Flying With Delta-11-THC (Is it Legal + Where to Store It)

by Kat Austin June 07, 2023 9 min read

Flying With Delta-11-THC (Is it Legal + Where to Store It) - VO Inc

Delta-11 skated in late on the road to legal hemp-derived THC isomers, but it’s likely here to stay. This ultra-potent cannabinoid is known for having increased euphoric effects that are up to three times stronger than Delta-9 with a long lasting high, so its no wonder why people are wondering where in the country Delta-11 is legal and whether they can travel with it from state to state.

More specifically, if you grab some Delta-11 goodies while on a trip, can you slip it into your bag before boarding a plane? In other words, can you fly with Delta-11? And if so, is there anything you need to know about how to store your products in a TSA-approved fashion?

The answer is this: You can legally fly with hemp THC products in some cases, but it's not recommended. TSA restrictions on cannabis products may make it difficult to safely fly with THC, even when it's legally derived from hemp. 

We checked with the TSA and with leading airlines to find out. Here’s what you need to know:

Disclaimer: We’re always working to stay informed on the latest Delta-11 laws across the country, but Delta-11 laws are subject to change at any time. We advise that you do your own research to verify the information you find in this article. This information is not intended to be used as legal advice or as a substitute for legal aid.

Table of Contents
CAn You Legally Fly with Delta-11-THC
Flying Locally in the U.S.
Flying Internationally with Delta-11-THC
Storing Delta-11-THC for Your Flight
Tips for Flying with Delta-11-THC

Key Takeaways

  • Flying with Delta-11 may be legal, but different airlines have different rules, and you need to ensure that Delta-11 is legal in both your starting and ending destination.
  • TSA doesn’t specifically address Delta-11 rules, but they do have some rules concerning liquids and vapes that may impact how you store Delta-11 for your flight.
  • As always, make sure you buy only high-quality Delta-11 from a trustworthy source. Flying with products that contain more than the legal amount of Delta-9 may be cause for serious trouble.

Flying with Delta-11 is Not Recommended

While Delta-11-THC may be legal when derived from hemp, flying with it is not recommended. Even though the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% Delta-9-THC, the legal landscape around Delta-11 is still evolving, and TSA agents or airport security may not differentiate between Delta-11 and Delta-9, potentially leading to legal complications.

Moreover, the legality of Delta-11 can vary by state, and carrying it across state lines could result in unexpected legal issues, especially in states with stricter THC laws. Even if you are in full compliance with federal laws, misunderstandings could cause delays or confiscation of your product.

Additionally, some airlines may have their own rules against carrying THC products, and the potential for legal ambiguity, delays, or confiscation might outweigh the benefits. For a smoother travel experience, it's best to leave Delta-11 at home and avoid the risk of complications.

Can You Legally Fly with Delta-11-THC?

Before you board your flight, always check to make sure that everything you pack is legal to carry and packaged according to TSA guidelines. This is especially true for hemp THC products, which have been experiencing a slippery slope of state bans since the hemp bill was signed into law in 2018.

Where you are traveling also plays a heavy role in what you can carry with you since you’ll need to mind the local regulations of your final destination. Can you fly with Delta-111 nationally? What about internationally?

Here’s what we know.

Flying Locally in the U.S.

Delta-11-THC is federally legal, but that doesn’t necessarily clarify the rules on flying with Delta-11. The TSA doesn’t address hemp THC products specifically, but does clarify that they aren’t exactly looking for it:

“TSA’s screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs…”

In other words, the TSA isn’t looking for your Delta-11 products or any other hemp products you may stash away in your luggage, but does that mean it’s safe to carry them with you?

Maybe so, depending on how you interpret the TSA’s cannabis regulations.

TSA Rules for Cannabis Products

The TSA updated their rules in 2019 in response to the 2018 Farm Bill’s legalization of hemp and hemp products.

The previous rules banned all “marijuana and cannabis-infused products,” but the new rule makes an exception for “products that contain no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or are approved by the FDA,” referencing the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 for clarification.

Here, federal law specifies that hemp products, including cannabinoids, isomers, and other extracts that contain less than 0.3% Delta-9-THC, are federally legal. The new laws also removed tetrahydrocannabinols in hemp from the Controlled Substances Act.

That means that Delta-11 is not a Controlled Substance and is instead a legal hemp product, and there’s nothing specifically barring you from carrying Delta-11 on the plane. In fact, TSA is not exactly concerned with sniffing out cannabis products. If they do happen to find illicit substances while searching your bags, however, their policy is to turn it over to local law enforcement.

Of course, there’s always the possibility that your Delta-11 products are flagged as Delta-9-THC products by mistake. Most hemp products do, after all, resemble marijuana products. In that case, you’re going to be subject to interrogation while the products are being tested.

It may be handy to carry documentation of your purchase (and any relevant test results) that prove that your Delta-11 is, in fact, a legal hemp product. Worst case scenario, your hemp products may be confiscated, but you’re unlikely to be arrested or prosecuted.

This is one reason that it's incredibly important to only buy Delta-11 from a reputable, trustworthy source. If you happen to be carrying Delta-11 products that have more than the legally allowed amount of Delta-9, you may find yourself in a much stickier situation.

Check Delta-11 State Laws Before You Fly

Even if you find that it’s legal to carry your Delta-11 products on the plane, you need to check to make sure that it’s legal to carry them off the plane, too. In other words, make sure that Delta-11-THC is legal to possess and use in the state you’re traveling to. This is unlike to cause you any issues with TSA, but could definitely be cause for an unpleasant run in with local law enforcement.

Delta-11 laws usually closely match Delta-8 laws in most areas. To see if Delta-11 is legal in your destination state, you may want to read “Where is Delta-11-THC Legal? A State by State Guide to Delta-8 Laws.”

