If you live in California and you’re at least 21 years old, you have a lot of options to buy marijuana products. The state has legalized marijuana for recreational use. California was one of the first, although the same is now true for about half of the United States.
This has led to some changes in perceptions about marijuana. Since it’s no longer an illegal drug, people approach it very casually. Views on it may be similar to the way they look at wine or beer.
As such, if you’re traveling to visit friends in another state, going on a road trip or something of this nature, it may feel very natural to put marijuana in your luggage and take it with you. But are you actually allowed to do this?
2 complications that could arise
First of all, if you’re going to a state that doesn’t allow recreational marijuana, you could certainly still be arrested for possession of an illegal drug. You can show your purchase receipts from the dispensary in California and tell the officer that you didn’t violate any laws when you bought your products—but that doesn’t necessarily matter if you’re in a state that strictly prohibits marijuana use.
Secondly, crossing state lines while you have marijuana in your possession is illegal under federal law. This is true whether you’re simply driving across state lines or flying on a major airline. Either way, if the products are discovered, you could face federal charges.
The way that marijuana laws have changed and shifted across the country has introduced a few complex situations that people need to be aware of. Those who find themselves facing drug charges must know what defense options they have.