As New York City and Albany some marijuana is no longer subject to federal law, the question of whether or not someone can still be prosecuted for carrying it into an airport remains up in the air. The FAA has said that they do not enforce federal law at airports either. However, local police officers are allowed on property owned by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
A new rule has kicked in that bans marijuana from being seized by customs agents at New York airports. The change makes sense, because the state legalized recreational pot last year and is currently implementing a plan to allow regulated sales next year.A recent change in policy for marijuana at the New York airports means that cannabis products will no longer be seized by Customs, but rather placed into a holding facility according to NJ.com
The “nyc airport marijuana laws” is a story that has been making headlines. The New York City Council voted to pass legislation that will allow the possession of up to two ounces of marijuana at airports in New York.
For passengers traveling through airports throughout the state, police have ceased collecting marijuana, making arrests, or issuing citations for low-level marijuana possession.
The possession of up to three ounces of marijuana was legalized in New York in March, according to the Times Union.
“We don’t take it.” We only check for hazards like bombs, knives, and firearms; we don’t look for unlawfully held narcotics,” Bart Johnson, the federal security director at Albany International Airport, said. “When we see anything suspect on a pat-down or something like that, and it turns out to be marijuana… As a result, we’re investigating to determine whether it’s a danger…. We will inform law police if it turns out to be anything that seems to be an illegal substance.”
The Albany County sheriff said that if the quantity of cannabis seems to be less than three ounces, no citations or arrests would be issued. Deputies and detectives have made hundreds of arrests or given citations for illegal marijuana possession at the airport in previous years.
TSA said in April 2019 that “TSA personnel DO NOT search for marijuana or other illicit drugs.” “The security and detection of possible threats are at the forefront of our screening processes. However, we are obliged by federal law to inform law authorities if a material looks to be marijuana or a cannabis-infused product. Items utilized for medical reasons are included.”
