If you’re a nervous traveler, you’re in good company. According to some estimates, one in three people is nervous about flying or traveling to some degree. Many anxious travelers have pre-flight rituals, from downloading movies to watch on the plane to enjoying a glass of wine at the airport bar.
Simultaneously, many more people are incorporating cannabis-derived CBD products to help with anxiety and insomnia, among other ailments. If you’re someone who uses CBD for anxiety, you might be wondering if it’s legal to bring it with you to the airport for flight anxiety or other therapeutic purposes during your trip. But because CBD is not evenly regulated, it’s understandable to be nervous when traveling with it. You might be wondering: Can I travel with CBD oil? Can I bring CBD edibles with me?
What Is CBD?
First of all, if you’re unaware, cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the ingredients in the cannabis plant. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates every part of our physical being. CBD has been shown to help improve various ailments such as anxiety, chronic pain, and inflammation.
Unlike its better-known cousin, THC, CBD does not impair you or cause a high. If you are using CBD to treat any of these or other symptoms, of course, you will want access to CBD’s therapeutic benefits when you travel. Despite the fact that as of 2018, medical cannabis derived from sativa hemp plants is now legal in all 50 states, many people aren’t sure whether they can travel with CBD.
Is it legal to travel with CBD oil?
Luckily, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued new guidelines this year on medical marijuana and CBD products. What does this mean? First of all, marijuana is still federally illegal, even as it is increasingly legalized on a state level. Therefore, while one could theoretically walk around an airport such as LAX or Denver International Airport with THC-containing marijuana, it is illegal to bring said marijuana through TSA security.
Does airport security check for CBD oil?
What does this mean for CBD oil? Well, once TSA was made aware of Epidiolex, the first FDA-approved CBD-derived medicine that treats epilepsy in children, it decided to change its rules. This means that CBD-derived from the cannabis sativa hemp plant, which makes up the majority of CBD products sold in the U.S., is legal as long as it meets the requirements of the 2018 Farm Bill, which dictates that CBD products must contain less than .3% THC in order to be federally legal.
Of course, CBD liquid must still comply with TSA rules, meaning that it is less than 3.4 ounces total if it’s in your carry-on.
State Law and Traveling with CBD
Another word of caution: be sure to check the laws of the state you are traveling to. Although CBD with less than .3% THC is federally legal, a few states have still outlawed CBD and all cannabis products. Finally, don’t pull a fast one and attempt to bring a THC-containing product on a plane. TSA officers reserve the right to have any product inspected, and they aren’t trained to know the difference between CBD and THC oil by looking at it. It may be helpful to carry a copy of your verified third-party lab results when you travel with CBD. This helps prove exactly what’s in your hemp CBD tincture oil, CBD gummies, or other CBD product.
TSA itself admits on its Instagram page that it’s not screening for marijuana or any illegal drugs. However, agents are required by law to notify law enforcement if they suspect that a substance is marijuana. That is why it is still important to be cautious if you decide to travel with CBD oil. Making certain you have paperwork verifying the source and potency of your CBD product can help you avoid any potential issues you may encounter while flying with CBD oil throughout the continental United States.
Can you travel internationally with CBD oil?
A word of caution: you may want to hold off on bringing your CBD international. Even if you are traveling to a country that has decriminalized cannabis, or if you have all the proper documentation, international travel means heavier scrutiny. It’s not worth getting in trouble entering a foreign country. Instead, consider mailing your CBD oil to your destination ahead of time (as long as you’re complying with local laws).
Do you have to declare CBD oil when returning to the USA?
It is normal to have to declare certain items when returning to the USA from a foreign country. This has been a standard practice for decades. Yet, individuals who benefit from CBD may still be wondering, “Can I take my oil or other CBD product through airport security?” when returning from an international destination. According to the TSA, you no longer have to declare CBD products that are considered federally legal within the continental United States. This means you can safely carry your CBD product on a plane and return with it in your possession.
What to Know When Buying CBD Oil to Travel
When you are considering taking CBD oil with you while traveling, you need to be aware of what type of CBD you are carrying. As mentioned above, the TSA no longer considers CBD to be an illegal substance under federal law if it meets the standard of the 2018 Farm Bill. But what does that mean for someone asking their CBD oil on a plane?
First, remember you must purchase approved CBD products that meet federal guidelines. This means making absolutely certain that the CBD you are attempting to travel with is derived from the sativa hemp plant. Secondly, it is best to have confirmation the product has undergone laboratory testing for both potency and purity. These tips will help you when traveling with CBD oil cartridges or other forms of CBD, and make sure you are using high-quality CBD for your treatments.
What if I am still nervous about taking my CBD products on a plane?
There are a few alternatives for individuals who do not want to take their CBD oil with them while traveling. CBD ReThink offers CBD gel capsules that can be taken before arriving at the airport and should be able to alleviate some of the anxiety experienced when traveling by plane. You can also take a few drops from a CBD oil tincture or have a gummy or gel cap before beginning the travel process. For individuals that are still concerned about flying with CBD, these are great solutions as you can still enjoy the benefits of CBD use and not have to worry about going through an airport checkpoint with CBD oil.
Be Prepared When Traveling with CBD
CBD from sativa hemp plant is technically legal in the U.S. as long as it complies with the farm bill. Don’t worry about getting a special travel bag; just make sure to bring it in your carry-on and not in your checked luggage. Just be sure to follow FAA and TSA rules and err on the side of caution. Marijuana-derived CBD is still technically illegal, and it’s not worth taking your chances. If you’re new to CBD and want to learn more about legal products, contact our team today to learn more about broad-spectrum CBD derived from industrial hemp. ReThink CBD products have zero THC, so this may help your travels a step further.
A reminder to bring a printed copy of the COA of your CBD product(s) with you in case you need to present information to the TSA or other local authorities as to the content of the CBD items you are carrying. For more information, contact us today!
