Anyone who flies frequently has wondered, can you travel with CBD oil? After all, the anti-anxiety effects are well-suited to nervous fliers, and its ability to help with sleep could minimize the effects of jet lag. It seems like a traveler’s dream.
However, CBD’s long history with the law means that taking it across borders can be complicated. This tell-all article covers everything you need to know if you plan to travel with CBD – particularly internationally.
So, can you travel abroad with CBD?
The Answer Is… It Depends
This is, of course, a vague question. And the answer depends heavily on where you are traveling to and by what means.
It can also rely on the type of CBD you have in your possession and even what you use it for. The matter is actually quite complex, so it’s essential to do your research before heading to the airport.
First, let’s analyze whether you can travel at all with CBD.
Traveling with CBD Across State Lines
In the USA, federal law does not perceive CBD as a controlled substance. In other words, it is permitted for sale and use. However, each state government decides CBD’s fate on its own land, which means laws vary drastically throughout the United States.
While some states embrace CBD openly and have little to no restrictions, others have outright banned particular consumption methods. Therefore, it’s vital to find out what the local regulations are.
Here are some more details on traveling with CBD.
In the Car
Typically, there’s little to worry about when traveling in your own car with CBD. When crossing certain borders, there may be checks, particularly if you’re crossing an international land border.
As for state borders, you’re highly unlikely to be stopped and searched, and even if you are, it’s unheard of to have CBD confiscated. Provided that you’ve consulted the local laws in the state you’re traveling to, you should be fine.
On the Train
Similarly, you’re unlikely to encounter issues on a train or when using other forms of mass transit. If the CBD product you possess is within the legal cannabinoid limits, there should be no issues.
Again, there may only be problems if using international trains.
On a Plane
When traveling within the United States on a plane, it can be more complicated than you think to take CBD with you. According to the TSA, security checks do not explicitly search for CBD products.
However, if they spot a substance that could be illegal, then the security offers may refer the incident to law enforcement. It’s up to local law enforcement to decide how to proceed.
A few years ago, getting stopped at the airport for CBD was commonplace. Nowadays, it’s less likely to happen, but carriers of CBD should still be aware that it’s a possibility. If you happen to be carrying prescription cannabis products, make sure you have proof of prescription with you.
Where Can You Travel with CBD?
These days, lots of tourist destinations allow people to enter the country with CBD. The matter will depend a lot on the area’s local laws. It’s advised to research your destination specifically before you attempt to travel with CBD.
Generally, you should be able to take any product with you, provided it’s within the legal limits for cannabinoids. That means you could take your favorite 1000mg CBD oil with you, though some users stick to isolate products for extra reassurance.
In some countries, you can legally purchase CBD while there but cannot bring your own products into the country. In others, you will need a permit for its use.
Let’s explore some common tourist destinations:
- Australia: Recently, Australian legislation changed to permit medicinal use of CBD. However, usage is still quite strict, so it may be better to purchase CBD there rather than travel with it.
- Brazil: Brazil is one of the largest CBD markets right now, so it’s safe to cross the border with it. However, it must contain less than 0.2%.
- Canada: CBD is legal in Canada, and travelers can enter the country with it, provided it adheres to local laws.
- Colombia: Products with less than 1% THC by dry weight can be safely used in Colombia.
- Costa Rica: Americans can travel to Costa Rica with CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC.
- France: CBD must adhere to strict conditions in France, and it can contain no CBD whatsoever. If traveling to France, consider taking a CBD isolate.
- Germany: Local law dictates that CBD products cannot contain more than 0.2% THC. If your product matches this guideline, you are free to travel with it.
- India: Many tourists travel to India with their own CBD, but it’s also possible to purchase it there.
- Mexico: It is permitted to transport CBD across the USA-Mexico border, but the label must explicitly state that the item is hemp-derived.
- The Netherlands: As long as your product contains less than 0.05% THC, you can carry it with you to the Netherlands.
- South Korea: CBD commonly appears in topical products in this skincare-loving country. However, tourists cannot bring it with them into the country unless they have a medical prescription. Recreational use is banned.
- Thailand: The FDA Thailand can grant special medical permission to travel there with a 30-day supply of CBD.
- United Kingdom: If the product contains less than 0.2% THC, you can travel to the UK with it.
As you can see, there are plenty of places where you can travel freely with CBD. But the rules and regulations are changing all the time, so it’s crucial to do up-to-date research before you go.
Where Should You Avoid Travelling with CBD?
There are certain corners of the world that are not so THC-friendly. For example, places like Dubai and Oman in the Arab world can be extremely strict on CBD. Do not be surprised at doing jail time for bringing CBD into these countries.
Japan and Russia may also have strict border controls that prevent you from bringing CBD into the country.
As for Africa, there are no countries with explicitly stated laws on CBD. As a result, it’s best to avoid taking CBD there just in case.
As stated earlier, it’s essential to research local laws before traveling.
Can I Re-Enter the USA with CBD Purchased Abroad?
Technically, this is okay because the US federal government has removed CBD from the Controlled Substances Act. However, the product must be hemp-derived and contain less than 0.3% THC.
It’s best to only try bringing foreign CBD back home if there’s an English label stating these facts. It might be technically legal, but that doesn’t mean it’s simple to get home. There’s a good chance border security will want to ask you a few questions.
After all, marijuana-derived CBD remains illegal in the USA no matter if you’re traveling to a recreationally legal state. Bring marijuana into America, and you will be arrested and charged with a criminal offense.
Whether you think this risk is worth it is up to you, but it may be safer to purchase American CBD oil when you’re back home.
What CBD Products Are Best for Traveling?
If you’re looking to travel with CBD oil, some products are better than others. First off, seek to use a reputable brand where you can verify the THC content using lab reports.
Premium Jane is a stellar example. In fact, this brand sells in multiple countries worldwide, including Australia and the USA. Their 1000mg CBD oil could be the perfect option for a low-THC travel buddy.
However, some users may prefer to opt for capsules, topicals, or gummies. These items are easily transportable and, in the case of gummies and capsules, do not have to adhere to the liquid limits. If you choose to take CBD oil with you, make sure it’s below 100ml.
