Last verified: March 2026
Amnesty Boxes: How They Work
Since January 2020 — the same month Illinois launched recreational sales — both O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport have placed green metal amnesty boxes at every TSA checkpoint. These are the first and most visible airport cannabis amnesty systems in the country.
- Location: Before TSA screening at every checkpoint entrance
- Design: Green metal containers, clearly labeled
- Use: Drop any cannabis products before entering the security line
- No questions asked: No ID collected, no names recorded, no consequences
What Happens If TSA Finds Cannabis
TSA's official position is that they do not actively search for cannabis. Their screening is focused on security threats. However, if cannabis is discovered during a routine bag search:
- TSA refers to local police. TSA is a federal agency and follows federal law, but their protocol is to hand cannabis matters to local law enforcement.
- Chicago police follow Illinois state law. Under state law, possessing under the legal limits is not a crime. Officers will direct you to the amnesty box or dispose of the product.
- Over-limit amounts may result in questioning but are handled as a state matter, not a federal one, in most cases.
- No arrests for small amounts. Chicago police do not arrest travelers for state-legal quantities found at airport checkpoints.
The Federal Line
Flying with cannabis remains federally illegal regardless of state laws at your departure or destination. This applies even if you are flying between two legal states (e.g., Chicago to Denver). The airspace, the aircraft, and the airport security process are all under federal jurisdiction.
CBD products with ≤0.3% THC are an exception — these are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill and may be carried on flights. If you are traveling with CBD, ensure it is clearly labeled with its THC content.
Even though Chicago airports have amnesty boxes and local police follow state law, flying with cannabis is a federal offense. Use the amnesty boxes. The system was designed specifically so you have a no-consequences way to dispose of cannabis before your flight.
Dispensaries Near the Airports
Near O'Hare (ORD)
- Verilife Rosemont (PharmaCann) — the closest dispensary to O'Hare, in the Rosemont entertainment district. A short rideshare from the terminals.
- Sunnyside Schaumburg (Cresco) — near Woodfield Mall, about 15 minutes from O'Hare
- Verilife Arlington Heights (PharmaCann) — northwest suburbs, 20 minutes from O'Hare
Near Midway (MDW)
- Ascend Midway — minutes from the airport in the Archer Heights neighborhood
- Maribis Chicago — Southwest Side location near Midway
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Buy on arrival, consume during your trip. Do not plan to take cannabis home on your flight.
- Use the amnesty box if you have any products left before heading to the airport.
- Edibles are consumed, not carried. If you purchased edibles, finish them before your departure day.
- Keep your receipt as proof of legal purchase in case of any questions during your stay.
- CBD is fine to fly with as long as it contains ≤0.3% THC and is properly labeled.
For in-depth cannabis education, dosing guides, safety information, and research summaries, visit our partner site TryCannabis.org