Can I Fly With CBD?
Time to pack for a trip and you find yourself asking, is it okay to fly with my CBD? CBD has been a bit of a gray area recently so it's alright to ask. In most states you don't run into any trouble buying or possessing a CBD product, but when you're talking about flying with CBD a lot of questions get raised. The TSA has updated its policy on CBD products, but much remains unclear. Many have been wondering, but don't have an answer. We've all heard the stories of those getting arrested for possessing a harmless product and want to stay out of that situation. Those who are using legally purchased CBD without a prescription have nothing to worry about. When you travel with CBD through airports it can be tricky. The key is to stay updated on current laws surrounding the subject. The short answer is yes, you can fly with CBD. However, this a complicated question and there are a few loopholes. The TSA recently updated their policies regarding this matter. As long you legally purchased your CBD, you should be fine to bring it with you. The CBD needs to be hemp derived and contain less than 0.3% of THC to be allowed. This is the same as federal regulations for CBD, so again as long as you legally purchased it you will be alright. However, those who have CBD prescribed to them may run into some issues. Not all prescribed CBD is hemp derived, some are derived from the marijuana plant. Make sure to check with your provider to see if it fits federal regulations. It may be legal for you to have it, but when you travel it has to be within federal regulations or be FDA approved.
What Does the Law Say?
CBD is federally legal but state laws and federal agencies have failed to catch up. The What Can I Bring' page on the TSA website was updated over Memorial Day weekend. On the page, it specifies that the federal government still considers marijuana and cannabis products (including CBD) illegal. Although the exception to this is FDA approved substances and hemp derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC. This is because the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production of hemp and therefore hemp-based products. With this being said, CBD that comes from a medical marijuana dispensary may not be acceptable for airport travel. Products from medical marijuana dispensaries are typically derived from the marijuana plant (not the same as hemp) and have a higher percentage of THC. Even though it may be legal in your state, federal law does not allow it. As a federal agency, the TSA is required to follow federal regulations before anything else. Their What Can I Bring page explicitly states that TSA security officers will not be searching for cannabis, but if they happen to find something illegal, will contact the proper authorities. Remember that your CBD oil is not exempt from normal TSA policies. All CBD oils, tinctures, and other liquid products must be under 3oz if it's in your carry-on baggage. If this will be an issue for you, you can always leave it in checked baggage, just make sure to store it correctly. According to TSA, either way is allowed. Another thing to keep in mind is that not all states are CBD-friendly. When you fly with CBD between the states, you should have caution depending on where you're going. While hemp may be federally legal, some states still heavily regulate the substance. In Nebraska and South Dakota, CBD is still a controlled substance, and even just possession of it can get you in some trouble with the law. In Iowa, CBD is not necessarily legal yet. It is still classified as marijuana, which is illegal in the state, but they seem to be following federal regulations for hemp. CBD sales are continuing in the state and no one is getting charged for possession. Nevertheless, it is a legal gray area and those who chose to continue buying/using CBD in the state are doing so at their own risk.
Can I Fly With CBD Internationally?
When you're taking a plane to a foreign country it can make travel with CBD a little more complicated. Many countries see marijuana in a negative light and have strict laws prohibiting it. Even medical cannabis is banned in some. There are other lenient countries that will let you travel freely with your CBD oil. You should expect a similar experience to U.S. airports. The same rule applies for when you fly with CBD internationally- be aware of the laws of where you're going! When your plane lands, you'll have to go through customs at the airport, and quite likely additional security checks. Some countries still treat CBD the same as marijuana and will harshly penalize you just for possession of an illicit substance, so be careful! Here are the policies on CBD in some popular destinations-- China: Not permitted to bring into the country.
- Egypt: Not permitted to bring into the country.
- Ireland: Possession is legal if the product is under 0.2% THC.
- Italy: Possession is legal if the product is under 0.6% THC.
- France: Possession is legal if the product is under 0.2% THC.
- Greece: Possession is legal if the product is under 0.2% THC.
- Mexico: Not permitted to bring into the country.
- Spain: Possession is legal if the product is under 0.2% THC.
- United Kingdom: Possession is legal if the product is under 0.2% THC.
What Precautions Should I take?
The most important advice we can give you is to stay aware of the laws where you're going. If your destination is CBD-friendly, then you have nothing to worry about. Make sure that your label clearly states what's inside, and if you want to be extra safe you can keep a copy of the certification of analysis on hand. In the case that any official questioned your product, you will have all the proof you need. You should be careful to only purchase quality products that accurately report the ingredients. You wouldn't want to get stuck with a product over the THC limit somewhere with strict laws.
Related News
Terpenes are naturally occurring molecules that are responsible for smell, taste, and color. Terpenes can be fo...
Time to pack for a trip and you find yourself asking, is it okay to fly with my CBD? CBD has been a bit of a gr...
Since the Farm Bill in 2018 federally legalized the production of hemp, the CBD industry has been flourishing. ...
THC and CBD are the most known cannabinoids when it comes to marijuana. Both are able to provide ample medical ...
The confusion between these two main compounds of cannabis- THC and CBD- is exactly why people looking to use t...