Flying with CBD oil may still be tricky, even though hemp was legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill. CBD oil remains in a gray area as the FDA has not issued regulations for the products yet. Medical cannabis is legal in much of the United States, but you can’t fly with medical cannabis. We’ve put together a few tips for flying with CBD oil that should help reduce your stress levels, paranoia and potential TSA interference.
How Much Liquid Can you Take on a Plane?
Flying with CBD oil tinctures means that you need to know how much liquid you can have with you on a flight. Passengers are permitted to carry on quart-size zip top bag of liquids. This includes shampoos, gels and creams along with your CBD oil. Each container cannot be more than 3.4 ounces.
Containers larger than this size must be placed in checked baggage. It does not matter if the container is used or new, the size of the container shown on the outside is what matters.
The only exemptions to this rule are medications or infant formula/food for children. CBD oil, however, is not yet classified as a medication.
Flying with CBD Oil Internationally
It is best to know the laws regarding CBD wherever you go, especially internationally, when flying with CBD oil. CBD is widely accepted internationally, but there still are some areas of the world that strictly ban it – like Slovakia. As long as a specific CBD restriction is not in place where you are going, maintain the liquid law.
International laws change frequently regarding hemp and cannabis, so it is important to research your destination prior to travel.
Choose your CBD Oil Product Wisely
When flying with CBD oil, the type of product you choose could make a difference. It’s much easier to travel with CBD capsules or gelcaps than other products. The capsules are likely to be treated like a supplement and shouldn’t raise any concern with TSA.
If you prefer vaping, don’t put your vape pen in your checked baggage. These devices are only permitted in your carryon luggage. While the TSA indicates nicotine vaping devices, CBD oil vape would fall under the same guidelines.
Keep your Proof of Purchase
The legality of CBD varies everywhere you go. When flying with CBD oil, it’s best to keep your proof of purchase with you, and with the product. Make sure that your paperwork clearly states that the CBD is derived from hemp.
Taking this extra step won’t likely raise any concern with the TSA.
If you take a look at a recent Twitter interaction between the TSA and a few consumers, it appears that the TSA is still confused about CBD. Having your proof of purchase along with any proof that the product is derived from hemp is ideal.
Should local authorities be notified the officers could be annoyed that their time was wasted for CBD oil since hemp is now legal.
Know the Product’s Ingredients
As we always stress, know what’s in your CBD products. Take the time to read labels and descriptions. Contact the manufacturer anytime you have questions about what’s in your CBD. Make sure that your CBD is extracted from hemp and not cannabis. Cannabis-derived CBD may leave you with an uncomfortable pat down and search of your belongings for no good reason.
Terpenes are often added to CBD products, as is the case with CBDialed CBD products. It is important to know what terpenes are and to be able to explain that they are plant-based and not an illegal substance. Terpenes are found in thousands of plants, including hemp and cannabis. The main purpose of terpenes is to provide flavor and aroma but they also help a CBD product to achieve the entourage effect.
We’ve mentioned it before, but CBD isolate cannot achieve the entourage effect since THC is missing. Full spectrum and broad spectrum hemp CBD products are superior. Make sure that the broad spectrum hemp CBD product starts as a full spectrum CBD oil and not isolate.
It’s important for you to know the ingredients of your products when flying with CBD oil if a situation should arise. Some TSA agents have no clue what CBD oil is but only assume it is cannabis, which remains federally illegal. Many of the agents aren’t aware of the 2018 Farm Bill or what it means. They haven’t received any guidance on how to deal with CBD oil products yet.
Make Sure the CBD Product is Farm Bill Compliant
Flying with CBD oil can be much easier to do when you know your product is within the 2018 Farm Bill’s requirements. Your hemp-derived CBD oil product must contain 0.3% or less THC to be compliant with preliminary guidelines in this legislation.
CBDialed’s broad spectrum, hemp-derived CBD contains 0.1% THC or less.
Make sure that, if you are not taking a CBD isolate-based product with you, that you know exactly how much THC is in the CBD oil product.
Extra tip: Purchase your CBD product from a manufacturer that clearly displays its lab testing results. This allows you to view the results and see if THC is present and exactly how much is present. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer first.
Take a Dose Before you Fly
Flying itself can be stressful. Airports are crowded, flying can bring on nervousness and anxiety, and of course, just going through security can be an entirely different experience.
If you use CBD capsules, take one just before you enter the airport. It may be better to use your CBD oil in the restroom after you get through security just before your flight boards.
Final Thoughts
Stay cool, calm and collected when flying with CBD oil. Keep your products in your carryon luggage and be polite if you are questioned about it. The TSA isn’t exactly up-to-date on things, so they may be unaware of the farm bill, as mentioned. Sure, it can be a big inconvenience to have to submit to a pat down or search of your property, but it’s best to comply and explain that your product is legal.
