Flying with CBD
Planning a domestic or international trip and wondering if you can take CBD oil or other CBD products on your flight? The key to packing with confidence is understanding the rules.
WHY DO PEOPLE WANT TO FLY WITH CBD?
Many people experience stress and anxiety associated with air travel—what’s commonly called “fear of flying.” These people may want their CBD because they find it helps them feel calm and relaxed. Others may want to bring CBD simply so they don’t have to worry about finding a CBD retailer when their plane lands.
If you want to bring your CBD oil, gummies, softgels, ointments, or topical creams with you when you fly, here’s some information to consider:
CAN I BRING CBD ON A DOMESTIC FLIGHT?
The short answer is yes, you can take CBD on a domestic flight in the United States.
In 2018, revisions to the Farm Bill federally legalized hemp-derived CBD (to learn more, read our article on the topic). This law applies across state lines, meaning that you are allowed to fly with CBD oil and other CBD products when traveling between any of the 50 states, as long as the THC content is not more than 0.3%. TSA revised their policy recently to allow hemp-derived CBD with no THC to be carried on flights.
Can you fly to the unincorporated territories with CBD products? It depends:
- Puerto Rico: CBD is legal, and you can bring it with you.
- Virgin Islands: CBD is legal, and you can bring it with you.
- Guam: CBD is legal, and you can bring it with you.
CAN I BRING CBD ON AN INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT?
It depends on your destination—and the location of any layovers:
- Mexico: It is legal to enter with CBD products that are clearly labeled as hemp-derived.
- Canada: It is illegal to enter with any CBD products.
- Europe: Permissibility varies by country. It’s advisable to check the laws for your destination country, and for any countries where you’ll have a layover.
Laws regarding CBD also vary widely across South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
In most countries, CBD is illegal and there are serious consequences to possessing it. When in doubt, do not travel with CBD products. Don't take this as the final word, though, since laws are always changing. Check with the laws of the country you are heading to or consult with a lawyer to be sure.
DOES THE TYPE OF CBD PRODUCT MATTER?
If you’re traveling with products that are less well known, or that might be thought to contain THC—for example, CBD gummies or CBD pills—you may catch the eye of TSA agents or airport security guards, and be subject to searches and questioning that could cause you to miss your flight.
In addition, until recently, some states have restricted certain formats of CBD products. You don’t want to touch down with a banned product in your luggage. To learn more, read our article on the subject.
If you do plan to fly with CBD oil or other products, it’s advisable to make sure they are properly and clearly labeled, stored in the original packaging, and contain 0.3% THC or less—the maximum trace amount allowed by law.
And again, if you’re in doubt, err on the side of caution and don’t travel with CBD products.
CAN I HAVE CBD IN MY LUGGAGE WHEN I FLY?
When you’re travelling domestically within the US, yes. However, your CBD products must be packed properly, and in compliance with TSA regulations.
In carry-on, liquid CBD products such as CBD oils, beverages, or topical creams must be packed in travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 mL) or less per item. And all of your liquids, creams, pastes, aerosols, and gels—including any CBD products—must fit into a quart-sized bag.
Any containers of CBD beverages, oils, or creams with a capacity greater than 3.4 ounces must go into your checked bags.
FINALLY, ALWAYS CHECK YOUR AIRLINE’S CBD POLICY
Some airlines won’t permit CBD products onboard, regardless of the laws in your place of origin or your destination. Be sure to check your airline’s policy on CBD and flying when booking your ticket.
And once again, if you’re in doubt, avoid any potential trouble and don’t travel with CBD products.
Photo by louis magnotti on Unsplash
