We’re not totally in the clear for a full return to pre-COVID traveling just yet, but with rising vaccination rates and declining hospital cases across the country, many people are slowly but surely getting back into the travel game. Naturally, the big question is this: what are the rules around traveling with CBD? And more specifically, what about flying with CBD oil?
The answer to whether or not you are allowed to fly with CBD might be a little more complicated than you’d expect, but we’re here to break it down for you and let you know what is currently allowed and in compliance with state and TSA guidelines.
The Stress Factor
Now that traveling is becoming a safe activity again, CBD can be even more of a help when it comes to managing the potential stress around the uncertainty of traveling. The statistics about prevention and protection from vaccines, masks, and social distancing speak for themselves, but it’s still perfectly natural to be on higher alert.
Whether you're jetsetting or hitting the road this long weekend, for many of us, this is the first time we'll be traveling in over a year! While we're sure we're all beyond ready to finally get out of town safely again, there may be some stress and anxiety that come along with it.
Enter CBD! Many people choose to fly with CBD because they might use it to calm normal flying nerves or just as a part of their daily routines. It stands to reason that CBD can help promote a sense of calmness when faced with the new anxieties of traveling in a world that has been largely grounded for the past year.
Some of our favorite CBD gummies and oils for daily stress management include our CBD Day Gummies, CBD Anytime Gummies, and CBD Day Oil. Not sure which type of CBD is best for your needs"https://highlinewellness.com/#finder-quiz-4971">Take our quiz to find out!
It’s not just us, either! We were thrilled to find out that our CBD Anytime Gummies were chosen as one of Travel + Leisure’s most-loved products by readers, stating that these “calming cannabidiol chews are not worth missing.”
Can You Fly With CBD Oil?
The short answer: generally yes, as long as it is hemp-derived.TSA’s short answer to this question on Twitter is perhaps the most informative answer: “Products that contain hemp-derived CBD oil or are FDA-approved are generally legal & can fly.”
The longer answer is a bit more complicated!
TSA Guidelines for Traveling With CBD
According to the TSA’s official website, hemp-derived or FDA-approved CBD oil is generally allowed on planes. The product may contain no more than 0.3% THC, which is the legal requirement for CBD products. Since most commercial CBD products follow these strict guidelines, theoretically you should be able to fly with your CBD.
Of course, a TSA agent will not be able to immediately tell if a CBD product contains less than 0.3% THC. No on-site testing is done on the product. If you really want to fly with your CBD oils, CBD creams, or CBD gummies, but are worried they will be confiscated even though the guidelines have been followed, you can print off the official testing done by the company to prove the amount of THC. (All the products at Highline Wellness are independently tested and the results can be found on each product page.)
(By the way, did you know the TSA actually has an entire section called “What Can I Bring?” It’s very specific, from bug spray to blenders and everything in between!)
At the end of the day, it’s up to the TSA agent’s discretion whether or not they’ll inspect and allow the product. TSA says that they do not actively search for drugs, but if they are discovered during screening they can turn it over to law enforcement officials.
So can you travel with CBD oil? Yes!
And can you travel with CBD cream? Also yes!
But can you travel with CBD gummies? Yes, of course!
This is only true as long as you follow all proper storage guidelines and amounts as described by the TSA, of course. When it comes to CBD gummies, the less than 0.3% THC rule applies on a dry weight basis, which means they’re perfectly legal to bring onto a flight in either carry-ons or checked bags. (Don’t forget to bring the test results that prove it, just to be safe!) And in terms of proper storage, our CBD Oils come in 1oz bottles and our CBD Cream comes in a 1.7oz jar, which means they both pass the 3.4oz rule – more on that below!
Traveling With CBD Oil Vs. CBD Gummies Vs. Vapes
When it comes to traveling with CBD oils or CBD gummies, the TSA does allow both in checked bags and carry-ons, as long as the CBD is hemp-derived and contains less than 0.3% THC, as is true of all our products. If you’re traveling with any electronic vape devices or vape batteries, you must know that they cannot be packed in checked bags. Due to the potential fire hazard of these items in the cargo hold, they must be stored in your carry-on bags.
When it comes to the actual vape liquids and vape oils, the classic liquids rule apply: they must be in travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or even smaller. They should also be easily accessible in order to facilitate the screening process! If you’re bringing more liquids or oils than can be fit into these small containers, your best bet is to pack it in your checked luggage. We mentioned this above as well, but the liquids rule applies to creams and gels, too – something to keep in mind when traveling with CBD topicals.
State Guidelines for Traveling With CBD
However, you also have to take into account what state lines you will be crossing. CBD is still illegal in some states, so depending on where you are flying to and from, you might not be able to legally hold any form of CBD, regardless of its THC content. In this case, if you don’t want to risk your CBD being confiscated, it might be better to leave it at home.
Currently, Iowa, Idaho, and South Dakota are the only states in the entire US that do not allow CBD in any form. Other states, such as California, Michigan, and Georgia, do not allow CBD in food or beverages.
Traveling With CBD Internationally
We’ve discussed flying with CBD domestically, but what about traveling with CBD internationally?
International rules and regulations on CBD are much less clear cut than domestic traveling with CBD, so the best course of action is to do your own research into the laws of the country you’re planning to visit. That being said, it’s best to be as cautious as possible when it comes to international travel as there is a great variance among drug laws from country to country.
Tips for Flying with CBD
Bring a printed version of the ingredient list and independently tested analysis results, to prove that the product contains less than 0.3% THC. (Note: CBD Oil from Highline Wellness contains broad-spectrum CBD, which means it contains absolutely no THC.)
Research the states or countries you’ll be flying into, as their regulations may be stricter around CBD, regardless of the THC content, especially when it comes to international travel. Plan accordingly.
Plan to buy CBD when at your final destination, if it’s legal. Alternatively, you could ship your favorite CBD brand to your final destination so it’s there when you arrive!
Keep in mind that for the most up-to-date information on traveling with CBD, it’s always best to double check the medical marijuana page on the TSA website or even give your specific airline a call to find out their rules around flying with CBD oil, CBD cream, CBD gummies, or any other form of CBD!