Passengers traveling through LAX can now carry marijuana

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Marijuana is no longer illegal at Los Angeles International Airport

It is now legal for passengers traveling through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to possess small amounts of marijuana. Medical marijuana use in California was legalized in 1996 and recreational use in 2016. However, with LAX being overseen, to some degree, by federal regulations, the airport was off-limits. That has changed, but there are some restrictions.

Passengers traveling through LAX can only carry up to an ounce. Where they are heading could also present an issue. A spokesperson for the Transport Security Administration explains, “TSA’s focus is on terrorism and security threats to the aircraft and its passengers. Whether or not the passenger is allowed to travel with marijuana is up to law enforcement’s discretion.” In other words, it is still possible for someone in possession of marijuana to be arrested, depending on where their flight lands.

The airport confirmed the rule change on its website. It said, “In accordance with Proposition 64, the Los Angeles Airport Police Department will allow passengers to travel through LAX with up to 28.5 grams of marijuana and 8 grams of concentrated marijuana. However, passengers should be aware that marijuana laws vary state by state and they are encouraged to check the laws of the states in which they plan to travel.”

If you plan on traveling with marijuana, make sure your destination is one of the nine states that have already legalized recreational marijuana, or one of the 31 that allows public possession of medical marijuana (take your medical marijuana card). If traveling abroad, check the local laws before you head to the airport.