Imagining yourself pooping your pants while travelling your favourite CBD oil and gummies is quite concerning.
You are planning for a trip and would like to keep your health and wellness routine intact. However, travelling rules concerning any product derived from cannabis remain foggy. So, can you fly with CBD? Most certainly yes! However, there are a few pertinent aspects to consider. The most crucial aspect is knowing where your CBD is sourced and the restrictions Transport Security Administration (TSA) have in place.
The prospect of having to pass through airport security fills many people with dread, especially Lombards, because of the concern regarding any product that is legal being taken luxury. Fortunately, in the absence of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived products would be illegal on a federal level in the United States, and in those such as this one inflates defence within the passengers. Nonetheless, it does not include all CBD products in the ‘Can fly’ category. This regulation will inform and assure the reader of all foreseeable aspects relating to the situation, to allow for a pleasant journey.
Deconstructing the TSA’s View on CBD
In the past, the Transportation Security Administration’s stance on all marijuana and cannabis products was an unequivocal one: forbidden. However, that has shifted. The major preoccupation of the TSA agents is not your health supplements, rather explosive and other weapons. The procedures opportunities are stubbornly made to spot such threats rather than keeping an eye on your beauty products.
According to the TSA official website, they have revised their policy to accommodate some forms of CBD. The policy goes: “Marijuana and certain cannabis infused products, including some Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, remain illegal under federal law except for products which contain less than 0.3% of the THC content calculated to the dry weight or which are FDA approved.” Let it be known that this is the categorical imperative. Interestingly, one may ask ‘can you fly with CBD’ – this primarily depends on levels of THC in it.
This means that taking your CBD oil or extract should not be a problem provided that it is made from hemp and does not have more than 0.3% of THC content. The TSA states their agents are not experts in chemistry, so it is essential that the provided product has existential labeling and sometimes even a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to confirm the quantity and quality of the product.
The Revolution in Hemp Came with 2018 Farm Bill
Why can you fly with CBD? This is possible when one understands The Farm Bill 2018 comprehensively. A part of federal legislation passed this year, this statute revolutionized the hemp plant in the eyes of the federal law. It eliminated the definition of hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, which previously included the hemp plant as being a form of prohibited marijuana.
What’s the variation between the two? Both marijuana and hemp come from the same cannabis sativa plant. The specific legal distinction is their levels of delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive hashish component that causes a ‘high’ effect when administered in marijuana.
- Hemp: A cannabis plant that is legally recognized by its 0.3% or less dry weight THC content.
- Marijuana: A cannabis plant that has more than 0.3% dry weight THC.
With the Farm Bill, it is now legal to grow, produce and sell industrial hemp and hemp products in the U.S.A. You now understand why there are already CBD oil, tinctures, topical, and edible products on the shelves of many stores for sale and even more why the Transport Security Administration (TSA) changed its policies. Therefore, to your query of “can you fly with CBD obtained from hemp,” the response is affirmative but within other THC limits.
Domestic Flights vs India Flights: Two Sides of the Same Coin
It might seem easy to do internal flights within the US and when getting out of the country, it is a whole different ball game. There are a lot of complexities when it comes to cannabis and even its products from one nation to another. Precisely since one is allowed to fly with CBD at the airport in the US does not necessarily mean one will be allowed at their country of destination.
CBD Itinerary – Domestic (Within the USA) Air Travel
Federal law is applicable to all journeys within the United States from one state to another. Provided the CBD product originates from hemp and has THC content below the 0.3% threshold, the TSA requirements have been met. It applies to all cases whether you are flying domestically from California to New York or from Texas to Colorado.
Though, it is sensible to take into account individual state laws. Despite the fact that CBD derived from hemp is legally regarded as a non-controlled substance at the federal level, individual states may have more stringent laws on the matter. Although it should not be expected to present a problem within a TSA security check area (which operates with federal law), it is always useful to know the local laws of where you are going. So, the meat of “can you fly with CBD” and the concerns pertaining to CBD and domestic flights mostly concerns security checkup where TSA ensures the positive presence of a substance.
Possible Consequences of Carrying CBD on International Trips
Given the existence of the aforementioned threat, it is not recommended to take CBD with one on an international flight. The majority of nations enforce strict laws against cannabis and its derivatives even if they do not contain any significant level of THC. There are severe sanctions in some countries against possession of such material which range from imposition of fines to imprisonment. Such a concept does not exist in most cases outside the United States of America where one could differentiate between hemp and marijuana.
Prior to even attempting to pack CBD on an international trip, you will need to fully understand the laws in the foreign country you are visiting as well as any other you will be stopping in. Do not resort to any hearsay or blogs, refer to the relevant government sites. In nearly all circumstances, the safest bet is to leave all CBD products behind or wait to buy a legal product within the country. Threat cannot be in balance.
How to Pack CBD for Your Flight: What to Know About Carry On vs. Checked Luggage
As soon as you have established that the CBD is permitted, the idea can become one of how to carry it within the allowed limits. The CBD can be put in bodily hand luggage or it can go into checked cargo. Regarding containers such as oils and tinctures, they must go in the carry on and the TSA’s 3-1-1 policy must be observed and followed.
The TSA 3-1-1 rule for bringing liquids.
This applies to any liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, or pastes that you might want to put in your carry on bag.
- 3: The containers must be of 3.4 ounces or less (3.4 ounces is approximately 100 milliliters).
- 1: All containers are mated to a clear, quart sized and re-sealable plastic bag.
- 1: A quart sized plastic bag is meant for one passenger only.
