United States
Country · North America
The United States regulates drugs at both federal and state level, which often conflict. Cannabis is legal for adults in many states but remains illegal under federal law — and federal law governs airports, border crossings and federal land. Most prescription medications are permitted for personal use with documentation.
Traveler warnings
Cannabis legality stops at the state line and does not apply at airports or international borders. Never fly between U.S. states with cannabis. ADHD stimulants and strong painkillers must have documentation.
Legal status by substance category
9 categories documented for United States.
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Limit: Personal supply (approx. 90 days)
Schedule IV controlled substances. Legal with a valid prescription; carry documentation.
Penalty: Possession without a prescription is a criminal offense.
CBD Products
CBD Products
Limit: Personal use
Hemp-derived CBD containing less than 0.3% THC is legal federally under the 2018 Farm Bill. Some states impose additional restrictions.
Penalty: Products exceeding 0.3% THC are treated as cannabis.
Cannabis / Marijuana
Cannabis / Marijuana
Limit: Varies by state (e.g. 1 oz in CA/NY)
Legal for adults in many states but illegal under U.S. federal law. Cannot be carried through airports or across state lines.
Penalty: Federal possession remains an offense; state penalties range from civil fines to jail depending on jurisdiction and quantity.
General Prescription Medications
General Prescription Medications
Limit: Up to 90-day personal supply
Most FDA-approved prescription medicines may be brought for personal use in original packaging with a prescription.
Penalty: Unapproved or misbranded medicines may be refused entry.
Kratom
Kratom
Limit: Personal use
Legal under federal law but banned in several states (e.g. Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Wisconsin) and some counties.
Penalty: Possession in states where banned can be a criminal offense.
Opioids / Pain Medications
Opioids / Pain Medications
Limit: Personal supply (approx. 90 days)
Controlled under the Controlled Substances Act. Legal with a valid prescription; declare and keep in original packaging.
Penalty: Possession without authorization carries significant criminal penalties.
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Limit: None
A Schedule I substance under federal law. Decriminalized or permitted for therapeutic use in a small number of cities and states (e.g. Oregon, Colorado).
Penalty: Federal and most state law treat possession as a criminal offense.
Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin)
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Limit: Personal supply (approx. 90 days)
Schedule II controlled substances. Legal with a valid prescription; carry original labeled containers and documentation.
Penalty: Possession without a prescription is a criminal offense.
THC Vapes / Concentrates
THC Vapes / Concentrates
Limit: Varies by state
Treated like cannabis under state law where legal, but illegal federally and often subject to stricter concentrate limits.
Penalty: Same federal status as cannabis; some states penalize concentrates more heavily than flower.
Prescription policy
Travelers may bring a personal supply (generally up to 90 days) of prescription medication. Keep medicines in their original labeled containers and carry a copy of the prescription or a doctor's letter. Controlled substances must be declared and should not exceed personal-use quantities.
Controlled substances
Controlled substances are scheduled under the federal Controlled Substances Act. Stimulants, opioids and benzodiazepines are legal only with a valid prescription. Some medications sold over-the-counter abroad are controlled in the U.S.
Customs & border guidance
Declare all medications to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) if asked. Carry medication in hand luggage in original packaging. The FDA generally permits personal importation of a 90-day supply of FDA-approved medicines.
Penalties
Penalties vary by state and substance, ranging from fines for minor cannabis possession in some states to lengthy federal prison sentences for trafficking controlled substances. Carrying cannabis through an airport or across a state/federal border can be a federal offense even when state-legal.
Live Alerts
United States: Cannabis cannot be carried through airports, even from legal states
WarningAlthough many U.S. states have legalized cannabis, airports and air travel fall under federal jurisdiction where cannabis remains illegal. Do not bring cannabis — including edibles and vapes — through TSA checkpoints or across state lines. This applies even when both states have legalized cannabis.
Documentation required
Original prescription or doctor's letter (in English) stating the medication name, dosage and medical need; medication kept in original labeled pharmacy containers.
For informational purposes only. This profile is not legal or medical advice. Laws change frequently; always verify with the official government, embassy, customs, or health authority before you travel.