Traveling with CBD

You can get CBD oil in your coffee, bath bombs, lotions, and even CBD pet treats. CBD is a popular topic in the health and wellness space, but many travelers are confused about its legality, especially when traveling on a plane or traveling internationally.

Thanks to some recent legal changes around CBD at the federal level, it’s becoming a bit more straightforward.

Traveling with CBD Oil Domestically

The type of CBD oil that’s derived from hemp oil is what’s legal at a federal level (as of the 2018 Farm Bill) and therefore allowed to be taken across state borders, and, yes, on flights. Other CBD oils, like the type that’s derived from marijuana, are still illegal in some states—so it’s not recommended to take those types across state borders.

You can tell the difference between the two types of CBD oil by reading the product’s label and identifying the amount of THC in it. Only hemp-derived CBD oils (with THC levels below 0.3 percent) are legal to fly with or be taken across state borders in the U.S.  It’s also important to note that while CBD oil is legal at the federal level, certain state laws vary in terms of possession of any type of CBD oil.

Here’s the status of flying with CBD oil in the U.S. as of January 2020, according to the TSA’s website:

“Marijuana and certain cannabis-infused products, including some cannabidiol (CBD) oil, remain illegal under federal law except for products that contain no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or that are approved by FDA. (See the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Pub. L. 115-334.) TSA officers are required to report any suspected violations of law to local, state or federal authorities.

“TSA’s screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but if any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.”

Domestic Travel with CBD Recommendations.

As an extra cautionary step, double-check the CBD oil possession laws of both the state you’re traveling to and the state you’re traveling from. The website CBD Origin recommends printing out a product’s lab report and have it available if needed to verify the cannabinoid content to any inquiring authorities. And if you’re traveling with CBD oil products as medication, you should always travel with your prescription handy, as you would any other prescribed medicine.

Traveling with CBD Oil Outside of the U.S.

International rules and regulations on CBD are less clear, so if you’re looking to travel abroad with CBD oil you’ll need to research the laws of the country you’re traveling to. However, professionals strongly advise to err on the side of caution and leave products with any cannabinoids (including hemp-derived oils) at home, especially because some countries have much stricter drug laws.

Cruising regulations for CBD oil are confusing. Some cruise lines ban CBD oil altogether, so it’s best to contact the cruise line directly if you need to travel with CBD oil on your cruise. Remember, there are security scanners as you board a cruise ship, so there’s no hiding CBD products.

For Travelers

If you’re nervous about flying with any of these products, then take it ahead of your flight and find a legal place to buy it at your destination.

FDA DISCLOSURE

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. You must be at least 18 years old to purchase.