After a rocky few years, the world is open again, and many of us are ready to explore. Yet, we’re still living in high-anxiety times, so naturally, people are asking if they can bring along their most trusted CBD products.
CBD stands for cannabidiol, a compound that belongs to a group of cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Unlike its cousin, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD doesn’t elicit psychoactive effects.
Developments in understanding and separating cannabinoids have led to cannabis being celebrated in the wellness industry and cannabis-derived products being legalized around the globe. CBD has helped remove the stigma attached to cannabis, and as a result, it is now widely used by many, including those who have never used illegal drugs and never intend to. It can be found everywhere, from CBD oil capsules, tinctures, gummies, tea, and skin products.
Given the common anxious feelings around air travel, flying with CBD is something many people are keen to do, and chances are, you can! But first, there are some essential things to know to avoid landing in a sticky situation.
Understanding Cannabinoids
The removal of the intoxicating compound THC, combined with discoveries of the plant’s potential healing properties, has meant laws around the world have changed from totally outlawing the plant to legalizing most, if not all, cannabinoids.
In the UK, CBD must be extracted from hemp containing no more than 0.2% THC, with the end product containing no more than 1mg of THC. If you’ve purchased legitimate CBD in the UK with the relevant lab reports, flying domestically within the UK is not an issue.
However, laws worldwide regarding the amount of THC permitted in CBD products differ from country to country and, in the US, state to state. So flying with CBD or crossing international borders can put you at risk if you haven’t done your research.
Can I Bring CBD Oil On A Plane?
This depends on the country you’re traveling to, and remember to include any layovers. Brushing up on the laws surrounding cannabis in your destination country can keep you out of hot water. Another tip is to ensure the information you receive is accurate, as the laws are an ever-moving picture. Check with the destination country’s embassy to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. Here, we have a guide.
Can You Take CBD On A Plane In The USA?
Traveling to and within the USA is a bit more of a complicated picture. While medical and recreational cannabis (with THC) is legal in certain states, all airports are under federal law. For example, if you bought a recreational product in a legal state, you won’t be permitted to fly with it because THC is illegal under US federal law.
While you won’t be able to take with you a THC souvenir, CBD is no longer classed as a controlled substance, so THC-free CBD products are good to go.
Can You Take CBD On A Plane In Europe?
Generally, Europe has a relatively liberal stance regarding CBD, from coffee shops in the Netherlands to the broader use of medical marijuana in Germany. However, the rules and regulations aren’t as relaxed everywhere. Traveling with THC-free CBD is legal in all European countries. Certain countries allow low levels of THC, similar to the UK – up to 0.2% or up to as much as 1% (in the case of Switzerland).
When To Be Careful
In some parts of the world, cannabis laws still apply to all cannabinoids, even the non-intoxicating ones. There are certain countries you should never travel to with cannabis-derived products. These include but aren’t limited to China, Belarus, Thailand, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore. Traveling to these countries with CBD can come with strict penalties and is never worth the risk.
The Importance Of Labels
Choosing a reputable CBD company that verifies the content of its products is always important, especially when traveling. Your product should state the cannabinoid content on the label, have lab reports online and show the source of the hemp used to derive the extract.
The Best Products To Travel With
Once you’ve checked the laws in your destination country, it’s time to decide which products to take with you.
CBD Oil
If CBD oil is your favorite way to take CBD, standard 10ml – 30ml bottles can be checked in as liquid in your hand luggage. CBD oil has the benefit of kicking in faster than edibles, so great for any traveling jitters.
CBD Capsules
CBD oil capsules are a fantastic travel-friendly option. They offer a discreet way to take CBD without needing to check them in with your liquids.
CBD Vapes
There are policies over binging a vape or e-cigarette on a plane. You certainly won’t be able to use a vape on an aircraft, and many airlines will only allow them in carry-on bags due to safety measures. If you’re looking to use CBD for any traveling-related stresses, then there might be better methods than a vape, and they might attract further investigation in some countries with stricter CBD laws.
CBD Topicals
Certain countries have laws pertaining to ingestible CBD products (like capsules, gummies, and oils) but not to topicals (like CBD lotions and patches). If you want to use CBD for any traveling nerves, but there are rules surrounding edibles, you can always use transdermal CBD patches that apply to the skin and absorb into the bloodstream. In fact, transdermal patches have a much higher bioavailability rate of around 45%.
Final Takeaway
Traveling with hemp-derived CBD containing no THC is generally okay in most parts of the world. However, if you have any doubts, always check the local laws before setting off on your travels.
Complying with airline regulations is the responsibility of the individual. Ensure that you check the rules of any layover countries too. Many long-distance flights stop over in middle eastern countries that take a stronger stance on cannabis-derived products.