Flying Internationally with Delta-11-THC

While you may be able to take Delta-11 onto a local flight, flying internationally with Delta-11-THC is a different story entirely.

The majority of countries around the globe (including the U.S.) consider cannabis to be an illicit substance, and some countries have incredibly harsh penalties for cannabis possession. Unlike the U.S, unfortunately, many areas make no exception for hemp-derived products. In fact, there is no distinction at all between hemp and cannabis–it’s all considered to be the same thing in many areas.

Hemp products may be subject to harsh restrictions and penalties in some places. Even in some areas where cannabis is legal, there may still be penalties for products purchased outside of the local area or for possession of paraphernalia.

If you’re flying with medical cannabis products, it may be worth researching the laws in your destination area. In most cases, carrying any sort of cannabis product on an international flight is risky to say the least and is likely to end in a run-in with customs or local law enforcement. If you’re flying to a country that has legalized cannabis, it may be a better idea to just purchase your products after you arrive.

Storing Delta-11 for Your Flight

Two white suitcases that are packed and ready to be checked with the airline service

If you decide to fly with your Delta-11 products, whether in your carry-on or in your checked luggage, you need to make sure you store them in a manner that protects the product and meets TSA guidelines.

Here are some storage recommendations for popular Delta-11 products:

Gummies

Hemp gummies may be the easiest type of product to carry on a plane (plus, they have incredibly potent effects!). You can generally just leave gummies or other edibles in their original packaging. Gummies, hard candies, and other food items can usually be carried in your carry-on or in your checked luggage, but check with your chosen airline to verify that you’re allowed to bring food and snacks on the plane.

Oils

Any hemp product that is in liquid form will generally be subject to the same rules as other liquids when carried in a carry-on or personal bag. According to the TSA, you’re allowed to carry one quart-sized bag filled with containers that hold 3.5 oz (100 mL) of liquid or less.

Other liquids, oils, aerosols, or creams should be packed in your checked luggage before your flight.

Vapes

Airline rules on vaporizers are pretty consistent around the globe. According to Delta Air Lines, “Battery-powered electronic smoking devices, such as ‘e-cigarettes, e-cigs, e-cigars, e-pipes, e-hookahs, personal vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems,’ can be brought as carry-on items only.”

In other words, if you choose to bring a Delta-11-THC vaporizer, it needs to be packed in your carry-on or personal bag and not in your checked luggage. You should only pack the amount necessary for personal use and you need to abide by the airlines rules for carry-on liquids concerning any extra vape oil or oil-filled cartridges.

Don’t plan on using the vape while in the airport or on the plane. In fact, Delta recommends placing your vaporizer in a special carry case or other secure container to prevent leaks or accidental activation, and the airline also prohibits passengers from charging vape devices while on the plane.

Tips for Flying with Delta-11-THC Products

After you’ve checked with your airline and verified local regulations, here are some tips for flying with Delta-11 that can help make the process go smoothly:

  • Leave products in sealed packaging, if possible. The product label can help TSA or local law enforcement identify a product if needed.
  • Carry your receipts and any applicable test results. Just like the original packaging and labels, these documents may come in handy if your hemp products happen to get flagged.
  • Seal any open oils or vape liquids with tape to prevent leaking. Place extra oils inside a plastic, leak-proof bag before stashing them in your checked bags to protect your other luggage from getting ruined.
  • Make sure that the Delta-11-THC products you buy are made according to federal standards for legal hemp products. Look for the test results to prove it. (Vida Optima products are always 100% Farm Bill compliant. Shop our Elev8 Collection to view our third-party lab reports.)
  • Consider travelling with CBD if you’re worried about carrying Delta-11 on the plane. CBD may also be legal in some states where Delta-11-THC is illegal, so it may sometimes be the more suitable option.

FAQ - Is Delta-11 Legal on a Plane?

1. Is Delta 11 federally legal?

Delta 11's legal status is not clearly defined under federal law as of now. Since it's a relatively new cannabinoid, it may fall into a legal gray area. It’s important to stay updated with the latest regulations and consult legal experts to ensure compliance.

2. Does Delta 11 get you stoned?

Delta 11 may have psychoactive effects similar to other cannabinoids, but its potency and effects can vary. It is not as well-studied as Delta 9 THC, so its impact on getting "stoned" may differ from person to person.

3. Can you bring Delta 8 vape through TSA?

Delta 8 THC is considered a controlled substance under federal law, so bringing Delta 8 vape products through TSA is risky. The legality of Delta 8 can vary by state, and TSA agents may confiscate items containing Delta 8. Always check the latest TSA guidelines and state laws before traveling.

4. Is it illegal to fly with Delta 9?

Delta 9 THC is a controlled substance under federal law, making it illegal to fly with it. Even in states where Delta 9 THC is legal, it remains illegal to transport it across state lines or on airplanes.

5. Does TSA care about Delta-9?

Yes, TSA does care about Delta-9 THC. It is illegal under federal law, and TSA agents are required to report any suspected controlled substances they find. This can lead to legal issues and the confiscation of the substances.

6. Can I fly with HHC gummies?

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a relatively new cannabinoid with unclear legal status. While it might not be specifically tested for, it could still fall under legal scrutiny. It’s important to research current regulations and TSA guidelines before flying with HHC gummies.

Vida Optima Cloud9 Hemp Delta-9 Gummies

Resources

  1. “TSA - Medical Marijuana”https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/medical-marijuana
  2. “2018 Farm Bill”https://www.usda.gov/farmbill 
  3. “Delta Airlines - Tobacco, E-Cigarettes or Marijuana” https://www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/prohibited-or-restricted-items/tobacco-ecig-marijuana

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