Smoking may not be allowed in airplane restrooms, but it is now legal to carry some cannabis on your person while flying within Oregon state limits. At least, such is the news reported by Fox Oregon 12,
Now, passengers traveling on flights within the state borders of Oregon will be allowed to transport a small amount of weed, thanks to the legalization of cannabis which went into effect July 1.
According to the International Business Times, the Transportation Security Administration said its primary focus was to “detect threats to aviation security,” not stop adult marijuana users who obey the state’s 1 ounce marijuana limit. And now it won’t be as big of a concern, as people transiting through Portland International Airport, Oregon’s biggest airport, will no longer be under arrest and hauled away if pot is found in their belongings.
Measures will be taken if cannabis is found on a passenger, however. For example, if an individual is found carrying marijuana, security agents will alert airport police who will investigate whether or not the traveler is of legal age to possess the marijuana and if they are flying out of state.
Passengers traveling out of state will also be required to leave their cannabis behind, as transporting it out of state is still a federal offense.
So far, response to this news has been positive, with most citizens not really caring.
Said Arnold Lucht to Fox 12:
“I don’t care if they got it in their pocket. I could care less as long as they can’t smoke it in the airport, you can’t smoke it in the airplane. So depends if wherever they’re going if it’s legal, that’s fine with me.”
Others seemed to be more agitated over the laws restricting hairspray and shampoo, rather than possession of marijuana. Said Verena Douglas, who recently moved to Oregon from Colorado:
“I’m not anti-marijuana, but I’m pro-hairspray. I would really like to have some hairspray or some shampoo. What’s shampoo going to do to somebody? Why can’t I take my shampoo on a plane? I think it’s a little lopsided. Silly, it’s actually silly,” said Verena Douglas, who moved to Oregon from Colorado.
When news was released of recreational pot becoming legal in Oregon, hundreds of individuals gathered together to celebrate on July 3rd in the downtown “Weed the People” rally.
As soon as October 1st arrives, it will also be legal for marijuana sales to begin in the state. Passed by The State House, the approved bill will allow tax-free retail sales through existing medical marijuana dispensaries.
Is this one more sign the war on marijuana is bound to end? Share this article and comment your thoughts below.
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