Traveling with a cannabis vape pen can be confusing because it sits at the crossroads of federal, state, and airline regulations. While cannabis laws continue to evolve, flying with any THC-containing product still poses risks under federal law.

Federal law and TSA policy

Under federal law, marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operates under federal jurisdiction and explicitly prohibits marijuana and most cannabis-infused products. The only exception is hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC, as defined by the 2018 Farm Bill.

TSA officers do not specifically search for cannabis but must refer any discovery of suspected marijuana to airport law enforcement. Even when traveling between two legal states, the moment you enter a TSA checkpoint, you are under federal authority.

Vape device regulations

Vape pens themselves are legal to carry on airplanes under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) battery safety rules. Devices containing lithium-ion batteries must be packed in carry-on bags only and should be powered off to prevent accidental activation. The FAA and all major airlines prohibit using or charging vape devices during flights.

Hemp vs. marijuana distinctions

Hemp and marijuana are both derived from the cannabis plant but treated very differently under the law. Hemp products with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC are federally legal, while any cartridge with higher THC levels remains illegal to transport by air. TSA screeners cannot verify THC concentration on-site, so even hemp vapes may be seized if there is doubt about their contents. Carrying a certificate of analysis (COA) from a licensed lab can help demonstrate compliance but does not guarantee acceptance.

Airport and state-specific differences

Airports apply their own interpretations of cannabis policy, often blending local and federal rules. For example, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) acknowledges California’s legalization and allows possession under state limits, but Denver International (DEN) and Harry Reid International (LAS) strictly prohibit cannabis on airport property. Even within legal states, possession or transport of marijuana through federally controlled zones can result in confiscation or referral to local authorities.

Travelers should also consider arrival rules. A product legal in one state may not be legal in another. For instance, some states ban synthetic or intoxicating hemp derivatives like delta-8 THC, which means a “legal” vape from one jurisdiction could trigger enforcement elsewhere.

Airline restrictions

All U.S. airlines prohibit marijuana in any form on their flights. This includes flights between two states where cannabis is legal. Even hemp-derived vapes may be subject to inspection, as airline policies often err on the side of federal law.

Key takeaway

While you can legally carry the device under FAA guidelines, carrying THC-containing cartridges remains federally prohibited. Hemp vapes technically qualify under federal standards if they meet the THC threshold, but enforcement varies between airports and states. The safest approach is to travel with an empty vape pen and purchase compliant products upon arrival.

The bottom line for travelers

Air travel regulations around cannabis remain strict and inconsistent. The device itself may pass TSA screening, but the oil inside determines legality. Until federal law changes, anyone traveling with a cannabis vape pen should assume risk—especially when crossing state lines. When uncertain, it’s best to leave THC products behind and buy legal options at your destination.