So, you’re moving — and you happen to have some weed. Whether it’s a few edibles or a stash in your nightstand, the big question is: How do you go about transporting marijuana legally?
As marijuana laws evolve across the nation, so do the rules (and gray areas) around transporting it. Recreational marijuana is legal in over 20 states, and even more allow it for medical use. However, crossing U.S. borders with it can still land you in serious legal trouble because of federal regulations. That’s why understanding the law is key before you hit the road.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What “marijuana” means legally
- What’s allowed when moving within your state
- Why crossing state lines changes everything
- What to do with your stash if you’re moving to a legal state
- What to never do when moving with cannabis
Understanding “Marijuana” in the Law
Before we get into the logistics of transporting marijuana, it’s important to understand what the law considers “marijuana” and why that matters when you’re moving.
Legally, marijuana refers to any product derived from the cannabis plant that contains more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. That includes loose flower, concentrates, vapes, tinctures, edibles, oils, and even those gummies in the back of your freezer. Despite their different forms, the law generally treats them the same — they are all controlled substances under federal law.
This is where things get tricky when you’re moving. What’s legal in your city might be illegal at the federal level or in a neighboring state.
Marijuana Legalization Status by State (2025)
As of 2025, cannabis laws vary widely across the U.S. Some states allow full recreational use, some only permit it for medical patients, and others have simply decriminalized possession. A few states still ban marijuana completely; no medical, no recreational, and no CBD.
| State | Marijuana Status |
| Alabama | • Medical marijuana legal (partial) |
| Alaska | • Legalized |
| Arizona | • Legalized |
| Arkansas | • Medical marijuana legal (partial) |
| California | • Legalized |
| Colorado | • Legalized |
| Connecticut | • Legalized |
| Delaware | • Legalized |
| District of Columbia | • Legalized |
| Florida | • Medical marijuana legal (partial) |
| Georgia | • Medical marijuana legal (partial) |
| Hawaii | • Decriminalized but not legal |
| Idaho | • Fully illegal |
| Illinois | • Legalized |
| Indiana | • Medical marijuana legal (partial) |
| Iowa | • Medical marijuana legal (partial) |
| Kansas | • Fully illegal |
| Kentucky | • Medical marijuana legal (partial) |
| Louisiana | • Decriminalized but not legal
• Medical marijuana legal (partial) |
| Maine | • Legalized |
| Maryland | • Legalized |
| Massachusetts | • Legalized |
| Michigan | • Legalized |
| Minnesota | • Legalized |
| Mississippi | • Decriminalized but not legal
• Medical marijuana legal (partial) |
| Missouri | • Legalized |
| Montana | • Legalized |
| Nebraska | • Decriminalized but not legal |
| Nevada | • Legalized |
| New Hampshire | • Decriminalized but not legal
• Medical marijuana legal (partial) |
| New Jersey | • Legalized |
| New Mexico | • Legalized |
| New York | • Legalized |
| North Carolina | • Decriminalized but not legal |
| North Dakota | • Decriminalized but not legal
• Medical marijuana legal (partial) |
| Ohio | • Legalized |
| Oklahoma | • Medical marijuana legal (partial) |
| Oregon | • Legalized |
| Pennsylvania | • Medical marijuana legal (partial) |
| Rhode Island | • Legalized |
| South Carolina | • Fully illegal |
| South Dakota | • Medical marijuana legal (partial) |
| Tennessee | • Medical marijuana legal (partial) |
| Texas | • Medical marijuana legal (partial) |
| Utah | • Medical marijuana legal (partial) |
| Vermont | • Legalized |
| Virginia | • Legalized |
| Washington | • Legalized |
| West Virginia | • Medical marijuana legal (partial) |
| Wisconsin | • Medical marijuana legal (partial) |
| Wyoming | • Fully illegal |
Always double-check your local laws before transporting marijuana, even if you’re still within state lines. Laws change frequently, and penalties vary by location.
Planning to transport alcohol during your move as well? It’s worth knowing how to transport it safely and in compliance with both state and federal laws.
State vs. Federal Weed Regulations
Here’s the bottom line: even if you’re legally allowed to carry weed in your state, transporting marijuana across state lines is illegal under federal law. Cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning no legal use is recognized under federal law, even for medical patients.
If you’re traveling within a state, then depending on the circumstances, such as how much you’re carrying, your criminal history, and why you were stopped, you might get off with a warning from state police. But when you cross into federal territory, such as interstate highways and state borders, you’re subject to federal rules and serious penalties for breaking them.
If the DEA steps in and determines you’re trafficking drugs, you could face up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, even if it’s your first offense and under 50kg.
Can You Legally Transport Marijuana Across State Lines?
The short answer is no — you can’t legally transport marijuana across state lines, even if you’re traveling between two states where it’s legal. That’s because marijuana remains illegal under federal law, and the moment you cross a state border, you enter federal jurisdiction.
Whether it’s a single joint or a suitcase full of edibles, taking cannabis across state lines is considered federal drug trafficking, and the penalties can be severe. This applies to all forms of marijuana, including recreational, medical, flower, oils, tinctures, concentrates, and edibles.
Even if you’re just driving through, federal law still applies. This is why many legal experts advise leaving your cannabis behind if your move involves multiple states.
TSA and Interstate Travel
If you’re planning to fly with marijuana, think again, even if it’s for medical purposes.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) follows federal law. While TSA agents aren’t actively searching for marijuana, they are required to report it if they find it. That means even if you’re flying from LAX to Denver (both cannabis-friendly cities), your weed could be confiscated, and in some cases, you could be referred to law enforcement.
“Professional movers are bound by federal transportation laws, regardless of your location. That means even if you’re using a moving truck within a legal state, your movers cannot legally carry marijuana, medical or recreational, as part of your shipment.”
The same rules apply to Amtrak, Greyhound, and other forms of interstate public transportation. In short, transporting marijuana across state lines by plane, train, or bus is not a legal workaround.
Why You Shouldn’t Ship Marijuana (Even to Yourself)
Shipping marijuana, even through a private courier, is also a federal offense. That includes USPS, UPS, FedEx, and other carriers.
Even if it’s a small amount for personal use, mailing weed, even to yourself, is a federal offense and counts as drug distribution under federal law. And because postal systems cross state lines by default, it counts as trafficking.
No matter how discreet you think you’re being, shipping marijuana is not a safe orlegal method of transportation.
Transporting Edibles Across State Lines
Because edibles don’t look like traditional cannabis, some people assume they’re safer to bring along. Unfortunately, that’s not how the law sees it. Those pink gummies in their shiny tin might seem harmless, but they could get you into a lot of trouble.
Transporting edibles across state lines is still federally illegal, even if they’re store-bought, labeled, and sealed. They may be easier to conceal, but if discovered, the legal consequences are the same as for flowers or concentrates. The form doesn’t matter; the THC content does.
Transporting Marijuana for Business Purposes
If you’re moving a cannabis-related business or transporting marijuana commercially (including for licensed dispensaries), the rules are even stricter. Most states have complex licensing and tracking systems that allow transport within the state under specific conditions, but never across state lines.
For example, Colorado has a Marijuana Enforcement Division that regulates the movement of products within the state, including GPS tracking and manifest documentation. These licenses are typically not transferable across state borders.
Unless you’re a licensed transporter operating strictly within a single state, transporting weed for business purposes across state lines is illegal.