Traveling to a tournament host city for March Madness can be exciting, especially for fans who also consume cannabis. But the legal landscape around marijuana is still a confusing patchwork, and what’s normal at home could be a crime at tip-off city. This guide helps consumers and travelers understand key rules before they pack pre-rolls with their team hoodie.
Federal law still rules the sky and the borders
No matter how many states have legalized cannabis, marijuana with more than 0.3% delta-9 THC remains illegal under federal law as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. That means federal property, including airports, airplanes and most border crossings, operates under federal—not state—rules.
TSA follows federal standards. Official guidance notes that marijuana and many cannabis-infused products remain illegal except for certain hemp-derived items; possession at a checkpoint can lead to involvement of local law enforcement. Even if someone is flying between two “legal” states, carrying cannabis through an airport or on a plane can create legal risk.
Crossing state lines with cannabis is also a federal issue. Legal resources and recent commentary emphasize that transporting marijuana across state borders can expose travelers to federal drug trafficking charges, regardless of state laws on either side. The safest approach is to buy and consume only in the state being visited and not bring products home.
State laws decide where, and whether, you can consume
Once in the host city, state law controls most everyday cannabis activity. Some states allow adult-use purchase and possession; others restrict cannabis to medical patients or still prohibit it entirely. Many “legal” states permit only private, out-of-public-view consumption.
A small but growing number of states authorize on-site consumption at regulated lounges or cannabis hospitality venues, often only in specific cities or local “opt-in” jurisdictions. Travelers should check whether the host city actually allows lounges or public-facing cannabis spaces rather than assuming “legal state” means “legal everywhere.”
Even where cannabis is legal, driving under the influence is a crime. State agencies stress that cannabis impairs coordination and reaction time and can lead to DUI charges similar to alcohol. Rideshare, public transit, or a designated sober driver is the safest game-day play.
Campuses, arenas and federal land are different worlds
Many March Madness games are played on or near college campuses. Even in fully legal states, colleges that receive federal funds must maintain drug-free campuses under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, meaning cannabis possession and use are prohibited on campus property. That typically extends to dorms, tailgate lots on university land and many arenas connected to the institution.
Fans should also treat nearby federal land as completely off-limits for cannabis use. Federal agencies have recently reiterated that marijuana remains illegal on national parks and other federal property, and some districts are even stepping up enforcement on federal lands.
Smart steps for traveling fans
Before traveling, consumers can:
- Check the host state’s official cannabis agency website for up-to-date possession limits, age requirements and on-site consumption rules.
- Assume no cannabis is allowed on campus, in NCAA-controlled spaces, or in most arenas—even in “legal” states.
- Avoid carrying cannabis through airports or across state lines.
- Confirm hotel or rental policies; many treat cannabis like tobacco smoking bans or prohibit it altogether.
By understanding the difference between federal, state, local and campus rules, March Madness travelers can enjoy the tournament — and their chosen products — without turning a road-to-the-Final-Four trip into a legal headache.