Regulations surrounding the legalization of cannabis have been changing from coast to coast in recent years, and it wasn’t going to be long before the rulings affected the realm of airplane travel. As of last month, one airport in California will openly allow you to carry cannabis on board. While it may seem like an incredible headline, the truth of the matter is that this has been a long time coming. In our position as the largest cannabis dispensary in Vegas, we believe it could be the first of many.
So, which airport made the announcement and what else needs to be known about the changes? Let’s find out.
LAX now allows carry-on cannabis
Los Angeles International Airport, otherwise known as LAX, is one of the busiest airports in America, carrying around 85 million passengers in 2017 with figures expected to climb once more in 2018. Now, it is also the first domestic airport to specifically allow marijuana to be included in a passenger’s carry-on.
Most airports based in regions that allow cannabis usage has yet to establish specific regulations regarding marijuana while others have outright banned it irrespective of state regulations. Many believe that LAX will pave the way for others to follow suit, a belief that is echoed by our cannabis entertainment complex.
The decision comes following the passing of California’s Proposition 64, regarding the legalization of marijuana throughout the state, which came into effect on January 1, 2018. The passing of the airport’s ruling takes immediate effect following the announcement made on their website last month. Unsurprisingly, though, you won’t be permitted to suddenly spark up and get high at the terminal or during your flight.
LAX’s rules regarding carry-on cannabis
Los Angeles International Airport has adopted a liberal stance in allowing cannabis in any form. However, the airport is keen to act in line with the regulations established by the California state authorities.
Following the passing of Proposition 64, the following criteria must be met for people to legally carry marijuana at LAX – or anywhere else throughout the state for that matter;
- Users must be aged 21 or over
- Users can carry a limit of 28.5 grams of marijuana
- Users can carry a limit of 8 grams of concentrated marijuana
- Users can only carry cannabis that is intended for personal use.
Assuming those conditions are met, the Los Angeles Police Department will happily allow you to pass through the airport with cannabis included in your carry-on luggage. However, you will not be allowed to use the marijuana anywhere inside the airport itself- this includes both the arrivals and departures for all nine terminals.
What Else Needs To Be Considered?
Being able to take marijuana through Los Angeles International Airport without fear of facing confiscations or convictions is certainly a major step in the right direction. However, as a responsible adult, it’s vital that you learn to appreciate the full situation.
For starters, you need to make the basic precautions to ensure that nobody under the age of 21 can suddenly access the cannabis. Likewise, you need to be certain that you do not overstep the quantity limits – after all, this would be breaking the state law as well as the rules at LAX.
Moreover, the fact that you are traveling on a plane needs to be considered. Even if you’re taking a domestic flight, it’s very likely that you’ll be leaving CA. Once you land in the new territory, you need to live by their rules. So if the state or country that you’re visiting does not permit the personal possession of cannabis, you could be at risk of severe punishments.
On a similar note, some airports aren’t particularly pleased to have passengers enter with marijuana, even when it’s legal in the state. Finally, if you’re planning to make a return flight to LAX with marijuana in your carry-on, the departure airport is more than capable of confiscating the cannabis before you fly.
The changes at LAX are certainly the next step in an ever-changing landscape. Still, you need to take personal responsibility to understand the full situation. Otherwise, you could be set for a nasty surprise.
Where to buy legal marijuana
When buying marijuana, even in a state where it is permitted, you must only use licensed vendors. Our Las Vegas strip dispensary is the perfect solution for anyone in Nevada.
