Traveling with CBD: Rules and Regulations

When it comes to the ins and outs of cannabis legislation in the U.S., you’re likely aware that things are rarely simple. States range widely in their legalization status, and when you add in traveling, it gets even more complicated. 

But what about CBD (cannabidiol)? Because CBD is a non-psychotropic part of cannabis, CBD products often have fewer purchase barriers and restrictions. Some CBD products are even sold in general stores and may be purchased without any kind of ID. 

So, can you travel with CBD? Whether you want to use CBD oil or lotion on the plane or you’re visiting someone in another state and wondering if you can bring them a CBD gift, knowing the rules of traveling with CBD is crucial.

Taking CBD On Planes

We’ve all had the experience of going through TSA and being told that something in your bag has to be thrown out, whether it’s a liquid in a container that’s too large, a pair of scissors, or even batteries. You don’t want that to happen with your treasured (and possibly very expensive) CBD product. 

The good news is that you can bring some CBD products on the plane with you. A 2018 bill made it legal to transport CBD products that are under 0.3% THC, so as long as your CBD product is under 0.3% THC, you shouldn’t run into any issues with TSA. 

Remember that your CBD product should also be packed in a way that fits more broad TSA guidelines for luggage. That means that it should be: 

• under 3.4 fluid ounces (fl oz)
• stored in a small, clear plastic bag
• separate from other products

Lastly, although this is not listed by the TSA as a requirement, you might want to have your product’s COA available to show TSA if they ask about your CBD. This can make things smoother for both you and TSA workers. As long as you ensure that your product is under 0.3% and you pack it correctly, you can feel secure kicking back on a long flight with some CBD oil, or enjoying a CBD gummy while you travel. 

Can You Take CBD Across State Lines? 

Here’s where things get more complicated. While the TSA regulations for bringing CBD on the plane are fairly straightforward, cannabis regulations and restrictions differ from state to state. 

Marijuana is not legalized on a federal level, so some cannabis products are legal in certain states that would not be permitted in other states or on airplanes. 

While CBD that passes the TSA criteria of 0.3% THC or less is legal in most states, there are still some states in which even this is not permitted. In Idaho, for example, CBD products must have 0% THC, otherwise, they are classified as marijuana and are not legal. 

For this reason, it is always best to research the laws in the specific state that you are traveling to, even if the CBD product that you want to bring fits TSA criteria. 

Transporting CBD Internationally

Traveling internationally? This adds another layer of complexity to the situation. As Forbes explains, “Before bringing CBD products along for international travel, check on the regulations of the country you are traveling to in order to abide by that country’s laws. If you are unsure, professionals suggest leaving CBD products at home since many countries have stricter CBD-related drug laws than the United States.” 

In other words, it’s always best to check on the regulations of the specific country that you’re traveling to. While some are more lax than the US, others have stricter laws. You don’t want to bring CBD products with you on your trip only to have them thrown away or cause legal trouble. 

Ready to Pack Your Bags? 

It can be a bit nerve-wracking to travel with CBD, especially if you’ve never done it before. We hope this guide helped you understand that as long as you double-check the regulations of your state and pack your CBD correctly, your trip should be smooth sailing! 

Do you have any tips and tricks for easy travel with CBD? Let us know!