Colorado Springs Airport has installed ‘amnesty boxes’ to give people an opportunity to discard their marijuana before boarding on an aircraft.

Colorado recently became the first state in the US to legalise recreational use and possession of marijuana.

The airport has banned the possession of marijuana on its property, in line with federal aviation regulations, which state that it is illegal to operate a civil aircraft if there is marijuana on board.

"What we don’t want is them throwing it in the trash can. Then you have other people digging through the garbage."

The new boxes join existing ones that have been installed to encourage travelers to dump banned objects such as pocket knives and large fluid containers, and they give people an opportunity to drop marijuana without penalty. The airport will then destroy the drugs.

According to the airport officials, it is legal to leave marijuana in airport parking lots and people may choose to do so. Individuals caught attempting to travel with marijuana face a fine of up to a $2,500 or jail time.

Denver International Airport, the largest airport in the state, has formalised a policy banning marijuana and established fines for possessions marijuana across the entire airport property, and has also installed warning signs at the entrances.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Officials at Denver International Airports said that while they will not be installing amnesty boxes in the airport, those who accidently bring it into the property should throw it into the thrash.

However, Greg Phillips, aviation director for Eagle County Airport, said: "What we don’t want is them throwing it in the trash can. Then you have other people digging through the garbage."

Colorado Springs Airport is a city-owned public civil-military airport located in El Paso County, Colorado, US, and is the second busiest airport in the state.