Thinking of taking a trip? If you’re a CBD user, there are some things you should know before you start packing. Whether you’re traveling by land, air, or sea, taking your cannabis products with you requires planning ahead. In this article, we’re going to cover how to travel with CBD, as well as some precautions to keep in mind.
Is CBD Legal in the United States?
First off, CBD is legal at the federal level in the United States, as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC. You can carry it across state borders by car, train, and yes…by plane. However, any cannabis products with more than 0.3% THC are not considered legal, and should not be brought aboard an airplane.
Now, there are some caveats. CBD that is derived from the industrial hemp plant is considered legal across the 50 states. But if the CBD comes from the marijuana plant, it is still illegal in some states, so transporting it across state borders could become a legal issue. Be sure to read the label or contact the manufacturer to clarify where the CBD is derived.
To check the legality of CBD in your state, check out this guide: https://norml.org/laws
The TSA and Cannabis Products
Going through airport security is stressful enough, and traveling with cannabis products can really add to that stress. However, the TSA has stated on their website that “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.”
They go on to state that they are required to report any illegal drugs that are found during routine screenings to law enforcement. As long as you’re carrying legal cannabidiol products, you’re good to go. Be sure that they are packaged with original product labels to avoid any issues.
The TSA is also active on Twitter and Facebook Messenger accounts, where people are encouraged to submit photos and questions. They’re available seven days a week during specific windows.
Flying Internationally with CBD
Are you taking an international flight with CBD? You’ve got an entirely new set of laws to contend with. In this case, you’d be most likely to deal with Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), and they would act under state law. If the type of CBD you’re carrying is not legal under the airport’s state laws, the CBP could involve local law enforcement to handle any penalties.
International travel with CBD can also become confusing because of the gaps in state, local, and federal laws. When considering the country you’re flying to, it can become even more complicated. Some countries consider CBD legal, where others enforce severe punishment.
Currently, field tests the TSA uses aren’t sophisticated to test whether CBD came from marijuana or hemp, so if further testing is warranted, it could be sent off to a lab. These types of tests do take several months. Where you’re flying could play a role in how far law enforcement could potentially take this type of testing, or if they’d both to do it at all.
Because of all these discrepancies, flying overseas with CBD might be more hassle than it’s worth. If you have a prescription medication approved by the FDA, such as Epidiolex, be sure that you have a copy of your prescription and any other required documentation. In this case, it’s best to be over-prepared.
Before you travel, always check current laws—they’re changing all the time.
Consider Your Destination
All right, you’ve arrived at your destination, and you’re ready to settle in for some R&R. But not so fast.
Consider the safety of your hosts if you have them. If you’re not used to being around children or pets, for example, we recommend taking extra precautions in your packing and storage. Some of the CBD gummies and candies on the market don’t look that much different than their non-CBD counterparts.
While quite a few CBD edibles do have childproof containers, many do not. This may not be something you give much thought to while in your own domain, but it’s best to safeguard your products when little ones are around.
Pets are another consideration. You may not leave your CBD products unsealed, but a determined dog can make quick work of a plastic container. You’ve lost your investment next thing you know, and you may have to make a call to the owner’s veterinarian. Check out our article about CBD Products for Pets to learn more.
When in doubt, talk to your host about the products you’ve brought with you, and ask the best place to store them. Kids can be quite clever and nimble, and most parents will likely already have some good hiding spots in mind.
Carry Your Certificate of Analysis…Just in Case
Every CBD product you buy should have a certificate of analysis (CoA). As we’ve stated before, if the company you’re buying from can’t furnish a CoA, we don’t recommend making a purchase. Most CBD companies put these on their website, and if they don’t, contact them and ask for it. These tests should be conducted by a third-party lab and be ISO-certified.
For this article’s purpose, the CoA’s importance is to prove that your CBD is legal. The CoA will state whether or not the cannabidiol is hemp- or marijuana-derived, as well as the amount of THC in the product. By carrying this CoA with you when you travel, you may be able to avoid running into any issues.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with CBD products can be a bit stressful. Still, if you acquaint yourself with the laws and prepare any necessary documentation, you can be ready for any issues that may arise. This article is in no way intended to substitute legal advice from the TSA or any other entity. Additionally, laws do frequently change federally, on the state level, and in other countries. We always recommend erring on the side of caution.
Ready to experience CBD for yourself? Check out our online shop, where you can find a vast variety of CBD products! We carry full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD in tinctures, edibles, topicals, skincare creams, and so much more. Every one of our products is rigorously third-party lab tested, and quality is guaranteed.
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