PITTSBURGH, PA– The Transportation Security Administration is warning passengers not to try and conceal marijuana vape canisters after a traveler attempted to conceal three canisters inside of a jar of peanut butter.
The incident occurred at the Pittsburgh International Airport on Thursday just before 12:00 p.m.
The unnamed guest reportedly told agents that though he uses marijuana for medical purposes, he thought he should still conceal it so concealed it in peanut butter and placed it in his checked luggage.
“Not a good decision,” TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said.
Travelers are allowed to travel with marijuana in their carry-on or checked luggage but under special instructions:
“TSA’s screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers,” the federal agency says. “Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but if any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.”
It is unclear if the traveler will face any charges.

This jar of peanut butter, packed in a checked bag at @PITairport, triggered an alarm. When a @TSA officer investigated why it alarmed, three vape canisters with marijuana that were wrapped in plastic bags were pulled from the jar. TSA isn’t searching for drugs, but . . . 1/2 pic.twitter.com/6XgFWhZCJG

— Lisa Farbstein, TSA Spokesperson (@TSA_Northeast) August 4, 2022