Getting high makes some things more enjoyable such as eating, for example, or listening to music, or taking a walk on a nice day. It also—for some of us at least—makes certain things worse, like meeting important new people for the first time or going to the dentist. Here are the pros and cons of flying while consuming cannabis.
PRO: Reduced Stress and Anxiety
For some, travel is a source of anxiety, the schedule, the unknown, the loss of control all provide internal stress. People consider cannabis helpful for anxiety. A 2017 national surveyTrusted Source of more than 9,000 Americans found that 81 percent believed cannabis had one or more health benefits. Nearly half of these respondents listed “anxiety, stress, and depression relief” as one of these potential benefits. A small edible can be a way to whip through an airport or train station relaxed, confident and ready for the journey.
Pro: People Watching
Airports are full of all sorts of people you probably don’t see during your average day. You see the old and the young, and all kinds of races, religions, body sizes, and personal styles. Some people are happy and excited to be going wherever they’re headed; others are frustrated at having to be away from home. Put it all together and you have a fascinating mixture to observe, and nothing helps observing people more than a bit of pot.
RELATED: TSA And Cannabis: What You Need To Know
Con: Security
TSA checkpoints can be hell. Long lines, law enforcement, radiation-spraying X-Ray equipment, the nagging concern that you somehow accidentally packed/left something illegal in one of your bags—these are all things that can not just ruin a good buzz, but can also send you spiraling into deep paranoia. Our advice: Spring for Pre-Check if you can and remind yourself that the TSA agents aren’t onto you, no matter how high you think you look. Relax, man.
Pro: The Security Dogs
While some people think airport sniffer dogs will seek out illegal drugs, they’re predominantly trained to sniff for explosives, and to sniff for things that could introduce an invasive species into a foreign ecosystem.
RELATED: Nervous About Traveling With A Weed Vape? Here’s What You Should Know
Con: Carrying Around All Your Stuff
If you’re lugging two bags to avoid paying extra to check anything, you have valuable stuff with you that you could, in a fit of blazed forgetfulness, potentially leave behind at security or in one of those news stores.
Pro: The Painful Boarding Process
Boarding planes can take forever and be very stressful. Why not keep your headphones in and enjoy the process because you’re so pleasantly chilled out from all the cannabis you consumed just before arriving at the airport? Seems like a good plan to us.
Con: Making It To Your Gate
If you get too stoned, you might get so distracted by all the food options and little stores and people watching that you miss your flight. Try your best not to do this, but if it does happen we hope you at least enjoyed yourself first.
Pro: The Food Courts
Sure, the dining options in most airports aren’t great, but sometimes you luck into a delicious regional speciality, like Shake Shack or Chick Fil-A. Even if you don’t, nothing makes mediocre food more tolerable like a little bit of weed.
Pro: Flying Through the Air Like You’re a Damn Bird or Astronaut
Whatever you do, be safe, be respectful and have a good trip.
