Marijuana is now legal in some form in more than half of the United States. This has led to much confusion about how marijuana laws work. That’s why you’ll find even though marijuana is legal in your state, you can’t smoke it everywhere. The laws around marijuana are complicated, and the penalties for getting caught smoking marijuana while traveling can be severe. Here are six tips to help you avoid trouble while enjoying marijuana on your next trip.
1. Know the Laws in Your Destination State
As marijuana becomes more and more legal across the United States, it’s essential to be aware of the laws in each state. Even if marijuana is legal in your destination state, that doesn’t mean you can bring it. Most states have laws against bringing marijuana across state lines, even if those states have legalized marijuana. So before you head out on your next trip, make sure you know the laws of the state you’re visiting.
The best way to stay out of trouble is to use marijuana responsibly. Fortunately, some states have legalized marijuana specifically to reduce problems associated with recreational drug use, such as impaired driving or addiction. The state of Arizona, for example, has legalized marijuana in an effort to reduce impaired driving and addiction. That means recreational marijuana is legal in Arizona and you can enjoy it responsibly there without worrying about getting in trouble. So, before you take your next trip, research the laws and regulations of marijuana in the state you’ll be visiting. This will help ensure you can enjoy marijuana without endangering yourself or others on the road.
2. Don’t Smoke Marijuana in Public
Marijuana is now legal in some states for recreational use, but that doesn’t mean you can light up a joint anywhere you please. Smoking marijuana in public is still illegal and could lead to fines or jail time. If you’re caught smoking marijuana in public, you could be fined up to $2,500 or spend up to six months in jail.
In some states where marijuana is legal, such as Washington and Colorado, there may be designated areas where you can legally smoke. These areas are often called “cannabis clubs” or “pot lounges,” and they allow users to enjoy their marijuana in a safe and regulated environment.
If you’re traveling through states that have not legalized recreational marijuana, it’s best to avoid smoking in public altogether. That means no lighting up on the street, at restaurants, or even in your hotel room.
3. Keep Your Marijuana Out of Sight and Locked Up
Since marijuana is still technically illegal under federal law, there are strict regulations about how you can carry and transport it when traveling. The best way to ensure you don’t run afoul of the law is to keep your marijuana out of sight and locked up whenever possible.
This means never carrying more than the legal limit, which can vary from state to state. It also means locking your marijuana in the trunk of your car or keeping it somewhere where it’s not easily visible. While you technically have the right to transport marijuana across state lines, it’s always best to play it safe and keep your marijuana hidden from view.
4. Don’t Drive Under the Influence of Marijuana
Though some states allow the recreational use of marijuana, driving under the influence is still illegal in all 50 states. If you get pulled over and found driving under the influence of marijuana, you could face legal penalties such as fines or jail time.
If you’re planning on smoking marijuana during your trip, it’s best to plan out a safe way to get home before you start puffing. This may mean having a designated driver who won’t smoke or use a ride-sharing service like Uber. Alternatively, you can use apps like Lyft or Way2Ride to find a nearby hotel with a shuttle service.
5. Be Careful If You’re Traveling with Marijuana on an Airplane
Though marijuana is now legal in some states, it’s still treated as a controlled substance by the TSA and other airport security agencies. That means that if you’re traveling with marijuana, even in small amounts, you could be subject to several serious penalties
If TSA agents find marijuana in your luggage, they can confiscate it and hand it to local law enforcement. If the amount is large enough, or if you have other substances like concentrated cannabis oil that’s illegal under federal law, you could be arrested.
So if you’re traveling with marijuana on an airplane, it’s important to follow the same rules that apply at airports in states where recreational marijuana is legal. That means keeping your cannabis locked up and out of sight while passing through security checkpoints and never transporting more than the legal limit.
6. Respect the Needs of Other Travelers
Traveling can be a great way to experience new cultures and see the world. But it can also be challenging, especially when sharing close quarters with strangers. If you want your trip to be as smooth as possible, it’s important to remember a few basic etiquette rules.
Respecting the needs of other travelers is one of the most important things you can do to ensure everyone has a good time. Here are a few tips on how to do that:
- Be considerate of others when choosing your seat: When picking a seat on an airplane or train, try to choose one that’s not right in front of or behind someone else. Try to leave enough room for people to move past you without having to squeeze by. And if you’re traveling with children, always try to sit near them so you can keep an eye on them.
- Keep your noise level down: It can be tempting to blast your music or talk loudly on the phone while traveling, but doing so can be annoying for your fellow passengers. Keep your noise level down whenever possible, and save the loud conversations outside the traveling vessel.
- Respect people’s personal space: When traveling, it’s important to give others their space. Avoid crowding them in line or standing too close when waiting for a bus or train. And if you notice someone looking stressed or uncomfortable, try asking them how they’re doing and offering any help you can.
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your next travel experience is positive for everyone involved. Whether solo or with a group, remember always to be courteous and considerate of those around you. By exercising caution and discretion, you can enjoy marijuana while traveling without legal trouble.
