An aerial view of Portland's airport and the Columbia River. (Photo: Bring Back Words/Flickr)
The Portland International Airport in Oregon just gave a whole new meaning to the term "getting high."
Since July 1st of this year, adults over the age of 21 in Oregon have been able to possess up to eight ounces of marijuana in private, and one ounce in public. Now, they can also fly on airplanes with it–as long as the flight remains in-state.
It turns out Oregon is a great state to fly over when one is less than sober. Ogling at towering mountain peaks, lush forests, and rugged coastlines while stoned could be quite a unique experience. From La Grande in the east, to Newport on the Pacific coast, Oregon has some of the dankest aerial vistas around.
Newport, Oregon's airport. Prime Pacific real estate. (Photo: Jelsen25/WikiCommons CC BY-SA 3.0)
While the TSA does not actively search for marijuana in pre-flight screening, possessing the plant is still against federal law. If a traveller is found with marijuana in Oregon, however, the TSA will contact the local police department, which will then verify that the traveller is of age, has an in-state flight, and is in possession of less than an ounce of weed.
If everything checks out, the traveller will be allowed to continue onto their flight.
Inland La Grande, Oregon. Very 'green'. (Photo: Sam Beebe/Flickr)
The irony of allowing people to bring their personal pot stashes on the plane while banning many cosmetic products is not lost on passengers. "I'm not anti-marijuana, but I'm pro-hairspray," one woman told Fox News. "Why can't I take my shampoo on a plane? I think it's a little lopsided. Silly, it's actually silly."
So there you have it, Oregonians. Feel free to get high before you fly. Just make sure your toothpaste isn't over 3.4 ounces.
Coastal Depoe Bay, Oregon. (Photo: Bob Heims/Public Domain)