All that ever remains is to go on the trip because you have packed the bags, you have also booked the flight and so you are all set for the long awaited journey.

But as you make a final round in the house, you notice your CBD oil on the bedside table. With a jolt, you start wondering if you can take CBD on a plane. Although such issues can be slightly difficult to comprehend, getting into an airport with a prohibited item is the last thing one wants to experience. In brief, yes, you can although not without following the simple yet crucial steps on their proper usage. Failing to adhere to this will only spoil the day while traveling.

CBD: TSA Rules on the Matter

It is best to bring it up from the authority itself. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the one in charge of safety for airline travelers and it is their standards that are most relevant in this case. In the past, carrying anything with cannabis in airports was simply unimaginable. However, due to the national hemp law, this is no longer the case.

The Transportation Security Administration posted on its site that, at this time, a proposed policy states that: “The transportation of marijuana and some cannabis containing products, including some cannabidiol (CBD) oil, is prohibited by federal law, with the exception of those products that do not contain more than 0.3% THC by dry weight or that are approved by the FDA.”

These short few words “this or because the second short letters or sentence forces the reader into the conclusion let’s say you reader can you take CBD on a plane.” The focus is the amount of THC, which is the psychoactive agent of marijuana. If the CBD has no more than 0.3% of THC in it, it is considered hemp – legal and regulated by the federal authorities and the TSA. When more than 0.3 percent THC is available, classifying this as cannabis is in violation of federal laws and thus such products are not allowed on planes.

Simultaneously, but this also means that it is not particularly alarming that one might get caught with drugs, because the prescribed profile of the TSA agents is above drugs forbiddance. The enhancement of the security threats in focus includes activities like hunting weapons, explosives and so on. Nevertheless, when a substance that is likely to be contraband is found in passengers’ bags, they have no choice but to inform the presence of the local law enforcers.

Hemp on the other hand is a new trend for the travelers

In order to fully grasp the outlook of these rules imposed by the TSA, the distinction between hemp and marijuana has to be made clear. The two different plants belonging to the same species cannabis have quite common features in terms of their structure and even odor. What lies at the core of the controversy is that they are different only in a legislative context because of their variations in tetrahydrocannabinol concentration.

The 2018 Farm Bill was a momentous piece of legislation that effectively lifted the prohibition on growing and profiting from industrial hemp on a national level. It actually defined hemp as cannabis plants containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels not exceeding 0.3% on a dry weight basis. That means any cannabis plant with more than 0.3% contribution of THC cannot legally be classified as hemp but marijuana. This subtlety is why one might claim, can you take CBD on a plane?

Hemp Derived CBD is the most primitive type of CBD that passengers on airplanes are allowed to carry. Every inch of it, Hemp Derived CBD refers to its fibrous nature and there is less than 0.3% THC in the composition. The majority of these can be found in the usual shops from established companies.

Marijuana Derived CBD: In this context, the CBD oil/products is obtained from marijuana plants. However, it has very high amounts of THC and is not federally legal even if you buy it from where marijuana is legally sold. This CBD oil cannot be taken on the plane.

So, how to make sure that your product conforms? It is all answered by the lab report also referred to as a Certificate of Analysis or COA.

Helpful Tips for Transporting CBD on a Flight

Understanding is a different thing, but actually getting past the airport is a different thing altogether. Using this checklist provides an efficient way of avoiding any headache caused. If you are asking yourself the question, can you take CBD on a plane yet, this checklist answers that anxiety too.

1. Confirm Product THC Content

   This is perhaps the most important aspect. Do not be contented with the mere labeling. You need proof. Good CBD brands offer product lab reports or Certificate of Analysis from third parties. This is where good brands have them, in the company’s website or in some cases via a QR code in the products labels.

   A COA can be seen as a grade card for your CBD products. It describes, in accurate detail, the product’s cannabinoid chemical composition, as well as the THC content. Pay attention to the section that says, “Total THC” or “Max THC” and check to see that the THC content is 0.3% or less. If a product doesn’t have a COA available, do not risk carrying it with you while traveling.

2. How to Carry CBD

   Packing CBD products the right way is of utmost importance, especially where the CBD oil is a liquid substance. It is no different from any other liquid or item that requires packing inside the luggage.

   Carry On versus Check In Baggage: It is always advisable to pack CBD products in the hand-carry bag. Avoid problems experienced by cargo holding temperatures that spoil the product and keep the product close to you if the checked bag is missing. The FAA rules also recommend carrying this device in cabin due to the presence of lithium-ion battery.

