The legalization of marijuana in Colorado and Washington is raising a number of questions that go beyond the recreational use of pot. Complicating factors include state versus federal laws, zoning laws for dispensaries, and now air travel. The Gazette is reporting that so-called 'amnesty' boxes have recently been installed at the Colorado Springs Airport. At the boxes, passengers can dispose of their marijuana before going through security. This is similar to the mail-back program which began springing up at airports as stricter regulations took effect, except that your goods do not get sent back to you, but are destroyed.
Although possession is allowed up to the parking lot in Colorado, different airports, within the same state even, have taken different stances as to how far you can get into airports with weed and the consequences if you get caught can vary widely depending on a number of factors that involve the TSA, county and other federal agencies. According to a CNN report, the Denver airport is taking a harder line with a complete ban on the premises while in Washington, any legal amount is allowed inside airports.
John, a resident of Seattle stated, "The new regulations have meant little change for me. For a long time marijuana has been a very low enforcement priority for the police here. However it's still important to be smart about your usage. No one wants to be the first driving under the influence of marijuana bust, and obviously taking it across state lines is really not worth the risk."
In no cases is it legal to fly while possessing weed, even if you're going from say Colorado Springs to Seattle. That's because federal laws restricting marijuana are still in effect. Plus if you're going to any of the 48 other states where it's still illegal, the consequences could be pretty serious since it is would be a direct violation of federal law if you get caught. However enforcement may be an increasing challenging. With more and more products ranging from cookies to gummy bears making their way onto the market, traditional screening techniques may lag behind accurate detection.
Only time will tell how this issue plays out across the country, but your best bet for now? Think ahead and leave it at home before heading to catch your flight.
