Marijuana can now be brought to New York airports: it will not be confiscated
'26.07.2021'
Nurgul Sultanova-Chetin
Four months ago, New York State legalized the use of recreational marijuana, so passengers at New York airports will no longer have it seized if found. Gothamist.
According to Lisa Farbstein, a spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the service is not actively seeking marijuana. However, they warn that they will notify the police if they find it on passengers, as possession of cannabis is still a federal violation, albeit legal in the state.
TSA officers are not allowed to arrest travelers, however they can notify local police. Under state regulations, travelers will only be arrested if they have more than 85 grams of marijuana.
No more than 85 grams
“There has been no change in the way TSA employees handle marijuana or other drugs. TSA staff encounter them in their flight safety responsibilities, ”said Farbstein.
On the subject: Recreational marijuana is now legal throughout the tri state area
Earlier this year, New York State legalized possession of up to 85 grams (3 ounces) of marijuana for recreational purposes. The law also allows New Yorkers to grow up to 2,2 kg (5 lb) of marijuana in their homes.
A plus for the economy
Also, the law will create an economic branch of legal marijuana. 40% of the tax revenue generated from sales will go towards educational measures. Another 40% will be sent to communities affected by the criminalization of marijuana. 20% of the proceeds will go to drug treatment programs and public education.
An annual tax revenue of $ 350 million is expected when the legal cannabis industry takes effect.
The administrations of the John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports noted that they comply with state laws first of all, and not federal ones.
“New Yorkers 21 and older can store, purchase and transport up to 85 grams of marijuana,” he said. "Our employees do not write protocols, seize or arrest people at New York airports for a certain legal amount of cannabis."
Anything above the legal weight is still subject to seizure, and its owner is still subject to arrest.
