As the holidays start rolling in, it’s time to start thinking about vacation time, travel, and ways to wind down and relax. If you’re planning on visiting friends and family over state lines, it’s essential to mind state legislation when traveling with weed. In Illinois, traveling with medical marijuana and recreational marijuana is legal, but there are some rules to familiarize yourself with first. Below we’ve compiled some quick reminders for when you take your weed on the road.
Marijuana in other states
Depending on your destination, you may need to research which varieties of cannabis products are legal to purchase and use—for example, compared to the states that neighbor Illinois, our state has some of the most relaxed marijuana laws. States that border Illinois either prohibit recreational use or are more strict in their medical cannabis programs.
As always, remember that private establishments may have their own rules about cannabis and the like. We recommend staying at a “420 friendly” establishment that allows you to consume or smoke marijuana while present. Cannabis-friendly inns, hotels, and BnBs are growing in popularity as marijuana becomes legal across the US, so check to see if any such establishments are near your destination.
Regardless of where you are driving, it’s important to note that it is still illegal to transport marijuana across state lines. Driving from one legal state to another legal state is still technically against the law — meaning that recreational and medicinal products purchased from EarthMed will need to stay in Illinois. This also means that you cannot take edibles over state lines. The same goes for vapes, extracts, topicals, and other cannabis infused products. We also recommend leaving your smoking accessories at home when traveling across state lines — only items intended for tobacco use are permitted when traveling from one state to another.
Marijuana in the car
When you’re staying in the state, avoiding public transit and driving your own vehicle is the best way to travel with weed. While traveling throughout Illinois for extended periods with marijuana in the car, it’s important to mind the laws about how to drive with weed. In Illinois, remember that you are not permitted to have marijuana products out while on the road. This rule applies to both the driver and all passengers in the vehicle. While on the road, marijuana products need to be in a sealed, odor-proof, and child-resistant container at all times. A zip-lock bag simply won’t do! Marijuana enthusiasts should equip themselves with a smell-proof weed case to keep all of their edibles, vape, and other cannabis products and accessories in one place.
As mentioned above, traveling with marijuana over state lines is prohibited. So if you plan to smoke weed in another state, you’ll have to purchase it there when you arrive. When planning your road trip, try to research the state-by-state laws and guidelines for purchasing and traveling with cannabis products.
Remember that while it is legal to drive with marijuana, you should never bring cannabis onto planes, trains, or any other means of public transportation. Follow this rule even if you aren’t leaving the state.
Can You Bring Weed on an Airplane?
No, you cannot bring weed or any cannabis products on an airplane, as it is illegal under federal law. Even though many states have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use, airports adhere to federal laws and regulations, which consider cannabis a controlled substance. You can always visit a dispensary near O’Hare airport once you’ve safely arrived in the city of Chicago.
Can You Bring Weed on a Train?
Traveling with cannabis on a train is not as clear cut as it is on an airplane. In states where cannabis is legal for medical or recreational use, there may be specific rules regarding its transportation. Before you decide to travel with weed on a train, it’s crucial to research the specific laws and regulations of the departure and destination locations, as well as any areas you may pass through during your journey.
With more states legalizing recreational marijuana and medical cannabis — and federal legalization hopefully coming soon — the last thing you want is a silly weed charge on your record. Crossing state lines with THC products, even between two states where marijuana is legal, can be considered a violation of federal law and can lead to legal consequences. Making sure that you adhere to the laws of wherever you are will help avoid an expensive headache. If you’re ever unsure where you can and can’t bring recreational and medicinal marijuana products, don’t guess! A quick and easy internet search will give you the information you need about traveling with weed.
Now, who wants to take a road trip? Hit me up on social media, and let’s spark up a conversation about it!
