How to travel with your weed gear

Whether you're a medical patient who relies on a specific vaporizer for consistent dosing, relocating to a new city for an extended stay, or heading somewhere remote where replacement accessories are not available, there are plenty of valid reasons to pack your equipment. The key is choosing durable, travel-friendly pieces (think thick-glass spoon pipes or silicone bongs instead of delicate showpieces) and making sure everything is thoroughly cleaned before you go.

While marijuana is legal in many states for medical or recreational use, it remains federally illegal to transport cannabis across state lines. This guide covers only cleaning and protecting cannabis accessories while traveling — not transporting the plant itself.

The two rules for traveling with weed gear

The safest bet for most travelers is to leave your gear at home and buy what you need at your destination. 

But if you're bringing a pipe, bong, grinder, or vape, the two keys to low-stress travel are simple:

1. Start with truly clean gear for hygiene, odor control, and longevity
2. Pack your gear carefully to prevent breakage

Cleaning your cannabis gear

A dirty pipe or bong isn't just unpleasant — it can create a harbor for bacteria, mold, and stale residue that clings to the surface and lingers in every hit. The same grime that dulls flavor can also weaken glass over time, creating blocks that trap moisture and cause damage.

Clean gear can also protect your health because resin and old water create breeding grounds for microorganisms to thrive. A deep clean before your trip helps to ensure you're not inhaling harmful bacteria and can keep odors from drifting into your luggage or hotel room. Smell-proof bags may help, but they can't do much for a pipe or bong that was never cleaned in the first place.

Think of cleaning your gear as a matter of common sense and courtesy. It's respectful to others sharing your space, as nobody wants to smell a dirty bong. Plus, you'll get far better flavor from a clean device with each hit. 

Tips for deep cleaning cannabis gear

• Use isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) and coarse salt to clean glass pieces, pipes, bongs, bubblers, and dab rigs and bangers
• Disassemble all removable parts and soak in alcohol for at least 30 minutes
• Scrub, rinse with hot water, and let dry completely for 24-48 hours
• For grinders, brush out plant matter and soak in alcohol if sticky
• For vaporizers, follow manufacturer instructions and use alcohol-dipped cotton swabs for chambers and mouthpieces
• Before packing, verify: no smell, no visible residue, water runs clear, and everything is completely dry
• If you still smell cannabis after cleaning, repeat the process

Safely packing your cannabis gear

Photo by: Gina Coleman

Glass can break if not packed properly, so don't take any shortcuts. The key is to disassemble everything and wrap each part separately with plenty of padding. Different types of pieces require slightly different care methods.

Supplies to simplify packing:

• Pelican-style cases with foam inserts
• Pistol or tool cases
• Hard sunglasses cases
• Padded smell-proof bags
• Vape travel cases
• Camera or toiletry bags
• Bubble wrap
• Foam pipe insulation
• Towels and clothing
• Cardboard tubes
• Pool noodles
• Socks or soft fabric scraps

Packing specific pieces

Bongs and larger pieces

Take your bong completely apart by removing the bowl and downstem, then pack each part separately. Wrap each piece in multiple layers of bubble wrap or thick towels and place them in the center of your suitcase, preferably surrounded by soft clothing. 

A hard-sided suitcase is best for protecting glass. Keep in mind that even with careful packing, a large glass piece is still at risk of breakage.

Pipes and smaller pieces

Wrap small glass pipes individually and use soft items to create a protective nest around each glass piece. You can use bubble wrap, a soft cloth, or even put a pipe inside a thick sock for cushioning. Nestle the wrapped pipe in a padded spot in your luggage or inside a protective case (a hard sunglasses case works great). If your pipe is thoroughly clean, you can also bring it in your carry-on bag, which gives you more control over handling.

Dab rigs and dab accessories

Dab rigs are extra delicate. If you have the original packaging, use it, as the foam inserts are ideal for cushioning. Otherwise, wrap the rig and all of its parts individually — especially nails and bangers. TSA bans passengers from traveling with butane fuel, so leave your torch lighter at home and buy new butane at your destination. 

Vaporizers and batteries

Vapes and other devices with lithium batteries require special handling. Vape devices and batteries must go in your carry-on bag — not in checked luggage. If your vape has removable batteries, remove them and cover the terminals with tape or place them in protective cases to prevent short circuits. Keep your vape device easily accessible in case security needs to inspect it. If possible, also pack your vape in its original packaging.

It's also a good idea to travel without any THC cartridges. THC cartridges are subject to the same legal restrictions as cannabis flower, can leak with air pressure changes, and will smell of cannabis oil, which could draw unwanted attention and scrutiny. Your best option is to buy new cartridges at your destination.

Quick tips for packing by travel mode

Flying

• Carry-on required: Vape pens, e-cigarettes, and all lithium batteries (FAA/TSA rule)
• Checked luggage recommended: Large glass pieces, bongs, dab rigs (more space for padding, screened privately)
• Either works: Small pipes in hard cases, metal grinders, rolling papers
• Restrictions: No liquids over 3.4 oz, no butane torches
• Note: Roughest on glass due to baggage handling—consider leaving prized pieces at home

Driving

• Most flexible option with no TSA restrictions
• Keep items in the trunk or a locked container
• Secure glass in plastic bins padded with towels, blankets, or clothing
• Wedge containers so they don't slide during transport

Train/bus

• More relaxed security than airports (minimal bag scanning on most domestic routes)
• Keep fragile/valuable items in carry-on at your seat
• Use small padded cases in backpacks to prevent crushing
• Avoid storing delicate glass in overhead or underneath storage

Bottom line

Traveling with cannabis accessories can be done safely with a bit of planning and common sense. Start with clean, odor-free gear and pack your glass as if it were fine china. When in doubt, it's easiest to leave your fragile pieces at home and buy a replacement at your destination. 

Wherever you go, you can order weed and cannabis gear for pickup or delivery from a dispensary near you.

FAQ

Can I check a bong in my luggage?

Technically, yes, if it's clean. But breakage risk is high. Consider buying a new bong at your destination instead.

Should I bring my expensive glass on a trip?

It's generally not worth the risk. We recommend keeping your expensive glass at home and buying something cheap at your destination.

What's the best case for a small pipe?

A hard sunglasses case works great for pipes under $20. For more expensive pipes over $50, consider investing in a Pelican-style case.

Is it better to carry on or check glass pieces?

Checking is usually better for large glass pieces because there's usually more room for padding in a checked bag. One perk of carrying your glass is that it gives you more control over handling.

What if my piece breaks during travel?

Unfortunately, breakage is common with glass. That's why many experienced travelers opt to purchase inexpensive items at their destinations instead of bringing their own glass with them.

Can I ship my bong to myself at a hotel?

Yes, if it's clean. Call the hotel first, then use FedEx or UPS, and make sure you insure the bong. Mark the package as fragile and use plenty of padding.

Do smell-proof bags really work?

Only if your gear is actually clean — the bags help more with padding than with actual odor control.

What's the cheapest way to protect glass when traveling?

Use bubble wrap and clothing as padding, packing your glass in the center of hard-sided luggage and surrounding it with soft items.