Pipes and bongs are not typically considered essential when traveling, but some people are quite dedicated to their smoking habits. Whatever the reason is, maybe you’re flying to Colorado, and you want to show your friend your limited-edition hand-blown glass pieces, then you have to be aware of a couple of things before you make any mistakes you might regret.
TSA, airport security in the United States, is a federal entity that complies with federal laws and legislature. Even if weed has been seeing a ton of legalization worldwide and in the states for medical or recreational use, there have been no changes to where the plant stands regarding federal legality. That’s why you can’t fly home with some Grade A kush in your luggage, even if you’re flying to a legal state. Flying with illicit drugs is a huge risk and necessary for great smuggling efforts, which are not recommended.
Luckily, pipes and bongs are not illicit drugs. While drug paraphernalia is technically federally illegal and the possession of which can be punishable by law, there’s a great loophole when it comes to these glass tools. They can be sold nonchalantly in so many stores because the retailer’s note usually states, “These products are for tobacco use only.” By saying this, pipes and bongs become exempt from any laws prohibiting their sale. So if you want to fly with yours, you must ensure it can be recognized as being used for anything but tobacco.
That means you need to do a crazy active industrial-level job cleaning it up in every little corner and crevice. You’re good to go if you make it bright and shining like when you bought it before it ever saw the light of day. If no residues are inside or outside, no security officer can argue that it ever was or will be used for illegal activities.
