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Is It Illegal to Ship Edibles Here’s How the Law Actually Works
Mailing marijuana edibles is federally illegal, but hemp edibles under 0.3% Delta-9 THC by weight can legally ship. Learn the math, rules, and risks.
Written by Lorien Strydom
November 25th, 2025
Mailing marijuana edibles is federally illegal through any carrier, but hemp edibles under 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight can ship where states and carriers allow.
The distinction comes down to chemistry and math, not geography or state legalization status.
We'll explain the federal rule, show you the weight-based math that separates legal from illegal, cover state restrictions and carrier policies, and address the real risks including drug tests and enforcement.
This is informational content, not legal advice—laws change frequently and vary by location.
Table of Contents
The Short Answer on Shipping Edibles
Why Federal Law Still Controls What You Can Mail
How Hemp Edibles Stay Legal by Weight
State Laws That Block Hemp Edibles
What USPS and Private Carriers Actually Allow
How Postal Inspectors Catch Illegal Shipments
Penalties for Mailing Marijuana Edibles
Shipping Compliant Hemp Edibles the Right Way
What Could Change with Hemp Regulations
Your Next Steps for Legal Edible Delivery
The Short Answer on Shipping Edibles
Marijuana edibles cannot be mailed through USPS, UPS, or FedEx regardless of state legalization. Hemp edibles meeting the 0.3% Delta-9 THC by weight standard can ship to most states, subject to specific state and carrier restrictions.
What determines legality is the federal definition of hemp versus marijuana, the weight-based math that keeps products under the legal threshold, and the destination state's specific rules.
Mood's hemp-derived edibles ship nationwide because they meet federal compliance standards.
Why Federal Law Still Controls What You Can Mail
Marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance federally. All mail carriers—USPS, UPS, FedEx—operate under federal law, making marijuana shipment illegal regardless of state legalization status.
You cannot mail a dispensary edible from California to California.
State-licensed delivery services are the only legal way to transport marijuana products, and they operate strictly within state boundaries under specific licensing requirements.
This applies to every scenario: gifts to friends, personal moves across state lines, or convenience. The federal prohibition doesn't recognize state marijuana laws when it comes to interstate commerce or mail services.
USPS as a Federal Agency
The United States Postal Service is a federal agency. Federal law classifies marijuana as Schedule I.
Schedule I substances cannot be mailed, period. Private carriers follow the same federal rules even though they're not government agencies.
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How Hemp Edibles Stay Legal by Weight
Hemp is cannabis containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. This percentage-based definition creates space for products with real psychoactive effects to ship legally.
A 5.5 gram gummy with 15mg Delta-9 THC equals 0.27% concentration. The math: 15mg divided by 5,500mg total weight equals 0.0027, or 0.27%—under the federal 0.3% limit.
Heavier products can contain more total milligrams of THC while staying compliant. This is the federal definition being applied correctly, not a loophole.
THCa flower uses similar weight-based compliance. The flower contains high amounts of naturally occurring THCa, which becomes more potent when heated, while remaining compliant before consumption.
Hemp and Marijuana Delta-9 Are Identical
The Delta-9 THC molecule is chemically identical regardless of source. Hemp-derived and marijuana-derived THC produce the same effects.
The only difference is the percentage by weight in the final product. This allows compliant hemp edibles to deliver the same experience as dispensary products while remaining legal to ship.
Mood's 15mg Delta-9 gummies demonstrate this weight-based compliance. Each gummy weighs enough to keep the Delta-9 percentage under 0.3% while delivering a full psychoactive experience.
State Laws That Block Hemp Edibles
Idaho prohibits any detectable THC. Iowa bans psychoactive hemp products.
Nebraska restricts hemp-derived intoxicants. Kansas maintains strict prohibitions on THC regardless of source.
Texas and Florida have specific regulations that change frequently. Hemp flower products face different restrictions than edibles in many states.
Even in states where cannabis is legal for adult use, mailing dispensary products remains a federal crime—only state-licensed delivery services can transport marijuana.
Why State Legalization Doesn't Mean Mailing Is Legal
State cannabis laws govern in-state sales and consumption. They don't override federal jurisdiction over mail services or interstate commerce.
A California resident cannot mail dispensary edibles to another California resident using USPS or UPS. Federal law applies the moment you involve mail carriers, even within a single state.
Crossing state lines by driving with cannabis products is also a federal offense. Interstate commerce falls under federal jurisdiction regardless of transportation method.
Responsible companies use state filtering to prevent shipping to restricted locations.
Mood's website filters products based on destination state, showing only what's legal to ship to your specific address.
What USPS and Private Carriers Actually Allow
USPS permits compliant hemp products with proper documentation. Private carriers like UPS have their own specific policies.
Both require Certificates of Analysis showing Delta-9 THC percentages. UPS mandates Adult Signature Required service for many hemp shipments.
Privacy Protections Differ by Carrier
USPS requires a search warrant based on probable cause before inspecting First-Class letters and parcels. This Fourth Amendment protection makes USPS the most secure carrier for compliant hemp products.
Private carriers like FedEx and UPS explicitly reserve the right to inspect any package at their discretion in their terms of service. No warrant is required because they're private companies, not government agencies.
