 and their prescription medications to help with depression and substance use disorder symptoms.
Users say Delta-8 THC can help to:
- Reduce nausea
- Boost appetite
- Ease chronic pain
- Boost mental health
Delta 8 THC can produce side effects such as:
- red eyes
- dry mouth
- rapid heart rate
- slow coordination and reaction time
- increased anxiety
- short term memory loss
Is Delta 8 the same and Delta 9 & 10?
No. They are similar but not the same. A significant distinction between the three deltas THC is their physical and mental effects. Scientific research can distinguish one from another under a microscope due to genetic composition. Still, most cannabis consumers will be able to spot the variations in consumption by the differences in how each makes them feel.
A mild, relaxing effect is the most noticeable effect of Delta-8 THC. On the other hand, a feeling of a moderate euphoric high is sure to be an effect equated to Delta-9 THC. And if you were to feel more joyful than usual, you would more than likely be experiencing the subtle impact of Delta-10 THC.
Legal Status in the US
It’s legal to fly with delta 8 when traveling between two jurisdictions that allow delta 8, provided the airline you’re using doesn’t specifically ban delta-8 cannabis products. The Farm Bill has legalized all cannabis products with less than 0.3 percent THC, though there are so many different laws and local regulations surrounding cannabinoids.
Technically, you won’t get into trouble with the feds if you transport delta 8 THC across state lines on a plane. You’ll want to research the local laws of your departure and destination locations and your specific airline rules for cannabis possession in a personal bag. Even if your home state has no delta 8 THC restrictions, your destination state could have different laws restricting it.
Here are the states where delta 8 THC is illegal:
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Nevada
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Utah
- Vermont
International Laws
If you are planning an international flight to another country, it’s wise to check the laws and regulations regarding delta 8 before you travel there. Some countries have strict laws and impose harsh penalties for those caught with delta 8 THC and other cannabis or hemp-related products.
Just because you possess a legal medical cannabis card in the US doesn’t mean traveling with controlled substances to other countries is legal.
TSA & Airport Guidelines
TSA officers do not search checked luggage or carry-on items for marijuana or other illegal substances. However, if any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, TSA security officers will refer the matter to a local police officer.
The Los Angeles International Airport allows weed in the airport, with certain limitations. As for other U.S. airports, marijuana is still federally illegal, and the federal law specifies that they may run post-security areas at airports.
So, in legal states like Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Alaska, and Nevada, bringing legally purchased pot past a security checkpoint can still trigger a TSA or local police response. This response could risk confiscation of the weed in your possession if found by drug dogs, a fine, or even worse if you get caught in most states.
- The FAA strongly prohibits pilots from transporting marijuana on a plane. This includes medical cannabis products.
- Secure areas of the airport, beyond TSA security, are federal property, and marijuana is not allowed according to federal law
- The United States federal government does not allow marijuana on any airline and can search your bag and take the weed in possession
- Passengers are allowed to have drug paraphernalia- used to consume, conceal, or produce marijuana
- Medical marijuana and recreational have the same federal provisions, and this applies across state lines; regardless if they are legal states, flying with edibles is prohibited
- CBD with low THC and hemp-derived products are federally legal, thus allowed in your bag and on a plane
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website states:
“Marijuana and certain cannabis-infused products, including some Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, remain illegal under federal law except for cannabis products that contain no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or that are approved by FDA. ( see the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Pub. L 115-334.) A TSA officer is required by federal law to report any suspected law violations to local, state, or federal authorities.”
“TSA’s screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers and dangerous items. Accordingly, TSA officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs. Still, if any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, TSA security officers will refer the matter to local law enforcement.”
Types of Delta 8 Products
The cannabis market is vast with Delta 8 products, including topicals, concentrates, edibles, and tinctures. There are not technically delta-8 strains, but some flower has more than others.
Gummies, cannabis-infused oils, beverages, supplements, and more, there are many different choices for cannabinoids. Purchasing delta-8 from a reputable online or local dispensary is always essential, along with deciding your preferred method.
Is Delta 8 THC Safe to Consume Before a Long Flight?
Yes, Delta 8 THC is considered one of the best edibles for flights, as it can help some people relax and reduce anxiety. However, it is essential to use it in moderation and be aware of the legalities and potential side effects before consuming it before a long flight.
Best Brands for Purchasing Delta 8
Make sure if traveling with store-bought delta 8 products to keep them in their original and sealed packaging. Here are six of the top brands for Delta 8 THC products:
- 3Chi
- BudPop
- Delta Extrax
- Exhale Wellness
- Area 52
- Blue Moon Hemp
Can delta-8 help with flight anxiety?
Recent studies show that some CBD and THC cannabinoids can help to reduce anxiety. This is due to the unique way these cannabinoids react within the endocannabinoid system. The ECS controls and regulates how humans feel and perceive anxiety and fear.
Here are a few ways that cannabis can help relieve unpleasant symptoms while flying:
- calming and relaxing
- anxiety-reducing
- decreasing nausea
- boosting appetite
- promoting sleep
- relieving pain
Key Takeaways
Depending on where you are headed, when you fly with Delta 8 edibles, flowers, concentrate, it’s vital to keep it discreetly packed in your bag, even if you have a medical card for legal cannabis. However, many places will treat that as a prescription, so ensure you have it in a place you can reach easily and quickly.
We recommend checking federal and state laws, even if you possess a federally legal hemp product. Many airports and jurisdictions have various laws regarding all cannabis substances and your better safe than sorry. Also, be sure to keep products in their original packaging and contain other edibles and oils in a secure location. Whether you’re flying internationally or locally, knowing the cannabis laws could save your trip.
