Mailing Restrictions (Cannabis and THC Products)

Cannabis and THC-containing products cannot be mailed or shipped through the U.S. Postal Service or private carriers. This rule applies regardless of license status, destination, or intent.

Mailing violations are federal issues and can trigger serious enforcement consequences.

What This Covers

Federal restrictions on mailing cannabis and THC products
Limits on using USPS and private carriers
Narrow exceptions for hemp-derived products
Enforcement agencies and consequences

What the Law Prohibits

Federal law restricts mailing and shipping of cannabis products.

Cannabis and THC products are federally illegal to mail
USPS may not accept or transport cannabis
Private carriers are also prohibited from transporting cannabis
License status does not change federal mailing restrictions

Hemp and Limited Exceptions

Explains when hemp-derived products may be shipped.

Hemp-derived products may only be shipped if they meet federal THC limits
Products must comply with the 2018 Farm Bill definition of hemp
Proper documentation must accompany shipments
Non-compliant hemp products are treated as illegal cannabis

Enforcement and Oversight

Identifies agencies involved in mailing enforcement.

United States Postal Service (USPS)
Department of Justice (DOJ)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Violations may result in:

Product seizure
Criminal charges
Civil penalties
License consequences in some cases

What Operators Usually Miss

State cannabis licenses do not override federal mailing laws
Private carriers follow the same federal restrictions as USPS
Improper hemp documentation can trigger enforcement

When This Comes Up

Considering shipping products to customers or partners
Sending samples or promotional items
Moving inventory across state lines
Using third-party logistics or fulfillment services

What Happens If You Ignore This

Seized shipments
Federal enforcement action
Financial penalties
Increased scrutiny across agencies