Cannabis sales have surged across the US as bans on the recreational drug are lifted. Now, cannabis products can move freely in states that allow it. For many, this may cause concern, especially with drug-sniffing dogs used by law enforcement. The question thus becomes: can drug dogs smell edibles?
Due to the serious nature of being caught with illicit drugs, people are more aware when carrying cannabis across travel checkpoints, even if it is legal. In this article, we’ll cover what drug-sniffing dogs can and can’t smell and how you can safely travel with edibles.
Before reading this article, “Can Drug Dogs Smell Edibles,” check out: Why Do Dogs Smell After Going Outside? (2023) and How Long Can Dogs Smell Weed? (The Facts You Need to Know) (2023).
Can Drug Sniffing Dogs Smell Edibles That Have THC?
Dogs trained to detect edible marijuana products are likely to smell edibles. According to some experts, dogs have been trained to smell for chemical compositions that can change when they are cooked.
As a matter of fact, edibles smell differently than marijuana plants. Basically, edibles have a different chemical composition because of their altered nature. Terpenes are responsible for the aroma of marijuana. This fragrant compound, however, does not appear in edibles. The terpenes are usually left out of most edibles since the THC amount is standardized.
Compared to humans, dogs have a much stronger sense of smell. In other words, dogs are capable of detecting odors no matter what form they take, especially cannabis. Edibles can be detected by dogs whose training has been well-established.
Dogs trained to distinguish between compositions of drugs can smell marijuana in any form, as long as it has the scent of THC. Despite the fact that edibles may contain a lower level of THC, a dog with a sharp nose can easily detect edibles.
Can Drug Dogs Smell Edible Gummies at the Airport?
Airport customs officers can train their dogs to detect edible gummies by smelling them, but the dogs cannot detect them unless they are trained to do so. Detection risk is potentially high if that’s the case.
Can Drug Dogs Smell Edible Gummies That Are in Bags?
Vacuum-sealed bags don’t prevent dogs from smelling the strong odor of illicit substances.
In fact, vacuum seal bag odors are often detected by drug dogs. In addition to bag type, size, and how long it has taken for the scent to permeate the bag, the time it takes for the scent to reach the dog’s nose depends on many factors.
Can Drug Dogs Smell Edibles Through Pill Bottles
There is some controversy surrounding the question of whether drug dogs can smell through pill bottles. According to some people, drug dogs and their handlers are trained to detect drugs in containers and notify their handlers if they smell them.
In other words, some people say that drug dogs can’t smell through containers and that their alerting of the presence of drugs in a container is the result of their training.
Drug dogs may be able to partially smell through containers, but there is no definitive answer to this question. The fact that they are capable of sniffing out drugs hidden in all sorts of places suggests that even inside containers, they could detect the scent of drugs.
Can Drug Dogs Smell Edibles in Sealed Cans?
Detecting a wide variety of things is possible with dogs’ excellent sense of smell. If dogs can get their nose close enough to the cans, they will be able to smell the contents of the cans.
A can that is thick and vacuum-sealed may be able to mask the smell of edibles better than a thin can or a can without a lid. You can also wrap the edibles in bags before you put them inside the can for an extra way to protect them and prevent the dogs from being able to smell them.
What Is the Best Way to Travel With Edibles?
To keep edibles safe and know which ones you have, it’s best to store them properly.
Making sure your edibles are labeled is an obvious, simple first step. Make sure the edibles are labeled either on their wrapper or in their container. An ingredients list and the date you made them can also be included. It’ll help you remember the high you should expect since you may not return for a few months.
Keep your edibles in lockable containers to keep unwanted hands away from them. Alternatively, you can keep edibles in cupboards that are physically out of reach of children or dogs. That won’t guarantee they won’t be accessed by unwanted hands, so you’ll want to lock them up.
Make your flower-infused edibles stand out with some color. If you use green color, people will be able to distinguish between flowers and non-flowers on your cookies, gummies, and brownies.
If you plan to travel with your edibles and are worried that a dog at an airport may be able to smell them, it’s important to store them properly. It’s also a good idea to be aware of the laws surrounding the edibles wherever you live or travel.
Some edibles are legal, so if you are allowed to have them, there is no reason to worry about a dog being able to sniff them out.
Frequently Asked Questions
With training, a drug dog can smell marijuana and also THC-infused gummies without much trouble.
A standard suitcase or bag with luggage will not stop a drug dog from smelling edibles.
When examining luggage, the TSA can identify organic matter, including gummies.
Conclusion for “Can Drug Dogs Smell Edibles”
If you store edibles correctly, you won’t have any problem hiding them from drug dogs. It has been proven that dogs can smell drugs and weed up to 40 times more strongly than humans.
A dog’s nose is so acute that any drug-related smell, including marijuana, is very difficult to mask. Cannabis and other illegal substances can be detected by drug dogs — even small amounts.
Despite the slight change in smell, marijuana remains recognizable when cooked. It may help people overcome chronic pain, insomnia, and other problems, but drug dogs may also detect it. The nose of a specially trained airport, police, and drug dog can detect edibles.
While not all dogs are trained to smell edibles, some will be able to find them. If you have questions about the legality of a specific edible or product, be sure to do your research and ask the proper authorities to avoid any problems.
If you find this guide, “Can Drug Dogs Smell Edibles,” helpful, check out:
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Learn more by watching “Are Drug Sniffing Dogs Trained By Sniffing Drugs?” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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