Planning your next big adventure? We're super jealous! Travel is one of the best things you can do. Especially when you're bringing some cannabis in tow!

That said, bringing edibles to your destination can be easier said than done. Whether you're flying across the country for a month-long vacation or just taking a quick trip to see your family for the holidays, you might be wondering if you can bring your favorite products along for the ride.

The short answer? Maybe. The longer answer involves a bit of nuance, particularly when it comes to legality and best practices for traveling with edibles. So let's dive into the rules, tips, and strategies for safely and legally traveling with edibles so you can enjoy your trip without unnecessary stress.

Before we get there, though, let's first define exactly what we're talking about.

Understanding Edibles: What Are They?

For our purposes, when we say "edibles" here, we're referring to cannabis-infused food products that deliver cannabinoids like THC or CBD into your system through digestion. Popular forms of edibles include gummies, chocolates, and baked goods. For the most part, they're discreet, easy to dose, and offer long-lasting effects, making them a go-to choice for many cannabis enthusiasts.

But when it comes to travel, the legality of your edibles depends on a few factors like their composition and the laws governing cannabis where you're leaving from and where you're going. So let's start this whole discussion by answering one of the big questions first. Or trying to, at least.

Can You Fly with Edibles?

As with most things in life, the answer to this isn't clear-cut. The rules for flying with edibles depend on the type of edibles you have, where you're flying from, and where you're flying to. Here's what you need to know:

Domestic Flights in the U.S.

If your edibles are hemp-derived and contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight, you're in the clear to fly with them domestically. The Transportation Security Administration TSA follows federal guidelines, which means they allow hemp-derived products that meet federal regulations. The good news? All of Sherpa's products are compliant with this regulation. Travel with any of our products, totally hassle-free!

International Flights

Traveling internationally with edibles is a whole different ballgame. Even if they're hemp-derived, the legality of cannabis products varies greatly from one country to another. In Canada for instance, cannabis is fully legal for recreational use, but you're prohibited from transporting it across international borders. In Europe and Asia, some countries have embraced cannabis products, while others maintain strict bans that can get you into serious trouble if you ignore them.

Before packing your edibles, do a lot of research on the cannabis laws in your destination country. Failing to do so could result in confiscation, fines, or even arrest. If you're in doubt, the best thing to do is leave them behind.

What Does the TSA Say About Edibles?

So rather than leave it up to chance, the good news is the Transportation Security Administration has given some pretty specific guidance on traveling with cannabis products — including edibles. According to their website:

TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs. However, if any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.

This underscores a pretty important point — the TSA's primary focus is on aviation security, not enforcing drug laws. Their job is to detect and prevent threats like weapons or explosives from boarding an aircraft, not your sack of 12mg gummies.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you bought your edibles from Sherpa, they are compliant with the 2018 Farm Bill, containing less than 0.3% hemp-derived THC by dry weight. This means they are federally legal. Provided the edibles are clearly labeled, you should be fine.

That said, if you're traveling with marijuana-derived edibles, things can become more complicated. While TSA officers are not specifically looking for marijuana products, they are obligated to act if they find substances that exceed federal THC limits or are otherwise illegal. If that happens, they're obligated to get law enforcement involved. Best to leave those edibles at home.

Why Packaging Matters

Because it's pretty much impossible to distinguish between hemp-derived and marijuana-derived products on sight, having edibles in their original packaging with clear labeling is really important. This allows TSA agents to quickly verify the product's legality and may save you from unnecessary delays or escalations. You might think it makes sense to put them in some other container, but trust us — this can just lead to even bigger headaches.

With that in mind, here are a few more tips for taking your edibles on that work trip with you.

Tips for Traveling with Edibles

Traveling with edibles can feel a bit nerve-wracking, especially with the patchwork of laws and regulations governing cannabis products. But with some thought and a little discretion, you can enjoy a smooth, stress-free trip. Here's what you should keep in mind:

Choose Hemp-Derived Products

If you're going to be traveling, it's best to stick with edibles that comply with federal laws — specifically those outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill. Hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight are federally legal and less likely to raise concerns at security checkpoints. Avoid marijuana-derived edibles unless you're staying within a state where they're explicitly legal. Even then, you might want to use discretion. Just because it's legal doesn't mean that you won't get into trouble if you bump into an overly zealous law enforcement agent.

