Cannabidiol has become one of the most popular cannabinoids the world has ever seen. CBD, as it’s commonly shortened to, comes in a variety of forms: edibles like gummies and softgels, topicals like salves and lotions, sublinguals, inhalables, pet CBD, and much more. Once you’ve successfully incorporated CBD into your daily life, it’s hard to imagine not being able to use them as you wish. But what happens if you need to travel for work? Or you’re itching to take a long vacation across the country (or to a different country)? While CBD is legal on a federal level thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, you may have concerns about taking hemp-infused products into an airport as well as into other parts of the world. In this article, we’ll be discussing some of the acceptable ways to travel with your favorite CBD products. Grab your travel bags and your passports; it’s time to see what’s allowed and what is not!
Preparing For Your Trip
Before you even start packing your bags, you might wonder if CBD is even allowed in the airport, let alone on an aircraft (regardless if it’s in carryon or checked luggage). The 2018 Farm Bill allows for hemp- derived cannabinoids to be transported across state lines during traveling. There are three important exceptions to that rule, which we’ll touch on shortly. The most important thing to remember is that many TSA agents may not be aware that your hemp products are CBD and not traditional marijuana (especially i. nhalables like flower, vape carts, and pre-rolls). If you decide to travel with inhalables, try to keep them in their original containers. The original containers will have a disclaimer on the back of the label stating that they are hemp-derived and contain less than 0.3% THC. However, this may not be enough, depending on the discretion of any TSA officer you encounter.
Flying Domestic (Within the US)
When flying a domestic flight, CBD products that are hemp-derived are federally legal as outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill. As long as your product has 0.3% THC, you shouldn’t encounter issues in the airport or during your flight. It’s strongly encouraged to pack travel sizes of your preferred products, especially tinctures and oils. While edibles like softgels and gummies will most likely not even be noticed, the size of your tincture/oil bottles and topical containers may get confiscated if they exceed the travel size limits.
Another thing to be careful with is if your CBD is marijuana-derived (yes, that’s actually a thing). Despite marijuana and hemp technically being the same plant (cannabis), the law mandates that only “hemp-derived” cannabinoids are considered legal. While both plants contain the same cannabinoids, the law is adamant that only products with hemp are allowed. If you’re not sure which one yours has, check the product ingredients and look for the disclaimer that says the product was derived from federally legal hemp.
Flying International (Outside the US)
Traveling outside the US with your favorite CBD products can be tricky. It’s strongly advised to do extensive research on the laws both within the country and whether or not you’re allowed to have them in the airport. The world is quite familiar with marijuana, but CBD is still in its infancy. Some countries may not permit the possession of CBD, even if it’s hemp-derived. Just because it’s federally legal in the US doesn’t mean other countries share that same sentiment.
This also applies to cruises and traveling across country borders on foot/vehicles. Some cruises may turn the other cheek, while others will drop you off at the next port and leave you to find your way home. Crossing country borders (such as on a long hike, bike riding, or driving) may have checkpoints that require you to empty your bags. If CBD is found and a language barrier prevents you from explaining why you have them, you may be denied entry or forced to dispose of them before crossing the border. A good rule of thumb is when in doubt, leave your CBD products at home.
Is It Worth It To Travel With CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, offers many homeopathic benefits that quite a few consumers depend on. Traveling requires a tremendous amount of bravery, which in turn can include a great deal of stress. CBD can help you relax while flying, may reduce the overall uneasiness of setting foot into an airport, aid with jet lag of different time zones, and a plethora of other things. Here are some other tips that may help you when traveling with CBD.
Some Trips for Traveling
- Only bring what you’ll use. While it might be tempting to grab all of your favorite skincare CBD bottles and the entire baggie of CBD gummies, this may take a lot more room than you expect. Try opting for CBD capsule organizers that can house your daily dosage of CBD in a slim case. For topicals, consider bringing a single moisturizer or balm that is small enough to keep in your purse. There’s really no need to bring your entire CBD collection with you, especially if your trip is only a few days. Some travelers prefer to leave their CBD at home and find an authorized cannabidiol retailer once they reach their destination. Granted, this is a more expensive option, but may reduce the amount of things you travel with.
- Take your dosage of CBD prior to getting to the airport, if possible. Flying can be stressful even for the most seasoned fliers. Having a head-start on curbing that stress can be the difference between a good flight and a great one. Once you land and reach your destination, treat yourself with a cleansing face wash followed with your favorite CBD cream or lotion. You’d be surprised with how much you’ll enjoy a nice rinse after being cooped up in a tiny cabin with recycled stale air for the duration of your flight.
- Make sure your containers are tightly sealed. The last thing you want is your favorite shit stained with leaking tincture or covered in sugar crystals right before you need to get changed. Consider sealing your containers tightly and then storing them in an airtight bag or container while traveling.
- For any battery operated devices like CBD vape pens or equipment that uses lithium ion batteries, you’ll need to store these in your carry on. The rules used to require they be in your checked baggage, but this is not the case anymore. Loose batteries must be in your carry on, preferably in the device that uses them and the device powered off. For more information on what devices (and products) you can carry in your bags or checked luggage, you’ll need to check out the TSA website and FAA regulations.
- Certain states have legal opposition to CBD products, regardless if they are hemp- or marijuana-derived. For example, Iowa, South Dakota, and Idaho have banned all CBD products. If you’re traveling to a new state for the first time or are consuming CBD after frequent travels to states, be sure to read up on the local laws to be sure you don’t run into any unintentional legal trouble.
- If it’s not permitted, you might be tempted to sneak or hide your products in plain containers and hope for the best. But is it really worth the stress and secrecy (and the repercussions)? CBD is intended for a variety of things, one of which is stress relief. If your stress levels go up due to your CBD smuggling…kinda defeats the purpose, doesn’t it? While it’s never a good idea to hide your products, you are not required to announce to the TSA that you have them. If they directly ask about them, be truthful and courteous. They have a job to do, and no matter how grumpy and rude they are, it’s your responsibility to remain courteous.
Final Thoughts
With warmer months on the horizon, you may be already planning your next big trip. Vacations, sightseeing, or just a lengthy road trip might all be on your agenda, and that’s great! Just make sure to do your research before packing your favorite CBD products. Remember that just because your state allows it, the state or country you’re traveling to may not. For the most part, traveling with CBD within the states is federally legal and can help ensure your cannabidiol regiment is uninterrupted. For travel outside the US, do your homework and make sure that you’re not breaking any international laws.
Here at ERTH Wellness, we’ve got a few options when it comes to traveling with CBD. Our sample sizes are small enough to fit into a pocket or zippered pouch in your travel bags. Check out our exquisite collection of gummies, softgels, tinctures, pre-rolls, vape juice, and topicals that are readily available for all of your mental and physical needs. Once you come back from your travels, you’ll want to stock up again, this time with our full-size product sizes! We offer a recurring subscription service at discounted rates to ensure you never run out of your favorite CBD product.
Not quite sure which product type is right for you, or you have questions regarding the information mentioned in this article? Let us know! Feel free to reach out to us and ask away; our team of hemp experts look forward to helping you understand the ins and outs of all things cannabis related. In our next article, we’ll be discussing the pros and cons of using CBD topicals and whether or not they really work. Hopefully you’ll join us and continue your journey through the wonderful world of hemp and all it has to offer. Until next time!
