The new LAX marijuana policy will allow passengers to carry cannabis throughout the airport but not necessarily through any TSA checkpoints.
Specifically, the new policy says that people who can legally possess cannabis in California — that is, adults who are 21 or older — can also legally possess cannabis in the parts of the airport that are policed by city workers.
“We are California peace officers and we enforce California law, so if we come across individuals carrying substances that are legal under state law, there is nothing we will do.” — Alicia Hernandez, Airport Police spokesperson, via the LA Times
However, travelers beware: TSA workers are federal employees and they are there to enforce federal laws. Therefore, if you are passing through LAX to fly somewhere else, you will be subjected to a TSA screening and they could confiscate your cannabis.
The new LAX cannabis policy is quoted in full below:
“While federal law prohibits the possession of marijuana (inclusive of federal airspace,) California’s passage of Proposition 64, effective January 1, 2018, allows for individuals 21 years of age or older to possess up to 28.5 grams of marijuana and 8 grams of concentrated marijuana for personal consumption.”
“In accordance with Proposition 64, the Los Angeles Airport Police Department will allow passengers to travel through LAX with up to 28.5 grams of marijuana and 8 grams of concentrated marijuana. However, passengers should be aware that marijuana laws vary state by state and they are encouraged to check the laws of the states in which they plan to travel.”