can i bring back a small amount of legal cannabis from thailand?

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Illustrative scenario prepared by my practice.
For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Hypothetical question

going to thailand for vacation. cannabis is legal there. can i bring a small personal amount back to california (also legal there)? feels like maybe ok since both countries permit it but i'm getting paranoid about TSA.

Illustrative response

NO. cannabis is still federally illegal in the US. importing it across federal borders is a federal crime regardless of state legality of cannabis at destination. don't risk it.

Illustrative response

also thailand has been re-tightening cannabis laws as of 2024. recreational use is legal but EXPORT can still be controlled. seriously, the legal cost of a CBP issue dwarfs the cost of just buying in CA when you're back.

Illustrative response

not legal advice but a friend tried this in 2023, got nailed at LAX. didn't go to prison but had property forfeiture and a federal charge that complicated his job clearance. enjoy thailand, leave it in thailand.