FLYING WITH MARY JANE

I actually saw this story yesterday and thought it was a rather interesting thought. Yes, it's about the TSA again. Trust me; I'm not picking on you guys! It's just a coincidence!

Anyway, with state laws rapidly changing in regards to the legality of marijuana use, the Transportation Safety Administration, or the TSA, is struggling to present a clear message whether it permit airline passengers to fly with a bag of weed. As a federal agency, the TSA remains bound to enforce federal law, although, medical marijuana use has been legalized in 20 states, and recreational use of the drug has been approved in two states, but marijuana remains outlawed on a federal level. 

However, that being said, on their website, the TSA makes it clear that its agents are NOT searching out the drug. It states: "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 official. Whether or not marijuana is considered 'medical marijuana' under local law is not relevant to TSA screening because TSA is governed by federal law and federal law provides no basis to treat medical marijuana any differently than non-medical marijuana." So, basically, they are saying that the discovery of pot in someone's carry-on or checked bag does not automatically mean that a passenger will be turned over to local police. The agency added that the final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane. 

Quantity may be the key to the TSA's response also. On September 25, TSA agents at LAX discovered 100 pounds marijuana showed up in a passenger's checked luggage. The marijuana was valued at $300,000 and was promptly handed over to the DEA agents and the LAPD, though the owner of the luggage was never located. In some states where medical marijuana is legal, passengers have reported presenting their paperwork to TSA agents, who have allowed them to continue onto flights with their pot. That hesitance to intervene has marijuana rights activists smiling from ear to ear. 

I have to be honest, that bag in the picture looks really nice! I'm only kidding! In being honest, even if they did allow it on planes, I still don't think I would carry it on. It's too much of a hassle. Just buy some at your destination if you're that desperate. I mean 100 pounds is a bit much, but I doubt the TSA will nab you for a dime bag or a 20-bag or something like that. Besides, the TSA will let a 9-year-old boy fly from Minneapolis to Las Vegas. Do you really think they're capable of catching you with marijuana? See how I did that? Full circle!