CBD oil most often comes in bottle sizes of 1 oz (30 ml) to 2 oz (60 ml), which are compliant with the 3.4 oz rule. So, when traveling with liquid, can you fly with CBD-carrying containers? Yes, you can as long as they fit inside your liquid’s check-in bag. Most fliers prefer carrying liquids in cabin luggage since there’s always a risk of leakage or destruction of liquids in check-in luggage and temperature impact on the goods inside the bark of the aircraft.
| Product Type | Carry On Bag | Checked Bag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBD Oil / Tincture | Yes (Rule 3-1-1 must be applied) | Yes | It is advisable to leave the original package. |
| CBD Edibles / Gummies | Yes, if fully bought on board | Yes, if fully consumed before arrival | The requirement for liquids does not apply to solid foods. |
| CBD Capsules/Pills | Yes | Yes | There is no TSA requirement that medications need be in their original prescription containers. |
| CBD Topicals (Creams and Lotions) | Yes (In Accordance to the 3-1-1 Rule) | Yes | Make sure the size of the container is 3.4 ounces or less when carrying liquid content in a carry on bag. |
| CBD Vape Pens | Yes (Carry-on Baggage Only) | No | Since there is a risk of combustion of lithium ion batteries, every electronic cigarette and vape device must be packed in carry-on baggage. |
Guidelines for a Hassle-free Experience at the Airport
While it is not illegal to carry products with low THC content through air transport, such as CBD, some preparedness tips should be followed to avert any issues with the security check process. The primary objective here is to demonstrate how your product is a legal supplement derived from hemp to the allied security officers.
- Carry your Certificate of Analysis (COA) – The document called a Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a result of a laboratory test carried out on the product by an independent third party. This document lists the chemical makeup of the product: which cannabis cannabinoids are present and in what concentrations. Although it is not compulsory, having either a soft or hard copy of the COA can answer any concerns which a TSA agent may have about the product. Often, these can be accessed on the websites of the well-known companies promoting their products.
- Store the Product in the Appropriate Package – It is best not to place the CBD oil in a container without labeling. All components should remain in their original packages. Also, the label of the product will say that the substance is “hemp oil,” the ingredient components are mentioned and usually it will state that it contains no more than 0.3% THC. This label comes in very handy should a TSA officer check your luggage. It allows the TSA to easily find out what the product is and go about their business.
- Speak the Truth and Remain Calm – Also, tourist behavior is very important when you have to do with American authorities like TSA. One has to understand, how one can act, is very important when registering. Therefore, one should know the behavior and attitude of the various institutions, in this case TSA officials, when faced with such issues.
How about “can you fly with CBD”? Are you allowed to transport cannabis over international borders in your luggage or person?
Should there be any questions from the TSA agent in relation to a CBD product, one ought to remain calm, confident and speak the truth. At least tell them it is derived from a hemp extract which is compliant with the prohibition on the use of THC in excess of 0.3%. Consider offering to present the package and the certificate of analysis as well. Keep in mind that their aim is not to take away such drugs. Picking arguments with them makes things even worse in the end.
FAQs on Traveling with CBD
Despite the aforementioned changes, many passengers do not understand this issue on some aspects of this question. Below answers to some of the frequently asked questions in regard to this issue will be discussed.
Is it permissible to take flights carrying CBD gummies?
In short, yes, you can travel with CBD gummies. It is because they belong to the category of solid food items that do not comply with the TSA’s liquid container or 3-1-1 rule. If the gummies are made from hemp and do not exceed 0.3% of THC then they can be carried in both hand luggage or checked luggage without any problem.
Pertaining to prescribed CBD medicines – Can one take a flight?
Liquids that are essential for medical purposes are not covered by the TSA regulations. Fortunately or unfortunately, the standards regarding CBD concern its THC levels. The only exception to the no-THC-above-0.3%-rule is Epidiolex, the prescription medicine from cannabis that is also FDA regulated. You can fly holding Epidiolex and all other cannabis-containing FDA approved drugs. As for the other forms of medical cannabis that contain very high levels of THC, those are still federally prohibited, and no one is allowed such items on a plane.
How likely is it that a dog trained to search for drugs will find CBD in my luggage?
Most canine units available to TSA at airports can sniff for explosives. Other dogs, especially those used by law enforcement from a different jurisdiction at the airport, may be able to sniff out various substances including marijuana. Dogs as well as people often have a very hard time differentiating hemp from marijuana so also a dog may feel the urge to bark when presented with legal hemp. There is more: dogs leashed by officers can guide them towards the ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ odor and this takes a simple explanation and the COA of the material in question to ease the tension.
Can I travel with CBD oil in the US states?
The answer is affirmative given the fact that all these spaces, ATM, focus includes both the airport and the aircraft, fall under the category of federally regulated, all federal laws will be applicable. As long as you’re able to keep your CBD within TSA policies, you should be fine to fly with CBD in any state. However, when the plane touches down, one is not accountable for the laws governing the airport state but being in possession of CBD which is hemp and not illegal in the whole country is allowed.
Summary
So is it permissible to fly with cannabidiol? As long as you are flying domestically within the U.S, the question, can you fly with CBD, ceases to exist because the answer is a loud yes on condition. The condition is that your cannabidiol oil or product should come from hemp and should have THC content that does not exceed 0.3%. To avoid unnecessary stress, traveling with your products safely requires that you keep them in their original packaging, ensure the third party lab report (certificate of authenticity) is within reach, and ensure small bagged liquid contents are kept in accordance with the 3-1-1 TSA policy. Should you be in a position where you will have to take an international flight, there are many dangers involved and you need to do without the CBD. Provided I am ready and know what I am doing, I am able to carry my health regimen as far as any part of the USA.
