Can You Fly With CBD? What You Need To Know
In order to assure that flights are safe for everyone, there’s a long list of restrictions and limits put in place by the Transportation Security Administration that passengers are expected to respect when they’re packing up for their flight.
When you’re packing up the things you need to relax and have a good time, CBD probably comes to mind. CBD is a unique product that isn’t incredibly clear regulations-wise. Of course, you know you can’t bring conventional cannabis on a plane, but where does CBD fall into the grand scheme of things?
Before you pack your bag, here’s what you need to know about TSA restrictions and CBD products.
The Legality of CBD in the United States
The overwhelming majority of CBD wellness products are derived from hemp, which is a type of cannabis plant. Hemp plants are exactly the same as any other cannabis plant in all ways but one: conventional cannabis plants contain way more THC. THC is the cannabinoid that receives the brunt of the scrutiny since other cannabinoids like CBD produce different effects that won’t intoxicate users.
THC, or delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol, is the cannabinoid known for producing the “high” effect. This cannabinoid is the reason why cannabis use is limited to medical cannabis patients in most of the country and prohibited for recreational use in most states. When people refer to cannabis as a drug, they’re actually referring to this particular compound rather than the plant as a whole.
The hemp designation was made to exclude and protect industrial cannabis plants from the restrictions used to govern cannabis plants grown for their psychoactive properties. After the 2018 Farm Bill was passed, clear definitions regarding hemp plants were written into law and restrictions surrounding the plant were significantly lifted.
Any cannabis plant that produces less than 0.3% THC by weight is considered a hemp plant. Hemp is free to grow and free to use for everything from shampoo to lip balm to CBD oil.
While hemp and cannabis are in fact technically the same thing, hemp is federally legal due to its minuscule amounts of THC. Possession or use of hemp or hemp-derived products is completely legal in the United States as long as it’s under that 0.3% THC limit.
Can You Fly with CBD in the United States?
The TSA states that CBD is allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. Their specifications for CBD products are as follows:
“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.”
Chances are slim to none that TSA will even notice your CBD products in your luggage. If they do, it shouldn’t be an issue. CBD oil products in one-ounce bottles are TSA-compliant. Most TSA workers are familiar with CBD products, and they’re trained to respond to them appropriately.
Even though CBD products are allowed, it’s a good idea to print the certificate of analysis for your batch of CBD oil and pack it with the bottle.
If you’re asked about your CBD products, simply produce the certificate of analysis that shows that your CBD product contains less than 0.3% THC. TSA won’t hassle you, and you’ll be able to carry your CBD onto the plane.
Can You Fly Abroad with CBD?
Every country has its own laws regarding cannabis. Some countries don’t distinguish between hemp and cannabis at all. There are countries where cannabis is recreationally legal for everyone and completely destigmatized, and there are countries where the possession of cannabis is punishable by death. The wide spectrum of cannabis laws around the world can be difficult to navigate.
It’s better not to travel with any products that may contain cannabinoids. You don’t know what awaits you at your next layover or at your destination country.
For example, while countries like Italy allow the free use of hemp and even have higher threshold amounts for THC in hemp-derived products, the UK has much different laws.
In the United Kingdom, hemp products like CBD oil must have the THC completely removed. If you have a 5-hour layover in London on your way to Venice, you’ll be breaking the law in London. Conflicts in law between places can cause hang-ups that can destroy your travel plans, and you don’t want to begin (and possibly end) your trip by getting arrested in a foreign country.
If CBD is legal in your destination country, consider picking some up when you arrive. You can get a small 10-serving tin of CBD gummies to hold you over while you’re away from home. If you’re on an extended trip, pick up a bottle of CBD oil. If you don’t use it up before you’re due to fly home, you’ll need to safely dispose of the excess before you return. If you’re visiting friends or family, they might be interested in finishing the rest of your gummies for you.
What Kind of CBD is Best for Travel?
If you’re going to be away from home with CBD, you’ll need to choose the right kind of CBD to provide the support you’ll need for the plane ride and for your trip. If you’re using CBD to target multiple wellness concerns, there’s no reason you can’t bring multiple types of CBD. It’s better to have a little more than what you anticipate you’ll need, rather than run out in the middle of your trip, especially if you can’t buy your favorite products in-store at your destination.
CBD for Soothing Discomfort
Some people experience tension and discomfort as a result of sitting in an uncomfortable airplane seat for a prolonged period of time. If you’re going to be walking around and exploring a lot at your destination, you might want CBD that can combat the tension and stiffness that can result from a long plane ride.
To soothe your muscles, try our CBD topical. Our roll on incorporates natural botanical ingredients like lavender oil, sage, menthol, and chamomile to soothe the skin and provide relief for sore muscles. The soothing aroma of lavender and chamomile way also work to promote mental relaxation, helping you catch a little bit of sleep on your flight.
CBD To Combat Restlessness and Emotional Imbalance
A lot of people get nervous about flying. Even if you aren’t necessarily afraid of taking a plane to your destination, travel is a stressful time.
Packing, coordinating, navigating security, and waiting out the duration of your flight can be stressful. Combine that with the idea of arriving, going to the baggage claim, finding transportation, and checking into your hotel.
There’s a lot going on, and it’s completely normal to feel stressed out about travel.
Bring a few packs of CBD gummies with you. They’re easy to travel with, and you can eat a gummy or two every six hours to keep you in a relaxed state. Try munching on a gummy before you leave for the airport. These CBD-infused snacks can help get you through the tough parts of your travel in a better mood.
CBD To Help You Sleep
Overnight cross-country flights and flights to Hawaii or Puerto Rico are long, sometimes uncomfortably long. The only reason that many people stay in one place for that long is to sleep. Why not sleep through the flight and arrive well-rested at your destination?
CBD oil works best for relaxation, which can work well for sleep. By placing a few drops under your tongue and holding it in place for up to a minute, you’re encouraging your body to quickly and efficiently absorb the CBD through thin tissue and send it directly to your bloodstream. CBD’s relaxing effects will become apparent much sooner, sometimes in as little as 15 minutes.
Put in your earplugs, grab a blanket, and get nestled up in your neck pillow. Snooze away for a few hours with the calming effects of CBD.
CBD for Daily Wellness
If you take daily vitamins and supplements, packing up a pill organizer is much easier than bringing all those containers with you. Instead of traveling with five different vitamin and supplement bottles, place the appropriate number of tablets, capsules, or gummies in each daily slot of your organizer.
TSA permits travel with vitamins, supplements, and medications in travel-friendly storage devices. You do not need to bring the prescription bottle or original packaging (though it is recommended to have a list of your prescriptions, including generic name and dose).
You also do not need to disclose that you’re carrying vitamins or medications unless you’re asked after your bag undergoes an x-ray screening process and TSA asks for verification. Simply stating that you’re carrying vitamins and supplements is usually enough information.
If you take CBD, consider adding a CBD softgel or two to each day of your sorter. You’ll save space in your bag, and you won’t have to travel with glass packaging.
Travel With evo hemp
We’re on a mission to improve health with the power of hemp, and we hope that powerful hemp goes wherever you go.
Our CBD products are all analyzed by a third-party lab to assure quality and purity. We provide a certificate of analysis for each batch of hemp extract, and you can print out our analysis and bring it with you if you intend to fly with CBD. Nice and easy, with consistent quality, purity, and potency, just how hemp should be.
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