The fact that marijuana is legal in 20 states has left the TSA unable to establish clear guidelines on traveling with it. Even though marijuana is legal in those states, it's still illegal under federal law and the TSA is a federal agency. But, as the New York Daily News mentions, the agency's website says that they aren't searching for weed.
"TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other drugs. In the event a substance that appears to be marijuana is observed during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer," the TSA explains. Still, this doesn't mean that a passenger will be turned over to authorities if marijuana is discovered in their bag.
The Daily News says that some passengers have given their paperwork to TSA agents in states where the drug is legal and been allowed to proceed with it and without conflict.
This gray area has left marijuana enthusiasts delighted. "I’m delighted to hear that because I think it shows that TSA primarily is acting as it was intended when it was established, to protect all of us when we travel on the airlines and to thwart terrorists. It is not supposed to be an anti-drug agency," says National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws attorney and founder Keith Stroup.
[via New York Daily News]
