Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring substance found in cannabis. CBD products like oils, tinctures, and gummies contain little to no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive chemical. So, they don’t produce the “high” feeling people commonly associate with cannabis.
There’s some evidence that CBD may help relieve anxiety symptoms — which may be helpful if you tend to feel nervous while flying.
But since CBD comes from the cannabis plant, you might be wondering whether you can travel with CBD oil in the United States.
Before you toss your favorite CBD oil or lotion into your carry-on bag, it’s important to learn what is and isn’t allowed.
We’ve partnered with the CBD company Medterra to answer some common questions about CBD and travel.
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That said, determining the amount of THC in a CBD product can be challenging: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate nonprescription CBD products. Companies sometimes mislabel and misrepresent their products due to limited oversight.
When shopping for CBD, it’s essential to buy quality CBD products from a reputable source. Look for products with a certificate of analysis (COA), which comes from a third-party lab and ensures the label is accurate.
And while it’s legal to consume and possess CBD with less than 0.3% THC according to federal law, some states have stricter requirements than others.
For example, in some states, it may be legal to buy and carry CBD oil but not CBD edibles, like gummies.
Partner tip
The Medterra Broad-Spectrum Keep Calm CBD Gummies contain a blend of herbs, including Sensoril ashwagandha and L-theanine, designed to promote relaxation.
All of Medterra’s CBD products come with a detailed certificate of analysis (COA) that includes test results for contaminants, CBD and THC potency, and the product’s cannabinoid profile.*
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Although guidelines from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allow CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC on airplanes, it’s important to know whether CBD is legal in the country you’re traveling.
Check the country’s drug regulations before bringing CBD products to ensure you comply with their laws.
Some countries only allow CBD isolate products. These products contain pure CBD and no other cannabinoids, THC included.
The safest bet is to leave the CBD at home if your search doesn’t provide a clear answer.
If you’re planning to bring CBD oil, gummies, or creams on a plane, the products must meet TSA guidelines. CBD products in your carry-on need to contain less than 0.3% THC and have clear labeling.
Liquid products, like CBD oil, also need to be:
- under 3.4 fluid ounces (fl oz)
- stored in a small, clear plastic bag
- separate from other products
It’s also a good idea to bring the product’s COA, which should list:
- the amount of THC
- other ingredients
- date and location of testing
And it doesn’t hurt to look into cannabis and CBD regulations for the state you’re traveling to. That way, you can be prepared for what to expect.
If there’s any gray area, you might consider purchasing CBD products when you arrive instead of traveling with them.
You can put CBD products in checked luggage as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC.
One of the perks of storing CBD products in checked luggage versus a carry-on is that you can bring fluids over 3.4 fl oz as long as they comply with the legal THC limit. But you won’t have access to them during the flight.
If you plan to take CBD before traveling to a place where CBD is illegal, it’s highly unlikely you would get in trouble for having it in your system for a few reasons.
Since most CBD sold in the United States doesn’t have a high concentration of THC, it won’t cause psychological effects, meaning it won’t be outwardly obvious you’ve taken it.
And while laws vary by state and country, it’s typically illegal to force someone to take a drug test without cause.
Even if you were somehow forced to go through testing, in most cases, CBD is unlikely to show up on a drug test. But it is
If CBD helps with your traveling anxiety, it may be possible to take it with you on your next trip. But be sure to take a few steps before bringing it along.
Always purchase CBD from a reputable brand that clearly indicates the amount of THC present to avoid issues while traveling. Have the product’s COA on hand to show TSA workers who might ask about your CBD.
Also check state and country cannabis and CBD laws before taking CBD with you on your next trip. And if you plan to pack CBD in your carry-on, make sure CBD liquids meet TSA requirements.