Travelers using medical marijuana should note a policy change from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) ahead of the busy summer travel season.
The TSA updated its guidance to list medical marijuana as permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage, subject to special instructions.
The update, reflected on the TSA’s official “What Can I Bring?” page last updated April 27, 2026, aligns with federal actions reclassifying certain FDA-approved marijuana products and state-licensed medical marijuana to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act.
TSA states that its screening procedures focus on security threats, not drugs. “TSA security officers do not search for illegal drugs, but if any illegal substance or evidence of criminal activity is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer,” according to the agency. The final decision rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint.
The change follows broader federal shifts under President Donald Trump. In December 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing increased medical marijuana and cannabidiol research. This led to an April 2026 Department of Justice action placing qualifying medical marijuana products into Schedule III.
An expedited administrative hearing process is scheduled to begin on June 29, 2026, to consider further rescheduling of marijuana.
The timeline of federal marijuana rescheduling 2022-2026 can be found here, per the Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law:
Texas operates a limited medical program through the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP), which The Dallas Express has covered extensively. Expansions under recent legislation added qualifying conditions such as chronic pain, increased the number of licensed dispensaries, and adjusted THC limits and delivery methods, yet awareness among patients and physicians remains low.
In March 2026, Texas implemented restrictions on smokable hemp and certain THC products while preserving the separate TCUP framework for qualified patients. The Dallas Express previously reported on Gov. Greg Abbott’s veto of broader THC bans and ongoing regulatory debates around hemp-derived products.
The federal Schedule III move eases tax burdens under Section 280E for compliant programs and supports additional research, but it does not legalize recreational use or permit interstate commerce of marijuana.
For Texas residents, the TSA update provides partial clarity but limited practical relief, Matador Network noted. Medical marijuana obtained through TCUP remains compliant with state law. Yet, federal jurisdiction at airports means possession can still trigger referrals to law enforcement, particularly when traveling to or from states where the product remains restricted. International travel with marijuana continues to be prohibited.
Airlines may maintain their own policies, and local enforcement varies by airport. Passengers are advised to verify destination laws and consult the TSA website before travel.
