Does the TSA Still Care About Medical Marijuana? It Depends
Luciana Mangas June 28, 2016
The TSA responds to the issue — and the news isn’t great for patients being treated with cannabis.
The use of medical marijuana has always been a sensitive subject in the United States. Even though 25 states and territories already allow the use of the substance for medical treatment, the use, transportation and possession of the substance is still a crime under federal law. That can make traveling a hassle for people who are being treated with medical cannabis.
Elite Daily via The Weed Blog contacted the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) about carrying medical marijuana when traveling within the United States, and found out that even though the TSA has no specific regulation about cannabis, “possessing marijuana in any detectable amount is a crime under Federal law. Further, it is a crime under the laws of many States to possess or transport marijuana.”
The use of medical cannabis can alleviate the symptoms of a number of diseases, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. Although some studies have confirmed the effectiveness of the use of medical marijuana on patients with such illnesses, the TSA says that possession of the substance is still a crime.
According to a statement made by the TSA about travelling with cannabis in any form, when a passenger is caught carrying the substance, a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) must always call law enforcement, regardless of that passenger’s State-issued cannabis card or any other kind of documentation that attests that they are undergoing treatment with it.
“When this occurs, TSA’s standard operating procedures require TSOs to report evidence of potential crimes to law enforcement authorities. It is up to the responding law enforcement officer, not our TSOs, to evaluate the circumstances and decide whether to arrest a passenger or confiscate the illegal item,” the statement said.
[Photo: RoadWarriorVoices]
Sooner/later (and it won't be much later - a guarantee), this so-called gov't is going to have to deal w/ the reality of this situation; especially when it comes to Disabled Vets. America and the rest of the world is in its final war now. There is no such thing as of 'pulling out the troops'. That's been far and long gone. The VA WANTS TO STOP DISPERSING PAIN MEDS B/C OF THE SIDE EFFECTS SUCH AS LIVER EFFECTS AND ADDICTION (examples), yet they don't want to sign for medical marijuana which has the extreme least amount of side effects or addiction. More and more are coming home with much less body parts and this gov't doesn't even want to compensate those fairly and justly, financially or medically. Medical wise, what would you rather have that Vet on: pain "killers" (he/she could hallucinate and see you as the enemy - not a pretty outcome) or medical weed (just kick back and kool and it's pain free for everyone)?
That's my flight (on points and miles, of course)!