Vape Products Face Additional Restrictions
Federal vape-mail restrictions prohibit shipping all vaping products through USPS. This includes CBD vapes, Delta-8 vapes, and any product with a battery or heating element.
These restrictions apply regardless of THC content.
Vape products ship through alternative carriers with specific compliance requirements and extended delivery times.
How Postal Inspectors Catch Illegal Shipments
Postal inspectors actively enforce federal drug laws. Packages get flagged for suspicious characteristics: excessive tape, handwritten labels, unusual shapes, missing return addresses, or strong odors.
The USPS Administrative Non-Mailability Protocol allows inspectors to open detained packages without a warrant if they remain unclaimed for 21 days. Suspicion alone is enough to single out and track packages.
Recipient Liability Is Real
Recipients who knowingly participate in illegal shipments can be charged alongside senders. Prosecution can occur in either the origin state or destination state at the prosecutor's discretion.
The volume of packages handled daily means not every illegal shipment gets caught. However, thousands of pounds of marijuana are seized from the mail annually, and enforcement priorities can shift without warning.
Penalties for Mailing Marijuana Edibles
Mailing any amount of marijuana is a federal felony. Penalties scale by quantity and prior offenses, starting with fines and potential imprisonment.
Small quantities for personal use still result in a criminal record.
Federal and state prosecutors have discretion in charging decisions, and consequences extend beyond criminal penalties.
Drug Testing Reality
Hemp-derived THC and marijuana-derived THC create identical metabolites. Standard workplace drug tests cannot distinguish between sources.
Delta-9 THC from compliant hemp products will trigger positive results on employment drug screens.
Documentation showing legal purchase rarely changes outcomes for federal positions or safety-sensitive jobs.
The "it's legal hemp" argument won't save your employment. If your job depends on clean drug tests, hemp edibles pose the same risk as traditional cannabis.
TSA and Air Travel
TSA operates under federal law. Cannabis products on airplanes—edibles, flower, or concentrates—get referred to local law enforcement when discovered.
Even compliant hemp products can cause delays or missed flights. Check both departure and arrival state laws, and consider shipping products to your destination instead of traveling with them.
Watch: All About Edibles
Shipping Compliant Hemp Edibles the Right Way
Verify products meet the federal 0.3% Delta-9 THC standard before ordering. Every legitimate vendor provides third-party Certificates of Analysis showing exact cannabinoid percentages.
Mood publishes batch-specific COAs for every product. These documents confirm compliance and demonstrate transparency.
Checking Destination State Laws
Confirm your state allows hemp-derived THC products. Some states ban all intoxicating hemp products despite federal legality.
State regulations change frequently. Responsible vendors maintain updated filters showing which products ship to your location, preventing accidental illegal orders.
Carrier Requirements and Packaging
Use discreet, smell-resistant packaging. Heat-sealed poly bags prevent odors from alerting inspectors or neighbors.
Arkansas and Indiana require adult signatures at delivery, adding fees but ensuring products reach intended recipients. Most shipments arrive within 3-5 business days with proper carrier selection.
Compliant hemp gummies ship with tracking information and discrete packaging that doesn't identify contents from the exterior.
Vape Shipping Limitations
Vape products cannot use USPS due to federal restrictions on mailing devices with batteries. Alternative carriers handle these shipments with extended delivery times of 5-7 business days.
This applies to all vape products regardless of cannabinoid content—CBD, Delta-8, or THC vapes all face the same mailing restrictions.
What Could Change with Hemp Regulations
Mood offers millions of users hemp-derived THC, which is 100% legal and fully compliant cannabis. You may have heard that the legality of hemp-derived THC is currently under attack, which could threaten the wellness of so many.
Read here to learn how to join the fight , and help us keep hemp cannabis accessible to all for a long time to come.
State-Level Changes Happen Frequently
State regulations for hemp-derived THC products evolve rapidly. Some states that previously allowed these products have implemented new restrictions or outright bans.
Enforcement has been uneven across jurisdictions. What's available today might not be tomorrow, making it essential to verify current laws before purchasing.
Market Growth Attracts Regulatory Attention
Hemp beverage brands are hitting multi-million dollar run rates. Major retailers and delivery services are entering the federally legal hemp-derived THC market.
This growth brings increased scrutiny from regulators. The larger the market becomes, the more pressure builds for clearer federal guidance or potential restrictions.
Your Next Steps for Legal Edible Delivery
Marijuana edibles cannot be mailed legally through any carrier. Compliant hemp edibles under 0.3% Delta-9 THC by weight can ship where state laws and carrier policies permit.
Choose brands that publish third-party lab results, filter products by state, and use discreet shipping practices. Mood's state filtering system prevents illegal orders before they happen, and our COA transparency demonstrates compliance.
Remember that federally legal hemp THC appears identical to marijuana THC on drug tests. Factor employment requirements into your purchasing decisions, and verify destination state laws before ordering.
Browse compliant hemp edibles with full COA documentation and state-specific filtering. Fast shipping, discreet packaging, and a 100-day guarantee back every order.
Legal Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Cannabis laws change frequently at federal, state, and local levels. Consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance specific to your situation. We are not a legal authority and cannot provide legal recommendations.
