One of the most frustrating parts of air travel is, without a doubt, the airport procedures. Security checks, baggage check-in, customs, long walks to departure gates, looking at the digital schedule board, boarding delays… all together, it’s a recipe for an elevated heart rate and a sweaty brow.
Because of this, some CBD users opt to carry CBD products to help them stay calm and relaxed while flying. But although that sounds cool, traveling with CBD could be complicated.
Back in 2019, a 71-year-old grandmother was arrested at DFW airport in Texas for carrying her regular dose of CBD oil that she used for pain management.
There is quite a lot of uncertainty about carrying CBD oil in a plane depending on the country of destination.
So, whether you are carrying CBD in your checked or carry-on bag, do your research beforehand to make sure your travel goes without a hitch. Are there any specific rules about traveling with CBD? What are they? Read on to find out more.
TSA CBD policy – What you need to know before traveling with CBD in the United States.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines, certain cannabis-infused products, including cannabidiol (CBD) oil that contain less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis, are permitted to be carried on aircraft.
Likewise, CBD products approved by the FDA, such as the Epidiolex are also allowed.
Other than this, marijuana and cannabis-infused products containing more than the permitted amount of THC levels (0.3%), including CBD oil, remain illegal under federal law and are banned in both check-in and carry-on luggage.
Can you travel domestically with CBD?
Yes, the TSA permits carrying CBD oil or other cannabidiol products on a domestic plane across the US. Keep in mind that the THC concentration in your CBD product must be below 0.3%.
The 2018 Farm Bill, or Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, removed hemp-derived cannabis with extremely low concentrations of THC (less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis) from the Controlled Substances Act. Following this, the TSA amended its policies for marijuana and cannabis-infused products in compliance.
Can I travel to Europe with CBD oil?
CBD does not fall under the controlled substances category in the EU. Hence, it is not illegal to bring it into EU countries. If you are flying to Europe and want to take CBD products with you, make sure the CBD products contain less than 0.2% of THC, the legal threshold for THC across the EU.
The EU has security rules that restrict the quantity of liquid you can bring in carry-on baggage to 100 ml. However, there is no restriction on the amount of CBD capsules, CBD Topicals, or CBD supplements you can bring into the cabin of the plane.
What does the TSA detect in security screening?
The TSA’s screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. For example, weapons, flammable liquids, chemicals, etc are not allowed in carry-on bags. TSA officers, therefore, do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs. However, if any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, the TSA officers are required to report any suspected violations of law to local, state, or federal authorities.
Since the TSA officials do not have the authority to arrest a passenger, they will further refer the matter to a law enforcement officer, who could confiscate belongings, conduct an arrest and proceed with other legal formalities.
Can you take vape pens on a plane?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US prohibits the carrying of battery-powered e-cigarettes, vaporizers, vape pens, atomizers, and electronic devices in checked baggage, but you are allowed to take them in your cabin bag. However, it’s worth noting that it is strictly prohibited to use a vape device or charge your vape pen/ e-cigarette during your flight, so make sure to disconnect the battery before boarding the flight.
Similarly, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulates and controls the safety of passengers in the EU. It informs passengers to and from the European Union about flying safely with portable electronic devices.
Accordingly, it does not permit flying with a vaping device containing lithium-powered batteries, both in checked or cabin luggage.
Therefore, for all international travels, be sure to check the laws of the country you are flying from and the destination country. Since rules vary by airlines, they may be more strict than FAA or EASA guidelines. Hence, it is safer to check with the airline before traveling.
Can I travel with CBD edibles?
Flying with hemp-derived CBD is not prohibited by the TSA/ FAA/ EASA as long as the THC content in the product remains as per the guidelines. This means that, technically, you can carry CBD gummies or CBD edibles in your checked or cabin bag as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC in the US and less than 0.2% THC in Europe.
If you have purchased CBD edibles from a reputed brand, it could be wise to retain the packaging as proof of THC content so that screening officers can verify the ingredients.
Flying safely with CBD
We can all agree that airport procedures are pretty stressful, but making an effort to keep packages in accordance with guidelines for screening could save a lot of time and stress.
How to do it? Here are a few tips:
- The TSA recommends passengers to follow the 3-1-1 liquid rule for a faster screening process. You could consolidate a maximum of 3.4 oz (10oml) or smaller-sized containers into 1 quart-sized resealable bag/ zip lock pouch and this can go into your cabin luggage. Always pack products above 100ml in checked baggage.
- Categorize CBD products and pack them in separate pouches to facilitate convenient screening. For example, pack CBD oils and CBD capsules, CBD/ CBG Isolates, CBD Topicals separately. Ensure the liquids are sealed tightly and the label is intact.
Can you travel with Marijuana or cannabis?
Although cannabis and marijuana policies are progressing in several countries for recreational and medical purposes, it remains illegal to travel with them.
Marijuana and certain cannabis-infused products are not freely transportable from one destination to another, both domestically and across borders (even if legalized). If found during security screening, the matter will be referred to law enforcement and will be treated as an offense.
The wrap up
- Carry CBD products with the label intact, and the ingredients clearly visible. Try to avoid carrying opened bottles to prevent spillage.
- Take a copy of the COA for reference if you think it might help. You can find a link to download COA’s for all Nordic Oil products.
- If you have any medical prescription for CBD, it might help to carry that along too.
- Did you know that you can order Nordic oil CBD products online in 14 different countries? While regulations are still in a gray zone, ordering in your destination country could be the most hassle-free way to take CBD with you wherever you travel. Click here and scroll down to the bottom of the page and select the country of your choice. Our customer support team is also on hand to help if you are unsure about anything.