Many people know that you can’t bring weed on a plane, but what about a grinder?
Can you bring a grinder on a plane, or will you get into trouble?
According to the TSA, you can bring a grinder on a plane in both your carry on and checked bags.
The key is that even though a grinder is considered drug paraphernalia, without any other evidence to connect the grinder with weed, which is still illegal under federal law, there is nothing to worry about.
A grinder, after all, can be used for purposes other than grinding weed.
If you want to bring a grinder on a plane, we definitely recommend buying a new grinder.
A new grinder will have no trace, however small, of weed.
As weed is illegal on a federal level – and as airports and airplanes are under federal jurisdiction – even a very small amount of weed stuck in your grinder can lead to problems.
Used Grinder
If you really want to bring a used grinder on a plane, we recommend that you clean it so well that it effectively becomes brand new.
This means that after you are done cleaning, there is no odor and not even the slightest trace amount of weed.
Leave the Grinder At Home For International Flights
As mentioned, a grinder can be used for purposes other than just grinding weed.
But if you’re flying internationally, we would generally recommend leaving your grinder at home.
This is because airport security in other countries may view a grinder differently – and if they have strict marijuana laws, you could get into trouble because the grinder will be considered drug paraphernalia.
How to Clean Your Grinder for Air Travel
Again, we recommend only bringing a brand-new grinder on a plane.
But if you really want to clean your grinder and bring it on a plane, we recommend having access to the following:
Isopropyl alcohol
Toothbrush
Toothpick
Hot water
Freezer
Now the cleaning can begin.
Disassemble every detachable part of your grinder and place it in a freezer for 30 minutes.
Take the grinder out of the freezer and tap it against a table to get rid of all the residues that have now hardened.
Scrub everything thoroughly with a toothbrush.
Use a toothpick to dislodge all the hard to remove residue.
Place the grinder and its parts into a bowl of isopropyl alcohol.
Scrub the grinder and all its parts with a toothbrush again.
Don’t Even Think About Bringing Weed on a Plane
As weed is illegal on a federal level and as airports and airplanes are under federal jurisdiction, you are not allowed to bring weed on a plane.
This is the case even if you have a medical marijuana card or are flying between two states where weed is legal.
You Can Bring Rolling Papers
The TSA state that you can bring rolling papers in both your carry on and checked bags.
And a Pipe
The TSA state that you are allowed to bring a pipe on a plane in both your carry on and checked bags.
Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.
Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.
Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).
