ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 Passengers traveling through Orlando International Airport are reacting to a Transportation Security Administration policy that allows travelers to carry medical marijuana through airport security checkpoints under certain circumstances.<\/p>\n
The policy marks a shift from long-standing federal restrictions that previously banned marijuana in airport security lines. However, authorities stress that state and local laws still apply.<\/p>\n
Many travelers News 6 spoke with at Orlando International Airport said they were unaware of the policy change.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was just now hearing about it,\u201d one passenger said. \u201cI\u2019m so glad they are because so many people actually need their medicine.\u201d<\/p>\n
MCO on Friday (WKMG-TV)<\/p>\n
Another traveler called the policy \u201cgreat,\u201d adding, \u201cEverybody deserves to have their medicine with them no matter what it is.\u201d<\/p>\n
Back in April, the Trump administration moved to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a less restrictive Schedule III drug after dozens of states, including Florida, approved medical marijuana programs.<\/p>\n
Despite the change, some passengers said confusion remains over what is actually allowed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was not aware,\u201d one traveler said.<\/p>\n
Another passenger added, \u201cNo one is talking about it yet.\u201d<\/p>\n
The TSA says its officers are not specifically searching for marijuana or other illegal drugs. Instead, agents are focused on identifying security threats to passengers and aircraft.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey should be able to focus on that more,\u201d one passenger said in support of the policy.<\/p>\n
It remains unclear how TSA officers would verify whether a traveler has a valid medical marijuana license.<\/p>\n
The Orlando Police Department told News 6 that if officers are called to a security checkpoint, they will \u201cevaluate the circumstances and enforce applicable laws accordingly.\u201d<\/p>\n
Under the City of Orlando law, people without a medical marijuana license can face a $100 fine for possessing less than 20 grams of marijuana.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think marijuana in general in Florida is a gray area,\u201d one passenger said. \u201cSome people don\u2019t care, some people do.\u201d<\/p>\n
The TSA says travelers should remember that local and state laws still apply, including in Florida, where marijuana possession is only legal for licensed medical marijuana patients.<\/p>\n
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