Although some CBD oil consumers are occasional users, there are many that incorporate cannabidiol into daily use. Everyday CBD hemp oil users are faced with the decision on whether or not flying with CBD oil is a wise choice for the fear of being stopped by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). “Like any medication or supplement, you need a consistent routine with your CBD products,” says 29-year-old consumer Elana Cohen from Illinois, who utilizes cannabidiol as part of her personal treatment for social anxiety, PTSD, migraines, bodily aches and pains, skincare and sound sleep. “I take CBD every day – sometimes a few times a day, based on my ailments, and for overall health. Because I take it daily, I need to have my CBD products with me when traveling, since I do not want to break my routine,” she explains.
Cohen admits she is confident when traveling with CBD oil because she does not think TSA is seeking out her hemp oil products. “I honestly think TSA and airport security are looking for more important and dangerous items than trying to find CBD in people’s bags. I know some people freak out when dogs start sniffing the security line, but they are bomb-sniffing dogs, and they don’t even detect the CBD,” she offers.
If you are new to CBD and not as comfortable as Cohen, and the thought of flying with hemp oil still makes you nervous, continue on to the guide below. Our tips and tricks aim to help ease your mind leading up to your next trip.
Is CBD legal to possess?
“Is CBD oil legal in all 50 states?” is still a frequently asked question of those who are undecided when it comes to consuming hemp oil products. When the Farm Bill passed in 2018, it made CBD legal in all states. Essentially, hemp-derived CBD harvested and tested to contain no more than 0.3 percent THC is now legal to own, possess and consume – throughout the United States. This also means that Americans can travel with CBD products across state lines, that include, but are not limited to:
- CBD tinctures and sublinguals.
- Salves and lotions with cannabidiol CBD.
- CBD edibles, like chocolates and candies.
- Beauty products containing CBD hemp oil.
- CBD isolate powder (which contains no THC).
However, if you plan to carry on your pure CBD products that are considered liquids, make sure these items adhere to Transportation Security Administration guidelines in terms of volume. With a larger-size hemp lotion or topical, it is best to check the product in your luggage, versus a carry-on.
Tip: If your CBD lotion is in a bottle that is larger than 3.4 ounces, make sure to transfer the contents to a travel-size bottle that meets TSA requirements – or else, the item may be confiscated.
Click here to learn more about the different types of CBD products and how to use them.
Can you fly with CBD oil that is marijuana-derived?
“Can I fly with CBD oil that is not made from hemp?” and “Can I travel with CBD cream that has high amounts of THC?” are common questions of consumers in cannabis-legal states. While you can fly freely with CBD oil products made from hemp, you cannot fly with marijuana-based CBD.
If you do not live in a state where cannabis is legal medically, recreationally, or both, you may not even know these items exist. In addition to the federally legal hemp-based CBD oils and other products, dispensaries often sell products that contain more than the legal limit of THC, and these items are derived from marijuana (which also contains CBD). These offerings come in the forms of flower, tinctures, topicals, edibles and ingestibles and more.
Although there are no current on-the-spot cannabidiol oil testing methods utilized by TSA officials, it is wiser to not fly with CBD hemp oils and other CBD products that have a marijuana base. Instead, consume these products in marijuana and CBD legal states, only. Traveling with hemp oil products that contain more than 0.3 percent THC is illegal, and you are subject to law enforcement if you travel across state lines with these types of cannabidiol items.
To learn about how to shop for the best hemp-based CBD products, click here.
Should I fly with CBD oil internationally?
While you can feel safe traveling with CBD within the U.S., you are subject to the laws of your final destination when you enter a foreign country. Before you decide to fly with CBD oil overseas, make sure to do some research on the CBD oil laws in your destination. For example, according to Talk-Business.co.uk, purchasing cannabis products is legal everywhere in the European Union, but Slovakia. However, the laws differ from country to country, like in Italy where the laws continue to fluctuate surrounding hemp, and in the Netherlands, where selling isolated cannabinoids is illegal, despite other cannabis products being legal to purchase and consume.
What if I am still anxious about flying with hemp oil?
If you are still on edge about traveling with cannabidiol that is hemp-based, consider a few travel hacks – although they are unnecessary. Cohen recommends the following tips when traveling with CBD products:
- Remove the CBD oil label
- Transfer your CBD pills into other pill bottles
- Pour hemp oil into unmarked travel-size toiletry bottles
- Keep your CBD products in your makeup case
Although it is unlikely your CBD hemp oil will be discovered and discarded, if it is, fret not. “Buying good-quality CBD is pretty easy – wherever you travel these days,” suggests Cohen.