WICHITA, Kan., June 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Traveling with
marijuana, whether domestically or internationally, can have
profound legal implications depending on where you are and the
jurisdiction you're traveling to or through. While attitudes
towards cannabis continue to evolve globally, it's still important
for travelers to understand the laws surrounding interstate travel
and to be aware of the potential consequences they may face if
caught with marijuana in their possession. Our drug crimes lawyers
in Wichita at the McConnell
Law Firm have years of experience defending clients facing
drug charges and are detailing everything you need to know before
stepping foot on a plane!
Domestic Travel
In countries like the United
States, where cannabis laws vary from state to state,
traveling with marijuana within state borders can be complex. While
some states have legalized recreational and medical marijuana,
others still impose strict penalties for possession and
transportation. Here's what you need to know.
Legal States:
In states where
marijuana is legal for recreational or medical use, individuals can
typically travel within the state with a certain amount of cannabis
as long as they adhere to local regulations. However, it's
essential to be aware of possession limits and consumption
restrictions, as exceeding these limits or consuming marijuana in
prohibited areas can still result in legal consequences. Whether
traveling within the state or not, you are still restricted
from carrying marijuana through an airport and transporting it via
air travel.
Non-Legal States:
Traveling with
marijuana in states where it is illegal can lead to criminal
charges, even if the individual obtained the cannabis legally in
another state. Crossing state lines with marijuana, even between
two neighboring states where it's legal, can constitute a federal
offense under the Controlled Substances Act. Because TSA
security stations are considered federal jurisdiction, they must
abide by all federal laws. This means that traveling with marijuana
through a TSA security checkpoint can result in criminal charges,
regardless of whether you're traveling to or from a legal
state.
"Flying with cannabis is illegal, even if you're traveling from
one legal state to another," said Jonathan
W. McConnell, founding drug crimes attorney at the McConnell
Law Firm. "Once you're in the air, the federal government has sole
jurisdiction, meaning you could be committing a federal offense,
resulting in serious penalties."
Legal Consequences
The legal consequences of traveling with marijuana can vary
widely depending on jurisdiction and the type and amount of the
substances confiscated. If you get caught with cannabis at a TSA
checkpoint, they will confiscate the drug from your person and may
report the incident to authorities. Some potential ramifications
include:
Confiscation—Law enforcement agencies may
confiscate any marijuana or related paraphernalia found during a
search.
Criminal Charges—Travelers caught with marijuana may face
criminal charges ranging from misdemeanor possession to felony drug
trafficking, depending on the quantity and intent.
Fines and Penalties—In addition to criminal charges,
individuals may incur fines, probation, community service, or other
court-mandated penalties.
Immigration Consequences—Non-citizens caught with marijuana,
whether at a domestic checkpoint or international border, may face
immigration consequences, including denial of entry, deportation,
or visa revocation.
"While certain states are becoming more lax with laws regarding
recreational and medical cannabis use, it's important to understand
that cannabis is not legalized at the federal level," said
McConnell. "With this in mind, it's best to take all necessary
precautions when traveling, as air travel is considered federal
jurisdiction. And the best precaution you can take is to avoid
traveling with marijuana or any drug, legalized within your state
or not."
Have You Been Accused?
If you need assistance with a drug charge, we encourage you to
contact the McConnell Law Firm as soon as possible. While every
case is different, and no conclusions should be drawn without first
consulting a drug crimes lawyer in Wichita about the specifics of your case, it
is always in your best interest to have a skilled attorney by your
side from the beginning.
Request a Free Consultation
Do you or a loved one need the assistance of an expert drug
crimes lawyer in Wichita? We
encourage you to contact the McConnell Law Firm at (316) 243-5903
for a free consultation.
jonathanwmcconnell.com
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