Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect a TSA statement that its medical marijuana policy has not changed. If illegal substances are found during screening, TSA refers the matter to law enforcement.
Antlers, artificial skeleton bones, and a tortilla press are all things you can bring on in a carry-on or checked bag at airports across the nation without special instructions. Your marijuana stash? Slow down.
Under the Transportation Security Administration‘s “What Can I Bring” guidelines, travelers can bring medical marijuana when traveling, but with special instructions.
However, in places like Texas, the use of traditional cannabis is still illegal for recreational use, and strict rules apply to its use for medicinal purposes.
Whether you use medical marijuana marijuana or for recreational purposes — where legal — here’s what you need to know about the TSA’s guidance and when traveling to Texas.
Is weed legal in Texas?
No under state and federal law.
However, hemp-derived products have created a legal gray area since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp for agricultural commodities, like fiber and food products — such as hemp seed and oil.
Texas has moved to restrict hemp-derived products like delta-8 and THCA flower — which can create similar effects of delta-9 THC, the main intoxicating compound in cannabis, often called weed — though the legal status remains contested.
Ariya Lopez carries a Texas flag with a marijuana leaf as the star while members of the Freedom Act Lubbock movement deliver petition signatures to the Lubbock city secretary, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, at Citizens Tower.
Can I bring weed on my flight?
Under TSA’s medicinal marijuana policy, officers are technically not looking for “illegal drugs” but will report them if found during security screenings.
“TSA’s screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers,” reads TSA’s policy. “Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for illegal drugs, but if any illegal substance or evidence of criminal activity is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.”
TSA noted that the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer.
A spokesperson for TSA clarified to USA TODAY that TSA’s policy on medical marijuana has not changed.
Marijuana flags are seen as protesters gather to smoke marijuana on steps of the U.S. Capitol to tell Congress to “De-schedule Cannabis Now” in Washington, D.C., on April 24, 2017.
What happens if TSA catches me with weed at the airport?
As a reminder, weed is still illegal at the federal level.
Recently, on April 23, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order that moves marijuana products approved by the Food and Drug Administration or licensed for medical use by states to the less strict Schedule III after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Dec. 18, 2025, to loosen the federal regulations on marijuana.
President Donald Trump holds a signed executive order in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, on Dec. 18, 2025, recommending loosening the federal regulations on marijuana.
Previously, weed was classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act by the National Conference of State Legislatures.
As the policy states, agents — who are under the federal government — will refer the matter to law enforcement agents.
Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him at mrosiles@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: TSA medical marijuana rule as weed remains illegal in Texas
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