Can You Take Delta 9 on a Plane?

• Regardless of some hemp delta 9 products being federally legal, it's best to play it safe and NOT take your delta 9 products with you when flying.
• Only some understand which delta 9 products are legal and which are not.
• TSA agents don't search for any THC products, but they're required by federal law to notify law enforcement if they believe they've found something illegal. They may not know the legal complexities, and you could find yourself in hot water.

Understanding the legal status of delta 9 can be a challenge. We get it. While you can legally buy and use hemp-derived delta 9 products at the federal level, states can impose their own laws regarding delta-9 THC.

So, what's the deal with flying? Can you fly with delta 9, whether within the U.S. or internationally?

And if you take delta 9 for wellness reasons and need to travel with it, will you be allowed to take it on a plane? Are there any requirements you should fulfill before taking delta 9 on a plane?

Getting the answers to these questions is critical. You want to ensure you're prepared before check-in and know what to do with your delta 9 products.

What is Delta 9?

Delta 9 is a naturally occurring chemical compound that people have used for many years. You probably know it as simply THC. It's known for its noticeably uplifting properties, which many appreciate when looking to unwind or relax.

Over recent decades, scientific studies and research have suggested that there's more to delta 9 than its elevating effects. The chemical compound is thought to have many health and wellness benefits. Many people also use delta 9 to support better sleep and encourage natural relief. Those taking delta 9 products for these challenges report improvements and say they feel better.

Seeing the essential role that delta 9 has in some people's lives, you can understand why one would be worried about not being able to take their delta 9 on the plane.

Is Delta 9 Legal?

Delta 9 can be legal or illegal, depending on the source.

When sourced from marijuana, delta 9 is classified as a Controlled Substance and is not legal at the federal level. Some states in the United States have legalized its use.

Delta 9 extracted from hemp plants, on the other, can be legal. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and its derivatives, but all products cannot contain more than 0.3% of delta 9 by dry weight. How much THC is in your delta 9 product can vary, but it needs to be under this percentage. That's why you'll find that the legally available delta 9 products are often heavier in weight, such as delta 9 gummies or delta 9 edibles.

For reference, when speaking about taking delta 9 on a plane, we only cover delta 9 derived from the hemp plant. That's because it's federally legal and meets the standards set by the 2018 Farm Bill.

Can You Take Delta 9 On A Plane?

Technically, you can legally take hemp-derived delta 9 products on a plane when you travel. Within the U.S., you can fly with hemp products that contain less than 0.3% THC. You're allegedly permitted to carry these products in your carry-on and checked bags.

But we highly recommend that you avoid doing so.

First, some domestic airlines in the United States, like JetBlue and American Airlines, have language in their terms that specifically prohibits traveling with any cannabis product. Regardless of if your delta 9 product comes from hemp and is perfectly legal, their team members more than likely will think they're marijuana-derived.

If you decide to press your luck and bring your delta 9 on board because you're comfortable that your airline will recognize the legality of your product, be sure to abide by the general rules of the airline. These may include packing everything neatly in a safe container you store in your carry-on or luggage.

If you're a nervous flyer who relies on delta 9 to calm you down, you can consume your delta 9 edibles just as you arrive at the airport. This way, you have it when needed but don't have to worry about taking delta 9 on a plane. But how much delta 9 should you take? That’s up to you. Just be sure your tolerance and experience with delta 9 are strong enough to handle getting through security and while you're on your flight.

What Does the TSA Say About Taking Delta 9 on a Plane?

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the agency doesn't actively search for cannabis products. However, they must notify local, state, or federal authorities if they find it.

The TSA website reads:

"…certain cannabis infused products, including some Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, remain illegal under federal law except for products that contain no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or that are approved by FDA."

As a federal agency, TSA follows federal law. In the United States, hemp-derived products containing no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight are legal. But marijuana, even medical marijuana, continues to be a Schedule I controlled substance. If you take delta 9 for medical reasons, you must discuss its transportation with your doctor and check with the airline before check-in.

So, while your hemp-derived delta 9 product could be legal, you rely on TSA agents to know the difference. And that's not a good position to be in.

You must heed these precautions when considering whether you should take your delta 9 on the plane. The bottom line is, just as with federal and state laws, taking your delta 9 products on the plane is just as complicated. There's so much uncertainty surrounding which delta 9 products are legal for air travel, so you should always check ahead to be sure.

Check with your chosen airline as a precaution. It should have the correct answers on this topic and advise you on how to proceed.

Can You Travel With Delta 9 Within the US?

Say you've identified an airline that allows you to bring your delta 9. Can you travel with it within the U.S.? And across state lines?

Again, the technical answer is yes. But in reality, it's more complicated.

Hemp delta 9 products that meet the 2018 Farm Bill standards are technically allowed, but at the same time, each state has its laws on whether to legalize hemp and cannabinoid products or not.

So, consider whether your delta 9 product is legal in your destination. Before deciding to travel with delta 9 within the U.S., check whether the state you're traveling to has legalized this hemp product and to what extent. Then you can proceed to determine if the airline allows it or not.

Remember that even if the airline allows you to bring your delta 9 products, but they are not legal in your destination, they might still get confiscated at the destination. You're also running the risk that TSA won't know how hemp delta 9 differs from marijuana delta 9.

How to Keep Your Delta 9 Products from Being Confiscated

Deciding to travel with delta 9 on a plane requires caution, research, and prior inquiries. However, even after doing your due diligence, you might still find yourself in a fix at the airport. Even though the TSA allows hemp-derived products, it's up to the TSA agent to decide whether they will confiscate them.

You can prevent this by ensuring you read the state laws to the tiniest detail. You should also bring your delta 9 in its original packaging, and if you have just bought one, keep it sealed until you reach your destination.

Some reputable delta 9 brands will provide documentation explaining the laws related to hemp products. Bring this with you if you have it to help explain the differences to TSA agents.

Can You Travel With Delta 9 Internationally?

Generally, you should NOT fly to a different country with your delta 9 products, especially if you need clarification on their legal standing on hemp products. Some countries have stricter laws that may include hefty fines and even jail time. Even if allowed, you might still be subjected to detailed searches and long hours in the waiting room while airport agents sort things out.

Like traveling in the U.S., the answer here also depends on the country you're traveling to. There are countries worldwide where hemp is legal, while in others, all forms of cannabis remain illegal.

As far as traveling internationally with delta 9, you have two options:

• Either you conduct heavy research, ensure you understand the laws regarding hemp and delta 9, particularly in your destination, and ensure they are entirely legalized.
• Or, you leave your delta 9 products at home and purchase some in the country you're traveling to when you arrive.

Can Dogs Smell Delta 9?

Detection dogs are trained to pick up various substances' scents, including cannabis and its derivatives. However, most delta 9 products are made with pure isolated delta 9, which has no odor.

Additional Precautions

Taking delta 9 on a plane is not a very smart idea. If you're taking delta 9 because you rely on it for wellness, it requires research and documentation. Also, although you might get your delta 9 on the plane, there's a fair chance you spend a substantial amount of time explaining yourself to TSA.

These precautions also apply to other cannabinoids outside of delta 9. If you take some of these items to the airport, they might get confiscated and disposed of. Therefore, it's best to leave most of your delta 9 products at home and only take what you can take chances with.

While traveling with delta 9, understand that the legal ground is still shifting, and the staff at the airport might not be aware of this. Although you might educate them, it might take valuable time and effort and requires luck for success.