DETROIT — Michigan cannabis consumers planning summer vacations are receiving conflicting signals about whether they can legally fly with medical marijuana.
The Transportation Security Administration recently updated its guidance to indicate that medical marijuana may be permitted in carry-on and checked baggage under certain circumstances following the federal government’s move to reclassify state-authorized medical cannabis.
But Delta Air Lines, the dominant carrier at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, says its policy remains unchanged.
“Delta follows federal law, which prohibits any quantity of marijuana possession,” said Bre’onna Richardson of Delta Air Lines in response to questions from MITechNews.
The conflicting guidance leaves many Michigan travelers wondering whether they can legally bring medical marijuana products aboard a commercial flight this summer.
The answer, according to attorneys, travel experts and federal agencies, depends on which rules apply, where you’re traveling and who is enforcing them.
More than 33 million passengers travel through Detroit Metropolitan Airport annually, making the issue particularly relevant for Michigan’s large community of medical and recreational cannabis consumers. Michigan cannabis companies sold more than $3 billion of product in 2025.
TSA Focuses On Security, Not Drug Enforcement
As published in TSA’s official guidance, the agency says its primary focus is transportation security, not marijuana enforcement.
“TSA screening focuses on security threats. If a substance is discovered during screening, TSA officers will refer the matter to law enforcement.”
The agency also notes that the final decision on whether an item is allowed through a checkpoint rests with the TSA officer conducting the screening.
TSA spokespersons have repeatedly emphasized that the agency’s procedures apply regardless of whether marijuana is legal under state law.
In practical terms, TSA is not actively searching for marijuana. However, if cannabis products are discovered during screening, the matter can still be referred to local law enforcement.
That distinction is important because many travelers assume that legalization in Michigan automatically extends to airports and air travel.
It does not.
Flying With Cannabis: What We Know
TSA
- Focuses on security screening
- Not actively searching for marijuana
- Can refer discoveries to law enforcement
Delta Air Lines
- Follows federal law
- Says any quantity of marijuana is prohibited
Federal Government
- Marijuana remains federally regulated
- State-authorized medical cannabis has been moved to Schedule III
Michigan Law
- Adult-use cannabis is legal
- Medical cannabis is legal
- State law does not override federal aviation regulations
Best Advice
- Research destination laws
- Keep products in original packaging
- Carry medical marijuana documentation
- Review airline policies before flying
- Never cross international borders with cannabis
- Assume cruise lines prohibit marijuana unless specifically stated otherwise
Delta Takes A Different Position
While TSA focuses on screening for security threats, Delta Air Lines says it follows federal law.
Federal law still prohibits marijuana possession, even after the federal government’s recent move to reclassify state-authorized medical cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III.
As a result, travelers can find themselves navigating multiple layers of regulations involving federal law, airline policies, airport security procedures and state cannabis laws.
For Michigan travelers departing from Detroit Metro Airport, the result is a confusing patchwork of rules that do not always align.
Why This Matters In Michigan
Michigan remains one of the nation’s largest cannabis markets, generating more than $3 billion in annual sales.
Millions of residents and visitors legally purchase cannabis products each year from licensed dispensaries across the state.
As summer vacation season ramps up, many consumers are naturally asking whether products they legally purchased in Michigan can accompany them on a flight to Florida, Texas, California or other destinations.
The answer varies considerably depending on the destination.
Florida operates a medical marijuana program but generally does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards.
Texas maintains a much more restrictive medical cannabis framework than Michigan.
Even states that have legalized recreational marijuana may impose different possession limits or regulations than Michigan consumers are accustomed to.
Legal experts recommend researching destination laws carefully before traveling.
THC Gummies And Edibles Create Additional Questions
Cannabis gummies and edibles are among the fastest-growing product categories in Michigan.
They also create some of the greatest confusion for travelers.
Medical marijuana products may qualify under TSA’s updated guidance, but edibles vary widely in THC content, packaging and legal status from state to state.
Experts generally recommend keeping cannabis products in their original packaging and avoiding unlabeled or homemade products when traveling.
Health Experts Warn Against Using Cannabis During Flights
Beyond legal concerns, medical experts are also cautioning travelers about consuming cannabis while flying.
Cannabis can increase heart rate and oxygen demand while affecting cardiovascular function.
Commercial aircraft cabins are typically pressurized to the equivalent of 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level, meaning oxygen levels are lower than those experienced on the ground.
For some travelers, particularly older adults and those with cardiovascular conditions, cannabis use during a flight may increase the likelihood of dizziness, anxiety, nausea or rapid heartbeat.
“The overall goal should be continuity of care during travel, not medicating at 35,000 feet,” said cannabis researcher Rob Mejia of Stockton University.
Experts generally recommend waiting until arrival at a destination before consuming cannabis products.
International Travel And Cruise Ships Remain High Risk
The TSA guidance does not change federal laws governing international travel.
Crossing an international border with marijuana remains illegal under federal law, even when cannabis is legal in both the departure and destination locations.
That means Michigan travelers heading to Canada should not assume legalization on both sides of the border makes transportation legal.
The same caution applies to cruise vacations.
Most major cruise lines prohibit marijuana products regardless of state laws where passengers board.
Passengers have been denied boarding after cannabis products were discovered during screening.
Mixed Messages Continue
The practical takeaway for Michigan travelers is straightforward: even if cannabis is legal in Michigan and TSA screening does not automatically stop a passenger carrying marijuana, airline policies and federal law may still create complications.
Until federal marijuana laws, TSA guidance and airline policies fully align, travelers are likely to continue receiving mixed messages about what is permitted once they arrive at the airport.
