A guide to traveling with cannabis safely
Cannabis tourism is already being praised as a possible solution to the pandemic that caused damage to the economy, and that could very well be true. However, it’s not always easy or how one might envision the journey. Cannabis enthusiasts who want to travel absolutely should, but they must also be sure to follow these rules, that is, if they want to enjoy this endeavour without any unexpected bumps in the road.
Never drive high
No matter how 420-friendly a place might be, driving high is always illegal and, in most cases, treated in much the same way as alcohol. Of course, it’s much more difficult to test for cannabis impairment. Still, being stopped and punished for this irresponsible act is highly likely, especially if you’re toking it up in the vehicle you’re traveling in. The smell alone could be enough to warrant a burdensome stop, so avoid it altogether wherever possible.
If you want to indulge, seek out lounges
Lounges offer the ideal place to sit back, unwind, stretch, and get high, so why not take advantage of the ones you come across along the way. Of course, not all places have or even allow such businesses, but this will always be the safest, most comfortable place to indulge and wait out the effects before getting back on the road. Some even provide entertainment, like comedians, music, arcades, or game systems, and most will feed you too, so swing by and check them out instead of hopping out at public parks or other spaces where it might be hard to tell or know what’s allowed.
Avoid flying
Even if you’re traveling within a legal state or country, it’s never a good idea to fly with cannabis because unexpected layovers and stops happen all the time, be it due to mechanical issues or some other unforeseen circumstance. If you land with cannabis in your possession, where merely having it is a criminal offense, you could risk being detained, charged, or jailed, and no one wants that. So instead of trying to figure out how to fly with weed by hiding it, just leave your stash at home if you can because it’s safer, which brings us to our next point.
Travel with as little as possible
Every state and country has different rules when it comes to how much cannabis one person may possess, as well as maximum thresholds for cannabinoid content, and if you’re going to travel with cannabis long distance, then it’s likely safest to bring as little as possible with you. That way, you can stop at licensed shops, which can help you to learn about the local restrictions and buy enough products to get you through until you come across another one on the journey. Though not always necessary, it’s certainly one of the easiest ways to ensure you don’t get into trouble.
Learn storage rules (and abide by them)
Much like with alcohol, how it must be stored while you travel will differ greatly from one place to the next. Some might require that cannabis products stay in sealed packages, others may demand it is kept as far out of reach from the driver as possible, and a few go so far as forcing motor vehicle operators to keep anything cannabis-related in the trunk. Breaking these rules could result in fines, jail time, and other problems along your journey, so it’s easier to stay one step ahead by learning what’s expected of you and making a commitment to do it right.
