Can you Fly with CBD? You Can, Here’s What You Need to Know! cover image

Can you Fly with CBD? You Can, Here’s What You Need to Know!

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As relaxing as vacations may be, the act of getting there or traveling is often full of stress, aches, anxieties, and pains. These are four common symptoms that CBD or cannabidiol helps alleviate for consumers globally. So, this brings up a question that’s often asked - Can you fly with CBD to naturally relieve traveling anxiety, jet lag, fatigue, muscle aches, and soreness? 

We’re answering that question and more in this ultimate guide on whether and how you can fly with CBD. 

Is it Legal to Fly with CBD?

Can you fly with CBD gummies or other CBD goods? The first thing that comes to mind when you ask this question is - is it legal? Technically, yes. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD products in the US. However, here are a couple of caveats you should consider when traveling with CBD: 

  • Only hemp-derived CBD goods with less than 0.3% THC are federally legal. If you reside in a US state where medical or recreational marijuana is legalized, CBD products purchased from a licensed dispensary may have more than 0.3% THC and are not legal in every state. 
  • Some states such as Nebraska and South Dakota have made CBD illegal as of 2022; Idaho, too, unless it is totally THC-free. So, you’ll want to first check with the state you’re traveling to and brush up on the local regulations. 

Can You Fly with CBD? What TSA Says

Fly with CBD

Since CBD has become so popular, the official website of the TSA or Transportation Security Administration is now addressing the question: Can you fly with CBD? The TSA says CBD products are allowed in carry ons and checked bags, but they must contain under 0.3% THC and officers can report any potential violations to state, local, or federal authorities. 

Since all hemp-derived CBD goods must adhere to the less than 0.3% THC regulation, you can fly domestically with CBD. Of course, it all comes down to the individual TSA officer at the time of screening. 

If you want to be better prepared, it helps to carry a print-out of the lab test report for the product you’ll be traveling with to show that it does not violate the THC limit. In general, TSA officers don’t actively search for drugs or consumables. They’re more concerned with items that could threaten the safety of other passengers. 

Keep in mind, there are TSA restrictions on the amount of liquid you can bring on a plane and other restricted items, too. So you’ll want to be sure your CBD oil adheres to those requirements, or try full-spectrum CBD gummies instead. 

Can You Fly with CBD Outside of the US?

Flying with CBD outside of the US gets a bit tricky, considering the 2018 Farm Bill only applies to the US. Technically, travelers can pack whatever they want in their luggage, but you should know it’s a risk when traveling internationally. 

While some countries such as Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands have legalized CBD, others are much more strict about its possession and consumption and have strict anti-cannabis or CBD laws in place. So, it’s recommended to avoid traveling with CBD to: 

  • China
  • Columbia 
  • Costa Rica
  • Indonesia 
  • Japan
  • Malaysia
  • Singapore 
  • Saudi Arabia 
  • Turkey
  • United Arab Emirates 

Benefits of Traveling with CBD

The benefits of CBD lend greatly to common travel aches and pains, including its ability to: 

  • Ease anxiety - It’s common for travelers to have anxieties over flying, which CBD can help. Not only have clinical trials proved CBD as an anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing agent), but real-time consumers report its efficacy for relaxing the mind, too. 

  • Improve sleep and jet lag - Flying to different time zones, or for longer periods of time, can cause jet lag for many travelers who might have trouble sleeping on the night of travel. At certain doses, CBD is able to produce sedating effects and is proven to help consumers fall asleep faster and more soundly. 

  • Relieve muscle soreness - Since CBD is an anti-inflammatory agent, too, it can help relieve aches and pains resulting from uncomfortable periods of travel. It can make you feel more refreshed when you land, or when you’re on your trip. 

  • How to Choose the Right CBD for Travel

    Choose the Right CBD for Travel

    Choosing the right kind of CBD for travel is similar to choosing the right kind of CBD for consumption at home. There are a plethora of options to choose from, but the most important thing to know is the difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products.

    Full-spectrum CBD gummies contain the whole plant profile of compounds and cannabinoids - including up to 0.3% THC. Broad-spectrum CBD gummies are very similar, except that they are THC-free. 

    With both types, you’ll experience the same effects you can expect from CBD, but you may feel less of an euphoric or uplifting effect with broad-spectrum products. CBD gummies are preferred for traveling, because they aren’t subject to the TSA’s liquid-related restrictions. 

    They’re also accurately dosed, which makes taking the right amount that much simpler. Keep in mind, CBD gummies take up to an hour for effects to fully kick in due to being metabolized by the digestive system. It means you should take the gummies well in advance of the time when you actually need them. 

    For travel, it’s best to verify that the CBD you plan to take contains no more than 0.3% THC. Carry a print-out of the third-party testing lab report to prove it. 

    Packing CBD for Travel or Flying

    Now that you know how to choose the right kind of CBD for travel, you may be wondering - how do I properly pack CBD for travel? The first decision you’ll need to make is whether you'll pack your CBD in your checked luggage or carry-on. Let’s look at the differences between the two. 

    Packing your CBD in checked luggage is the most recommended step. Be sure that your CBD is easily accessible by airport officers, along with the print-out of the lab report proving it has less than 0.3% THC. 

    In your carry-on, if your CBD is in a glass container, be sure that it is shatter-proof, and also follow the volume guidelines for liquid. Most travelers prefer to fly with CBD gummies due to federal restrictions on traveling with liquids. 

    Traveling with CBD in 2022

    Everything we’ve covered so far is relevant to the current year. That means, in the US, you can travel with CBD as long as you know the precautions to take and the restrictions of the state you plan to land in or travel to. 

    Just remember, the current liquid restriction for federally flying is less than 3 ounces in your carry-on. 

    Can You Fly with CBD? Yes! But Follow the Rules!

    To wrap up our ultimate guide on the question - Can you fly with CBD? - let’s recap the top three tips to follow. 
    1. Carry a print-out of the lab report verifying that your CBD gummies contain less than 0.3% THC. 
    2. Be sure to research the state or country you’re traveling to and its laws regarding carrying CBD. 
    3. Ideally, buy CBD once you’ve landed or arrived at your destination where you know it’s legally sold. 

    It is always advisable to purchase your CBD gummies only from trusted, reputable brands that have transparent testing results and high-quality products. Alchemy Naturals offers you an extensive collection of CBD gummies that you can fly with. If you plan to fly soon, shop now, and safe travels!