Airport Security finds cannabis in your baggage. Whether you forgot that something was in a bag, made a mistake about what is illegal/what is allowed in a particular location or simply want to know where the gray zone lies — the answer will matter and is much more complex than "you will get arrested" since the final decision will depend on quantity of cannabis, whether traveling domestically/internationally, what jurisdiction (country), and what airport Security personnel decide regarding your intentions.
What does airport Security look for in your luggage?
Most people incorrectly believe that airport Security actively looks for illicit drugs. While airport Security primarily exists to locate firearms/weapons/explosives/threats to airplane safety — they do not look for cannabis.
However: customs/border force officers exist to track what leaves/enters a country. This is a completely different purpose from the above. A finding of cannabis at Domestic Airport Security and a finding of cannabis at international arrivals are treated under Two completely different sets of laws and create Two vastly different outcomes.
Scenario One: United Kingdom Domestic Airport — first-time offence — low quantities
When cannabis is discovered at a domestic UK airport Security checkpoint (for example, in a piece of Luggage being taken on a flight from Manchester to Edinburgh), the case is considered under regular UK police discretion for first time offenders who possess low quantities of a class b drug.
In practice for first-time offenders who possessed a small quantity of cannabis:
- Formal cannabis warning issued - formal notification given to offender — kept on police records — not a criminal conviction.
- Penalty notice for disorder (pnd) - fixed penalty of £90 issued to offender — no court appearance required — pay within the allotted timeframe.
- Arrest - if the quantity of cannabis is higher/large, if there were any aggravating factors present during the offense/there was a prior record for cannabis offenses.
Scenario Two: international arrivals — importing cannabis into the UK
This scenario becomes much more serious. Because bringing cannabis into the UK from overseas is not a possession offense — it is importing a controlled substance.
| Possible quantity found | Likely treatment given | Maximum sentence possible |
| Tiny amounts (personal use, under 1oz) | Seized, possibly warn, discretionary | Possession: up to 5 years |
| Small personal amounts | Arrested. Charged. Bail granted pending further investigation | Possession: up to 5 years |
| Commercial quantity | Arrested. Charged. Likely supply/importation charges | Supply/importation: up to 14 years |
| Large-scale (multiple kg) | Immediately arrested. NCA involvement expected. | Supply/importation: often 3 – 10 years served; can be longer. |
The maximum sentence for importing cannabis into the UK is 14 years imprisonment. The NCA has placed this enforcement area high-priority. Between 2023 & 2024 cannabis seizures at UK airports increased by approximately 300%. Over 15 tonnes were seized. Over 378 arrests occurred during that year. Enforcement is ongoing & funded.
Scenario Three: leaving the UK with cannabis
Leaving the UK with cannabis is an export of a controlled substance in accordance with the UK’s law. Virtually every country has laws against importing controlled substances/cannabis. The resultant penalties compound: you may face charges under UK law for exporting a controlled substance, and under the destination country’s law for importing a controlled substance.
No exceptions: never bring cannabis across an international border in either direction.
What about CBD products?
CBD products purchased from authorized retailers in the UK containing less than 0.2% THC are treated as legal alternatives. These products will not trigger the scanners used for detecting cannabis when properly packaged/presented.
However: the destination country applies its own laws. Many countries treat hemp-derived products regardless of THC content as cannabis imports requiring special authorization. Thailand is the most well-known example: CBD products from the UK cannot be imported into Thailand without obtaining a Thai FDA import license regardless of legality within the UK.
To travel internationally with CBD:
- Verify the destination country’s specific rules on hemp-derived products beyond simply “cannabis”
- Ensure products remain in original packaging & ingredient labels clearly visible
- Have purchase receipts available if possible
- Understand some countries have near-zero-tolerance policies for all cannabis-related products (examples include Singapore, UAE, Japan).
A Real World Perspective
No matter how big or small a cannabis product is; with it in your possession (in your luggage), traveling will be complicated by the potential for a border search, creating a new criminal charge and added anxiety.
It’s easier than taking that chance so simply remove all of those risks by leaving them at home and using them there while keeping your travel as easy and worry-free as possible. Check out our wide variety of cannabis products in the Properloud catalogue for a safe, convenient and reliable way to use THC once you get back to your own country.