Keep Original Packaging

So the importance of original packaging can't be overstated. This packaging typically includes vital information, such as cannabinoid content, THC levels, and compliance with legal limits. Having edibles in their original wrappers or containers provides clear evidence of their legality and can help you avoid misunderstandings with security personnel. We really can't recommend taking homemade edibles with you, as they can easily be confused with illegal substances and get you into trouble.

Use Smell-Proof Containers

While edibles don't emit the same strong smell as cannabis flower does, the smell can still attract unwanted attention — especially from drug dogs. These specifically designed containers not only keep odors contained but also protect your edibles from air, moisture, and accidental damage during transit. Keep them in the original packaging, but stick the packages in these containers — that way if someone wants to see what you have, you're not going to have a bunch of loose gummies in a weird jar. That'll look suspicious.

Pack Them Discreetly

Presentation matters when traveling with edibles. Packing your gummies, chocolates, or other infused snacks alongside similar non-cannabis items — such as regular snacks or toiletries — helps them blend in. Avoid flashy or cannabis-themed accessories that could get you unwanted attention. Yeah, it's technically legal, but you don't want to step on any toes.

Know Your Destination's Laws

Cannabis laws vary widely, even between regions in the same country. Before you pack, research the cannabis regulations at your destination as well as any locations you might pass through along the way. For instance, hemp-derived edibles may be federally legal in the U.S., but restrictions in certain countries might still prohibit their possession or use over there. The last thing you want to do is have to explain yourself in a language you barely understand at customs to angry law enforcement officers. Not a great way to start your vacation.

Carry Proof of Purchase

If you followed our advice and purchased your edibles from a reputable retailer like Sherpa, you should absolutely keep your proof of purchase. This can act as additional evidence that the product is compliant with legal standards, especially if questions arise during your travels.

And speaking of those questions, let's talk about what you should do if someone stops you while you're traveling with cannabis.

What to Do If You're Stopped by Security

If your edibles are discovered during a security check, it's important to handle the situation calmly and thoughtfully. Security personnel are doing their job, and how you respond can make a significant difference in the outcome. Here's how to navigate this scenario:

Stay Calm and Polite

First things first, as best you can, remain composed. Panicking or becoming defensive can escalate the situation and end with you in handcuffs. Take a deep breath and approach the interaction as you would any other routine conversation. Security personnel are trained to spot nervous behavior, so maintaining your composure will be in your best interest.

Explain the Legality

Again, if you took our advice and bought from Sherpa, your edibles are all hemp-derived and compliant with the 2018 Farm Bill. This means you can confidently explain their legality, especially if you have the original packaging. These clear labels indicate the product's cannabinoid content and legal compliance, which can serve as evidence to support you if someone is asking a lot of questions.

If the security officer is unfamiliar with cannabis regulations — which can happen — calmly and respectfully share this information. Avoid becoming argumentative. Remember, your goal is to clarify, not create conflict. Don't talk down to anyone; that's not going to go in your favor.

Cooperate Fully

Arguing or resisting authority is unlikely to end well. Instead, answer questions honestly and provide any requested documentation, such as proof of purchase or product labels. Remember, TSA agents are not law enforcement officers, but they may call in local authorities if they believe further investigation is needed. You want to do everything you can to help de-escalate the situation and prevent unnecessary complications.

Be Prepared to Toss 'Em

If security personnel say that you dispose of your edibles, you absolutely should. While losing your products is frustrating, chucking them is far better than missing your flight or dealing with unnecessary legal issues. And if you start causing a scene, that's exactly what's going to happen. Just chuck the edibles and move on with your day. You can always order more from Sherpa when you get to where you're going.

By staying calm, cooperative, and informed, you can significantly reduce the chances of a stressful encounter with security. With proper preparation, such situations are rare, but knowing how to handle them can give you peace of mind when traveling with edibles.

So What's the Verdict? Should You Travel with Edibles?

The bottom line is that traveling with edibles can be done safely and legally, but it requires careful planning and adherence to the rules. You really need to stick to hemp-derived products — like those sold by Sherpa. You also need to understand the laws of your destination and pack with discretion to minimize any potential issues.

Remember, the key to a stress-free journey is preparation. By researching the legality of edibles and following the tips outlined in this guide, you can confidently bring your favorite cannabis treats along for the ride. Happy travels, and enjoy your edibles responsibly!