With so much talk about the legalization of cannabis in a growing number of states throughout the U.S. and around the world, people who are using CBD (cannabidiol) want to know if they can fly with confidence across states lines and around the world, and what the risks are of doing so, if any? Here are some tips on the status of CBD if you are planning to fly soon and travel by vehicle or other means during that trip.
REASONS FOR TRAVELING WITH CBD
When it comes to taking a trip, it is natural to take along adequate prescription and over-the-counter medications if you require them to function daily. CBD is no exception. As more studies continue to reveal the benefits of CBD products, people are noting from those studies that demonstrates CBD as a potential medicine for the treatment of; neuroinflammation such as chronic pain, acting as an anticonvulsant for epilepsy, antioxidant for oxidative damage and an antipsychotic agent in the treatment of schizophrenia. Clearly, these conditions alone effect millions of patients. But the best reasons to travel with CBD, especially if you are travelling with others, is that CBD acts as an anxiolytic for anxiety and insomnia (at higher doses) and is also antiemetic for nausea and vomiting. Never underestimate the value of an effective treatment for those four conditions alone when travelling!
Travelling in the United States with CBD
It is easy to travel with CBD products such as oils, liquids, capsules, edibles, balms or any other non-liquid forms across the U.S. You should not have any issues bringing along CBD products with you on any trains, planes, boats, cars, or busses. CBD products can be purchased at retailers or online, so whether you are driving home with CBD in your car, or having it delivered in your mailbox...providing it is a hemp-based CBD product with less than 0.3% THC, you should be fine.
Taking it on a Plane
Because flying typically includes dealing with airports, it therefore also includes dealing with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). CBD is by nature, an organic product created by nature. CBD cannot be identified through the typical screening process therefore, it would be difficult to determine quickly. There is no smell or taste that automatically “gives it away” quite like the way something containing larger doses of THC does. Providing you meet the TSA guidelines, you should safely be able to bring CBD products with you in your carry-on baggage or packed in your checked luggage.
Road Trip
Taking reputable CBD products (0.0-0.3% of THC) will not have any psychoactive effects on your body, including when driving, so virtually everyone will be able to administer CBD products before, during or after any road trips. It is advised to take along with you the packaging your CBD oil came in as it looks very similar to THC oil. In the unlikely event you were questioned about what was in the cartridge, you could easily prove the contents to any law enforcement officers by producing the bottle the liquid was taken from.
Flying Internationally with CBD Oil
Even if you are taking off from California and landing in Amsterdam (where both locations offer recreational cannabis use) it is never advised to fly internationally with any kind of illegal substance, even if the substance is a non-psychoactive product like CBD. Is it likely that you will get caught with CBD? No. But in the unlikely event you do, CBD is certainly not worth the risk of getting in trouble for just for being in possession of it, not to mention all the delays it will cause you. Consider purchasing your CBD products when you arrive at your destination, because as CBD usage continues to spread throughout the world, it is most likely available where you are travelling to.
What will TSA Do?
TSA’s primary purpose of the airports screening procedure is focused towards passenger security and any potential threats that could cause harm or injury to those passengers and aviation. TSA security officers do not actively search for illegal drugs, however, if a substance appears to be a cannabis infused product during security screening, the TSA security officer will refer the matter to law enforcement because the possession of cannabis or cannabis infused products like CBD, is illegal under federal law. While TSA officers are required to report any suspected violations of the law, including possession of cannabis infused products, the final decision ultimately rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through a checkpoint. Consider reviewing the TSA guidelines for the most recent data regarding traveling requirements and restrictions on CBD and cannabis. Providing you are compliant with the TSA requirements, you should have no problems taking CBD oil when you travel by plane.
What are the Rules about possessing CBD
Since quality CBD products produced by legitimate manufacturers contain no THC or less than 0.3%, they're considered hemp products. In all states throughout the U.S., hemp is classified as a legal product under the law. In this case, getting past security with CBD products in-hand shouldn't be a problem. The legality of CBD is determined exclusively by its source – industrial hemp plants (cannabis) with less than the allowable 0.3% delta-9 tetraydrocannabinol is LEGAL in ALL 50 states.
Tips for Flying with CBD Oil
Having said that, there are certain precautions that you may want to consider before traveling on aircraft with your CBD oil.
- CBD oil must be clearly labeled and sealed
- Lab reports should accompany the product proving a THC concentration of less than 0.3%
- Any liquids, such as e-liquid must be under 3.4 oz; you are allowed one, quart sized bag of liquids
- Vape pens, vaporizers, and atomizers may be brought onto the aircraft in carry-on luggage but are prohibited in checked luggage
- The easiest way to avoid issues is to stay compliant with TSA rules. If you can do this, you will “fly under the radar”- so to say, and your flight will be more enjoyable and relaxing…just as it should be!
Disclaimer:
These statements have not evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always check with your physician or medical provider before starting a new dietary supplement program.