Can You Take CBD on a Plane?

CBD is many travelers’ secret trick to avoiding jet lag or dealing with the fear of flying. Moreover, people who take CBD regularly for its numerous health benefits and therapeutic effects don’t want to stop their therapy while traveling. But the matter of taking CBD on a plane isn’t a simple yes or no.

I’ve been using CBD products for over two years, which included several travels. I did extensive research and checked different laws across the US and worldwide to find out can I take CBD on a plane. Here’s what you should know about using CBD while traveling so you don’t get into trouble with the authorities. 

 

Quick Summary

• CBD is legal in the USA as long as it has less than 0.3% THC.
• You should check the laws and regulations of the place you’re traveling to know if it’s allowed to use CBD.
• The CBD product you want to travel with needs to be in its original packaging. 

 

What is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is one of the two main active ingredients in marijuana (the other being THC). CBD can be derived from hemp-based and marijuana plants. 

While THC is psychoactive, CBD isn’t. This means CBD won’t make you feel high. 

The research on CBD is ongoing, but the current date is promising, and it shows CBD can be used to treat anxiety, insomnia, cancer symptoms, epilepsy, and more. 

There are various CBD products available, such as CBD oil, CBD cream, CBD gummies, vaping, and many more. CBD is usually taken orally during traveling, for example, to deal with flight anxiety. Or, you can use a topical CBD product to help with post-flight muscle aches. 

Is CBD Legal in the USA?

Yes, CBD is legal in the USA. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived CBD products are legal in the USA as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC.

According to this law, hemp isn’t considered a Schedule I substance but an agricultural commodity because it has low amounts of THC. Hemp has THC only in traces, which is significantly less than marijuana, which has THC in abundance. 

This means it’s legal to travel carrying CBD oil domestically (across state lines). There’s no limit to how much CBD the product can have. The only requirement for traveling with CBD is that it has less than 0.3% THC. 

Note: State laws differ. For example, Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota still consider CBD products illegal, while in Alabama, it’s legal, but only for medicinal purposes. It’s best to check the cannabis laws in your state and the state you’re traveling to.

 

Can You Take CBD Oil On A Plane?

Yes, you can take CBD oil on a plane for domestic flights within the USA. This goes for both check-in and hand luggage. Generally, TSA agents don’t search for CBD, so you aren’t likely to have issues when taking CBD oil on a plane.

However, there are several things you should keep with you to ensure you’re allowed to take your CBD oil onboard:

• CBD oil in your hand luggage has to comply with the same rules as other liquids. This means it can’t be in a container larger than 3 oz.
• CBD oil should be in its original packaging, so the employees can gather all the info they need from the packaging.
• The label has to state the THC amount. This is another reason your oil should be in its original packaging. Make sure you buy the oil that clearly states the amount of THC.

Also, traveling on international flights is more complicated than on domestic ones. You can have issues with the local authorities once you land if CBD is illegal in the country you’re visiting. For example, some Asian and European countries consider CBD products illegal and aren’t allowed. 

Always research the CBD laws in your destination country (and stopover country) to check if they allow CBD.

Overall, you can take hemp-derived CBD oil on a plane in the USA as long as it has less than 0.3% THC.

 

Can You Fly With CBD Gummies?

Yes, you can fly with CBD gummies as long as they are made from hemp and contain less than 0.3% THC. This goes for CBD gummies bought over the counter and in stores. CBD gummies are considered dietary supplements, so they are legal.

Note: The THC content for CBD gummies applies on a dry weight basis, so you can take your gummies in your carry-on or checked luggage. 

If you want to take your gummies in your carry-on, make sure they are packed in a safe bottle. The package must be labeled with the THC count and the dose amount. You can keep the gummies with your other supplements, medications, or cosmetics for easy access during security screening. 

If you don’t need the gummies during the flight, you can pack them in your checked luggage. This ensures they are safe during the flight.

Note: pilots and aircraft staff may not be allowed to consume CBD gummies and other products due to FAA policies.

Can You Fly with CBD Flower?

Yes, you can fly with CBD flower legally in the US. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recognizes that hemp-derived CBD oil and other products are legal under federal law. 

However, some states and cities have their own laws and regulations regarding CBD flowers, so you aren’t allowed to possess or use hemp flowers in these locations, regardless that it’s allowed under federal law. 

Once again, you should check the laws in the destination you’re traveling to, to make sure you aren’t breaking any laws. 

 

What Are Rules About Taking CBD On a Plane?

These are the rules for taking CBD on a plane: 

• CBD oils and other products are allowed in both check-in and hand luggage. If you have liquid CBD products in your hand luggage, it needs to be under 3 oz.
• All CBD products should be in their original packaging so the TSA agents can get the necessary info.
• The label has to include the amount of THC because CBD products with more than 0.3% THC aren’t allowed. 
• CBD users that have a medicinal prescription should take it with them when traveling.
• Buy CBD oil made from industrial hemp. CBD extracted from marijuana isn’t allowed.
• Check the manufacturer’s website for lab certificates. Also, bring the receipt that confirms you bought the product from a legitimate manufacturer.

 

Can You Travel with CBD Products? 

Yes, traveling with CBD oil and other products is legal under federal law. However, there are some rules you have to follow, such as making sure your product has less than 0.3% THC.

Also, always check the laws of the state and country you’re traveling to. Even though federal authorities allow the use of hemp-derived CBD, there are states that still consider it illegal. 

Make sure to follow the advice for traveling with CBD I’ve outlined above, and you can take your favorite CBD product and have a smooth traveling experience.

Learn more about CBD-related topics at Blush Wellness CBD.

 

References:

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Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente journal, 23, 18–041. Available at: https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/18-041 

O’Brien K. (2022). Cannabidiol (CBD) in Cancer Management. Cancers, 14(4), 885. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14040885 

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Silvestro, S., Mammana, S., Cavalli, E., Bramanti, P., & Mazzon, E. (2019). Use of Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Epilepsy: Efficacy and Security in Clinical Trials. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 24(8), 1459. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24081459 

Abernethy, A. (2019, July 25). Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production

BioLyfe. (2023), Buy Dietary Supplements Online. Available at: https://biolyfebrands.com/

Medical Marijuana | Transportation Security Administration. (n.d.). Www.tsa.gov. Available at: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/medical-marijuana 

Regulations & Policies | Federal Aviation Administration. (2022). Faa.gov. Available at: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies 

Kelleher, S. R. (n.d.). TSA Update: Flying With Some CBD Oil Is Now Okay. Forbes. Retrieved December 6, 2022. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerowankelleher/2019/05/29/tsa-update-flying