CBD (cannabidiol) products are becoming increasingly popular for the treatment of pain and anxiety. As many as 14% of Americans claimed to use CBD products in 2019. And that number is expected to grow.
Because flying can worsen anxiety, sleep and cause jet lag, many Americans are using CBD as a possible treatment. Taking CBD while on a flight can help passengers sleep better and can lower aches and pains often experienced while onboard. Get the best and cheapest dab pens on the market today! VapeActive offers wax pen vaporizers and portable oil vaporizers from some of the biggest names in the industry.
However, legally, can you fly with CBD?
Table of Contents
CBD Background
As an essential component of medical marijuana, CBD is one of the naturally occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis plant.
Unlike marijuana, CBD by itself can not stimulate a “high” and has been touted for its health and wellness benefits.
The World Health Organization has reported no evidence of abuse or addiction resulting from CBD use or other health-related issues. As a result, all 50 states have legalized the use of CBD. In many states, there is no medical prescription required to get CBD either.
Despite its legality, CBD may still make some weary. This is mostly due to its close familial relation to marijuana, which is still illegal in many states.
The answer to whether you can take CBD products on a plane is complicated. Before, CBD was not allowed through TSA. These rules have recently shifted because of an FDA approved-drug for children who have epilepsy.
This drug also contains CBD. Once this was recognized, the rules had to change.
So, Can You Fly With CBD?
So long as passengers meet specific requirements, TSA is allowing CBD products onboard. But, there is still confusion about how these requirements are applied and what types of CBD crumble are permitted.
Under TSA’s “What Can I Bring” page of their website, medical marijuana is acceptable for both checked and carry-on baggage with “special instructions.”
However, TSA also states that marijuana and certain cannabis products, including some CBD oil, remain illegal under federal law.
TSA goes on to say that products containing no more than 0.3% THC (CBD oil derived from hemp) or that are approved by the FDA are acceptable.
So, the correct answer to this question likely depends on the type of CBD product you have and whether it derives from a hemp plant (meaning it would contain less than 0.3% THC).
The problem is that many people do not know if their CBD product meets these TSA requirements, leading to a lot of confusion.
Further complicating matters is that states have different laws regarding CBD. Some states require prescriptions, while others do not. This makes it confusing for a federal agency like TSA.
Does That Mean TSA Will Confiscate my CBD Product(s)?
The answer is maybe. But, most TSA officers will likely not know the difference between CBD oils and products that derive from hemp plants and those that do not. They are more concerned with finding weapons and explosives during checkpoints, than by CBD.
Even TSA officers aren’t sure of the exact rules regarding CBD.
So, you most likely will be fine.
If you’re worried about the possibility of confiscation, the best solution is to get a prescription and bring that with you. That way, if you are questioned, you have something to show.
If you live in a state that doesn’t require a prescription for CBD, try finding the product’s certificate of analysis (CoA) listed on the manufacturer’s website. Here, you can find the % of CBD in the product as well as the lab that tested it.
Printing the CoA and having it handy while going through TSA can give you an added layer of protection if an officer questions your product. It can provide TSA with documentation of the product as well as the % of THC in the CBD.
You can always check out the website of CBD products for more information.
What if I Still Feel Anxious About Flying with CBD?
If you’re still feeling anxious or uncomfortable about flying with CBD, there are other options. If you don’t have a prescription and you are flying to/from a non-cannabis friendly state, consider buying CBD at the final destination.
Because CBD is legal in all states, you should be able to find CBD products regardless of where you are going. Some states may require a prescription or added documentation, but you should still be able to get it.
Another option would be to ship the CBD products to your final destination as opposed to putting them in your luggage. Though this may be a little more of a hassle, it saves you the stress and confusion of going through TSA with your products.
It’s also important to remember that the guidelines for flying with CBD products apply to the United States exclusively. If you are flying internationally, it’s not recommended that you take CBD products with you.
Other countries have different laws and approaches to marijuana and CBD, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you are planning on taking CBD on an international flight, you must do your research and understand the laws of the other country.
Did This Help Ease Some Worry?
Though TSA’s guidelines are a bit ambiguous, hopefully, next time someone asks, “can you fly with CBD?”, you have a more definite answer. Though it’s not an affirmative “yes,” TSA has acknowledged that they have more important things to look for beyond CBD products. It is not (and likely will not) be a priority of officers.
Written documentation, such as medical prescriptions, is the safest way to fly with CBD. But if you still feel nervous, consider some of the alternative options of transporting the CBD to your destination.
The future is also bright. As states continue to become more tolerant of marijuana usage, flying with CBD products will become more popular, and possibly even encouraged!
And if you enjoyed this article, please check out some of the other awesome articles on this page!
