Cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabis derivative gaining popularity for its potential health benefits like pain relief, anxiety reduction, and improved sleep, is now available in various forms like gummies, creams, tinctures, and lotions.
However, this growing accessibility raises a crucial question: can you travel with CBD products? What is permitted and what is not? What are the best packaging options?
The following are some crucial guidelines. You can also find a wide range of CBD-based products at Enspire Brand.
Think About State Laws
The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the Schedule I drug list, thereby permitting its cultivation, production, and interstate transportation. However, to qualify as hemp, the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content must be below 0.3%. Products exceeding this limit are considered marijuana, which remains illegal under federal standards.
When traveling with hemp-derived CBD products, ensure they comply with the 2018 Farm Bill and are produced under a USDA-approved state program (each state has its own plan).
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Regulations are Important
Marijuana is illegal to transport across state lines. However, CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC are permitted on domestic flights.
The TSA follows standard liquid restrictions – containers in carry-on luggage cannot exceed 3.4oz and must be placed in a clear, resealable 1-quart bag. Larger containers must be checked in your luggage.
It is vital to also note that you don’t need to declare CBD products on domestic flights as they are federally legal.
International Travel Considerations
The legality of cannabidiol products varies significantly by country. Therefore, before traveling internationally with CBD, make sure that you undertake sufficient research on the destination country’s regulations.
If you are unsure, it’s best to leave your CBD products at home, as many countries have stricter laws compared to the US.
Always Verify THC Content
Another tip is to make sure that you check the THC content of your CBD products before traveling. Products with less than 0.3% THC are federally legal in the US, but state regulations may vary.
This is particularly important if you’re traveling to or from states where marijuana is legal.
How Best Can You Package Your CBD Products?
Here are key factors to consider when selecting packaging for your CBD products when traveling:
- Odor control is important: Go for materials like plastic containers or vacuum-sealed bags that prevent odor leakage. Avoid zipper bags as they are not the best for odor containment.
- Consider security and integrity: Ensure that your packaging is tamper-evident and leakproof to safeguard your CBD products.
- Think about compliance: Packaging must adhere to all state and international regulations for CBD products. It is always best to have this information beforehand before traveling.
Here is how to best package different CBD products:
- CBD tinctures: Dark glass bottles with droppers or pumps are common for liquid CBD. This form of packaging protects the product from light and ensures that you take the correct dosage.
- CBD Tablets: When it comes to tablets, the best way to go is to use zipper bags or child-proof medicine bottles. The good thing is that they help maintain all-round freshness and safety.
- CBD Creams: If you want to travel with your CBD cream, make sure it is packaged in a tube, pump bottle, or twist-up tube. These are the best options, as long as the packaging is sturdy and leakproof.
- CBD edibles: Edibles go well with zipper bags, large plastic bottles, or childproof containers.
Note: Most CBD products already come in custom packaging from the company that makes them. This packaging is usually designed specifically for that product, so it’s best to just keep it in its original box or container.
What You Can’t Bring on a Flight Even If You Have Met All CBD Criteria
The TSA restricts certain items in carry-on luggage:
- Razors: Disposable and electric razors are allowed in checked bags, but razor blades and safety razors with blades must be checked.
- Lighters: Electric lighters are prohibited in both checked and carry-on bags. Disposable and refillable lighters are permitted in checked bags only if emptied, or if they comply with Department of Transportation exemptions.
- Ammunition: Ammunition is strictly prohibited in carry-on luggage but can be transported in checked baggage if properly declared and secured.
- Liquids: Containers exceeding 3.4oz are not allowed in carry-on bags.
For medications:
- Capsule medications can be packed in a pill case for domestic travel, but keeping them in their original labeled pharmacy containers is recommended to avoid delays.
- Liquid medications under 3.4oz are permitted on flights without a plastic bag, but they must be declared during security screening.
Driving with CBD Oil
Traveling by road trip requires understanding individual state laws on CBD products.
Acceptable Products
While CBD is federally legal, some states restrict or require a doctor’s prescription for CBD use. States completely banning CBD include North Carolina, Kansas, South Dakota, South Carolina, Indiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and Kentucky.
Domestic/National Parks
National Parks adhere to federal guidelines, allowing CBD products with less than 0.3% THC. Cannabis products exceeding this limit are prohibited, regardless of state laws.
Benefits of CBD Oil When Traveling
Some travelers might feel anxious about traveling with CBD oil across state lines. The FDA prohibits companies from making medical claims about CBD products without official trials. In this regard, research on CBD’s potential anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties is ongoing.
Additional Tips for Traveling with CBD
- Keep copies of lab reports: Having copies of lab reports from the manufacturer showing the THC content of your CBD products can be helpful if questioned by authorities.
- Carry a doctor’s recommendation (optional): If you use CBD for a medical condition, you can consider getting a doctor’s recommendation to carry with you as it can provide additional documentation for your CBD use.
- Be discreet: Avoid drawing unnecessary attention to your CBD products. Make sure that you pack them securely and discreetly within your luggage.
A Recap of What to Expect When Traveling With CBD Products
At the end of the day, we understand that traveling with CBD products can be confusing. This is why we have curated these tips and guidelines to help you in your travels.
This article should keep you informed but always remember that legality hinges on the THC content of a specific product and following state/country regulations.
Finally, pack your CBD products in tidy, secure, odor-proof containers and prioritize discretion. If you’re unsure about anything, it is best to leave your CBD products at home to avoid complications.