   The 3-1-1 Liquid Policy: Any CBD oil or lotion items that you intend to carry with you have to fall within the 3-1-1 rule formulated by the said association. A container should not exceed three ounces (100 ml); all liquids should fit in a single quart-sized resealable bag.

   Leave It in Its Original Package: It’s better to travel with the CBD in its own container. It can be easily recognized and usually contains the name of the manufacturer, the composition of the product and in some cases, a QR code bearing the certificate of analysis. Do not use random containers as they are likely to cause somebody to ask questions.

3. Have Your Papers Ready

   Nevertheless, you could be surprised if asked to provide it and therefore it’s better to be prepared. It is advisable to store the COA for the product in your phone or to keep a printed copy. For instance, if a TSA agent asks a question, you present a report that has the necessary information to demonstrate that the THC content of the product is less than 0.3%, explaining that it is possible for one to board a plane with such CBD and most likely acceptable.

4. Know the Statutes in the Corresponding State

   The legality of cannabis-based products while traveling within one country may not be reflected in the arrival notes of another country. While hemp has been declassified under federal law, individual states still have certain restrictions on particular CBD products. Prior to the trip, it’s always good to check the destination state’s CBD laws, so that unnecessary trouble can be avoided after arrival in such state. A detail that is overlooked however is the fact that many people inquire when flying with CBD, if it is permissible, only to not realize this information.

Tips on carrying different kinds of CBD products while travelling

Packing instructions may vary depending on the form of CBD applied. Answering the basic concern of the ‘can you take CBD on a plane’ question depends on the form of the product in question.

Can You Travel with CBD Oil? – Essentials to Remember

In this article, the focal point has been travel within the American territory; however, can you take CBD on a plane? When traveling out of the country, it is a whole different ball game.

CBD products are effectively available for tourists in the US. Outside the States, neither your safety nor risks of violating the law is guaranteed.

Hemp CBD is allowed in the US; however, across the globe people have very different opinions and laws governing cannabis. In some countries, there remains strict prohibition on CBD products and punitive action may be instituted against the offenders including payment of large sums of money and serving jail sentences. Nations in Asia, the Middle East, and a few in Europe have a full-on ban of any cannabis products irrespective of the level of THC, if any in them.

The Risk Assessment – why take unnecessary risks? Understanding rules and most importantly, customs requirements of another country, which are alien to you, can be exhausting. While taking an international flight, out of challenges, it is advisable to keep your CBD products at home. If the FDA accepts selling such products, you may check in shops if there is any present in the state you are going to.

Question & Answer (QnA)

Let me share some of the questions and answers asked by many passengers flying and carrying CBD with them.

Will the TSA checks test for CBD on air travel?

Agents of the TSA are in no way equipped with any Instant THC tester. The basic function of the TSA officer is to secure the premises. They in no way are looking for your CBD, but in case they encounter and find it further later in the security checkpoint with a suspicious CBD, they will call the local police, who shall be able to conduct tests on the CBD.

Can I board a flight if my CBD content is greater than 0.3% of THC?

In case the controversial content of your products is found to be higher than 0.3 percent THC, your product is considered marijuana according to the federal guidelines. The TSA will turn you and the product over to the local airport law enforcement agency. What happens afterwards depends upon the rules in effect in that particular state and the volume of goods involved. You may get some legal sanctions or even criminal charges. Hence it is very important to check the COA while wondering if you can take CBD on a plane.

Should I mention my CBD to the TSA?

In case your CBD item is developed from hemp and adheres to the 0.3% threshold of THC, you do not have to mention it. It is admissible for packing like any personal-use product or additive that follows travel restrictions (for instance, the transport of liquids). It will not be necessary to declare it, as it will only attract the attention of the TSA and slow down processes.

Do CBD brands really matter?

Not directly, but otherwise. You are taking the advantage of a reputable brand when it comes to labels and third-party laboratory testing results. This is why it is advisable to go for a recognized brand that has clear policies with regards to product compliance. Importantly, this will answer the question, can you take CBD on a plane.

How does it end?

So, at all, can you take CBD on a plane? If you fly domestically, within the US, the simple answer would be yes, as long as you know the rules. The entire exception hinges on the following point: the product should be derived from hemp and not contain more than 0.3% of THC. You have to check this for yourself by obtaining the Certificate of Analysis for the product from the producer, before packing.

Patients should always carry their CBD in the correct manner and ensure that any oil or creams observe the TSA 3-1-1 liquids policy and all vapor pens be put in the carry-on luggage. Solid forms such as gummies or capsules would be the best option if you want the least hassle. However, with international travel, it is a totally different story. The most reasonable course of action would be to leave the CBD material behind. This will also help you avoid any dangerous legal actions. Following these steps will ensure your safety while traveling.