Medical Marijuana Traveling Confusion

The laws surrounding marijuana are changing around the country with some places now allowing for recreational smoking of the herb and others allowing it for medicinal purposes only. A professor making her way from her home in Maine to New Jersey was in for an unpleasant surprise when the TSA found a small amount of her medical marijuana in her checked luggage. She had no idea that her medical marijuana card that she received in Maine was not reciprocated in New Jersey, so it was illegal for her to bring the marijuana.

During her time in custody, she was searched, handcuffed, and sat under the threat of being arrested. They had her remove her bra and her glasses while she was detained. As a respected professor who was doing something that was legal in her state, she was very shaken by the whole ordeal. Even though she was able to produce her identification stating she was prescribed medical marijuana, she couldn’t use it as they require a card issued in New Jersey while in New Jersey.

This is a textbook example of how complicated the laws governing marijuana can be when it’s legal in some areas and not in others, including under federal laws. There’s a good chance that this occurrence won’t be the first time that someone who thought they were legally carrying a substance only to learn that it’s illegal. In fact, the TSA’s policy is that no matter if it’s in your checked luggage or a carry-on bag, it’s banned from coming with you on a flight.

The professor was eventually let go to go on her way, but that may not be the way it happens for others that get caught up in similar circumstances. If you or a loved one is being charged with a drug crime, you’ll want an experienced attorney to defend your case. Contact Garber Law, P.C. to discuss your particular situation.