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Can You Fly With CBD? A 2023 Guide for Travelers

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CBD oil being poured in a cup with a dropper.

Nowadays, more and more people are turning to CBD products to improve their health. However, if you intend to travel carrying CBD products, there are some legal concerns you should have in mind.

If you’re planning your next trip and want to travel with CBD products, then this post is for you. Today, we’ll answer some common questions including:

  • What is CBD?
  • What are the health benefits of CBD for travelers?
  • Can you fly with CBD?
  • What regulations should be aware of when traveling with CBD?

Ready? Let’s get started!

What Is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, an active ingredient in marijuana. Nevertheless, it’s fair to mention that CBD doesn’t contain marijuana’s psychoactive ingredient, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). In short, CBD products won’t make you feel “high”.

CBD is widely used for its multiple health benefits, including:

  • Lowering anxiety levels
  • Reducing stress
  • Pain relief
  • Lowering inflammation
  • Improving sleep quality

CBD is also used to treat epilepsy, PTSD, depression, insomnia, arthrosis, and more. It’s also commonly prescribed for reducing pain in cancer patients.

In fact, some travelers take CBD to:

  • Deal with flying anxiety
  • Prevent or treat muscular pain in an uncomfortable flight
  • Fall asleep, especially on a long flight
  • Cope with jet-lag

Traveling and CBD: What You Need to Know

For starters, there are different CBD laws depending on where you are and where you are traveling to. In this section, we’ll dive into what you should consider if you want to travel:

  • Within the USA
  • Within Europe
  • Internationally

Let’s take a closer look.

Can You Fly with CBD within the USA?

You can travel with CBD within the USA, but it will be tricky. According to the TSA, you can carry CBD products with less than 0.3% THC, and they must be hemp-derived. You can put them either in your carry-on bag or checked bags.

Nevertheless, CBC regulations vary from one state to another. For instance, in Vermont, CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal, but they’re not in Iowa. All in all, our best recommendation is to research your destination’s regulations before flying.

To determine whether purchasing or using a CBD product is legal, you should pay attention to three levels of legislation:

  • State-level laws
  • Federal-level laws
  • International laws

Most states in the US allow the sale and use of hemp-derived CBD and hemp oils. In fact, many States even legalized other cannabis products, including edible cannabis, medical marijuana, recreational marijuana, and more. So, if you’re traveling within the country, take note of state laws concerning CBD and THC to ensure you don’t travel with illegal substances.

US States with Low Cannabis Restrictions

As of this writing, THC products are legal for recreational and medical purposes in 17 states. Namely:

  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • District of Columbia
  • Illinois
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • Oregon
  • South Dakota
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington

In these states, CBD products can be sold without restrictions, regardless of their THC amount.

US States with Moderate Cannabis Restrictions

Twenty states have legalized medical cannabis, including CBD products containing THC.

We’re talking about:

  • Arkansas
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Hawaii
  • Kansas
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • New Hampshire
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • West Virginia

US States with High Cannabis Restrictions

The following states impose strict restrictions on CBD and THC sales:

  • Alabama
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kentucky
  • South Carolina
  • Tennesse
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

You may be wondering how strict these rules are. Don’t hesitate to review local legislation if you’re traveling to any of these states. But here’s an example: Iowa doesn’t allow the sale of any CBD products, regardless of how low their THC content may be.

Federal Level Laws

A piece of federal legislation passed by the US government in 2018, known as the 2018 Farm Bill, outlines the federal legality of CBD.

Some key factors to consider about this document are:

  • Hemp and hemp-derived products are different from marijuana and other cannabis products. CBD regulations are based on this fundamental difference.
  • CBD products must contain no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight to be sold and used. Products with a higher amount are considered marijuana and not nationally legal, even though some states do recognize them as such.
  • The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is responsible for regulating hemp products. Its goal is to ensure that hemp products are properly labeled, inform consumers, and ensure consumer safety.

Getting CBD from a standard marijuana plant may result in it having a higher concentration of THC than legally allowed. Therefore, CBD products that are federally legal must be extracted from FDA- approved hemp.

Can You Travel to Europe with CBD in Your Bag?

CBD may be legal, restricted, or in the legal gray zone in Europe. Therefore, make sure both the country you are leaving and your destination allow you to transport CBD. Bear in mind that just because CBD purchase and consumption are legal in one country, that doesn’t mean that air transportation is also legal.

Some countries that have legalized CBD products are:

  • Austria
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK

Furthermore, if you wish to travel with CBD within Europe legally, you must also carry a tax receipt and a certificate proving the hemp’s origin. Otherwise, security authorities will have no way of knowing where the product came from and its active components. Store all packaging, labels, and receipts with your CBD products. Alternatively, some countries may ask you to have a doctor’s note.

Additionally, it’s also discouraged to carry CBD flowers and resins, as they can be easily confused with illegal substances and lead to a thorough security check. To save time, it’s better to only transport oils, creams, and edibles.

Can You Travel Internationally with CBD?

Every country has its regulations for CBD products. However, here are some key points to consider:

Asia

CBD products are banned or heavily restricted to medical usage in Asia. Plus, there may be severe legal penalties for consuming, purchasing, or transporting CBD products, in some countries.

Australia and Canada

CBD is widely legalized in both Australia and Canada. However, THC concentration allowance may vary in comparison with the USA.

South America

CBD is strictly regulated in South America. Nevertheless, in the last few years, some countries like Uruguay and Colombia have fully legalized CBD.

Key Takeaways

All in all, traveling with CBD requires mindful research. During your research, keep in mind that CBD may be legal for consumption and purchase in some countries, but not for importation.

Nevertheless, in many countries, CBD legislation is currently being investigated, and new legislation or regulations could appear at any time. Stay updated by visiting official government websites.

If you’re failing to find the information you’re looking for and traveling with CBD is legal in your country, consider getting in touch with your Embassy.

Want to get tested for COVID-19 before your next trip? Find COVID testing locations near you with our global directory.

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