Can You Bring CBD on a Plane?

Are you planning a trip and wondering "can you bring CBD on a plane?"

Well, you can, provided your CBD adheres to TSA rules — the product needs to have less than 0.3% THC content and be hemp-derived.

But with various nuances and the importance of TSA regulations, not knowing exactly what you can pack for your flight can come with serious consequences.

This article helps your experience at airport security be as stress-free as your flight after you consume your cannabis products.

Key Takeaways

• You can fly with CBD on U.S. flights if the CBD is hemp-derived and contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight, but travelers should verify the THC content and comply with TSA’s liquid rule for carry-on luggage.
• You can travel with FDA approved medication containing CBD, but you cannot travel with medical marijuana, even if you have your medical card.
• When flying with CBD, it’s vital to choose travel-friendly products, pack them in compliance with TSA guidelines, and carry documentation like a Certificate of Analysis to ensure products are within the legal THC limit.

Understanding TSA's Stance on CBD

If you want to fly with CBD, getting to know the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)’s position on CBD is essential.

As the agency responsible for security at US airports, the TSA sets the rules for what can and can’t go in your luggage.

The good news? CBD oil is indeed legal under federal law for air travel, as long as it doesn’t exceed 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or if it’s approved by the FDA.

However, like any rule, the devil is in the details. We'll cover the TSA’s stance on hemp-derived CBD, policies for carrying CBD oils and creams, and the discretionary powers of TSA officers.

What TSA Says About Hemp-Derived CBD

The TSA permits travelers to carry hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC on flights within the USA. So, if your CBD oil is in the original packaging with a clear label indicating it contains less than 0.3% THC, you’re good to go.

Hemp-derived CBD has been a game-changer for many, offering a host of health benefits without the high associated with marijuana.

However, it’s incredibly important to be mindful of the 0.3% THC limit. Products exceeding this threshold, or CBD sourced from marijuana, are considered illegal federally and must not be transported on flights.

Rules for Carrying CBD Oils and Creams

Once you have your hemp-derived CBD oil or cream, you can start packing. However, before bringing CBD oil on your trip, be aware of another important TSA rule.

The TSA’s liquid rule for carry-on bags restricts the container size for CBD oils and creams to less than 3.4 ounces (or 100 milliliters) for carry-on luggage.

Luckily, CBD oil tinctures typically come in 1oz bottles and CBD ointment is often available in 1.7oz jars, both of which are within TSA’s size limits for carry-on luggage.

The liquid rule also applies to creams and gels, which includes CBD topicals for air travel. It’s advisable to verify the size of your CBD product before packing to prevent unexpected issues at the security checkpoint.

If you are traveling with products that do not have travel sized containers, it is advisable to put them in your checked baggage when flying with CBD.

The Discretion of TSA Officers

Despite the TSA’s explicit guidelines on CBD, bear in mind that TSA officers have the ultimate authority at the screening checkpoint.

They can prohibit any item, including CBD products, if they deem it a security threat during the screening process. This information is not intended to alarm you, but to equip you with the necessary knowledge.

If your CBD product triggers an alarm, appears tampered with, or poses other security concerns, it may be prohibited from passing through the checkpoint, despite the general rules of flying with CBD.

Moreover, if a TSA officer suspects that your CBD product does not comply with federal regulations, they are required to report it to federal, state, or local authorities.

While TSA agents on duty do not actively search for marijuana or other illegal drugs, if such substances are discovered during the screening process, they must be referred to law enforcement.

Therefore, ensuring your CBD products are within legal limits and carrying a Certificate of Analysis from lab results can assist in a smooth security check process.

Practical Tips for Flying Domestically with CBD

Having explored the legal context, let’s now examine some handy tips for domestic flights with CBD.

Choosing the Right CBD Products for Travel

When it comes to choosing CBD products for travel, convenience and discretion are key. CBD gummies and CBN + CBD sleep oil are particularly travel-friendly options for managing travel anxiety and aiding sleep during flights.

CBD edibles offer discreet and convenient options for travelers with pre-dosed servings and a variety of flavors. Plus, they can help with:

• Relaxation
• Stress Reduction
• Sleep Aid
• Mood Enhancement
• Body Ache Relief During Flights

When traveling with CBD, if you are planning on packing CBD flowers, the Certificates of Analysis are an absolute must since these hemp-derived products can easily be mistaken for marijuana flower.

Can you Bring THC Gummies on a Plane?

Yes, you can bring THC Gummies on a plane as long as the the final product contains less than .3% by dry weight and as long as the THC raw material is derived from hemp, not marijuana.

With THC products it's incredibly important to either print out or keep lab results on your phone from the brand you purchase from, which will show the active components and levels of cannabinoids.

Documentation and Transparency

When it comes to traveling with CBD products, documentation and transparency are key. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) can prove that your CBD product is hemp-derived and contains less than 0.3% THC, ensuring it complies with regulations.

In addition to a COA, a doctor’s note clarifying the medical necessity of CBD can facilitate a smoother security check process for patients.

Keeping CBD products in their original, unopened packaging or in a sealed bag maintains the appearance of the product’s initial state, assuring security authorities of its legitimacy.

Lab certificates and purchase receipts provide authoritative evidence of the industrial hemp origin of CBD products.

International Rules and Considerations for CBD Travel

International travel introduces a new array of challenges for CBD users, beyond TSA guidelines and state laws.

The legal status of CBD can vary significantly from country to country, and even within regions of the same country. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider the legal status of CBD in both the country of departure and the destination country.

International travel with CBD products is legal only if the laws of the destination country permit it. This necessitates thorough research and adherence to that country’s specific regulations concerning CBD.

While this may seem daunting, remember, knowledge is power. By understanding the laws and regulations of your destination country, you can avoid legal complications and travel with peace of mind.

Special Cases: Medical Marijuana and Prescription CBD

While this guide largely pertains to over-the-counter CBD products, there are unique factors to consider for medical marijuana and prescription CBD.

This section addresses these special cases, encompassing travel with FDA-approved medication and understanding your rights and responsibilities.

Travel with FDA Approved Medication

Traveling with FDA-approved medication containing CBD is allowed. The TSA permits passengers to carry such medication in both your carry-on bag and checked luggage.

For instance, Epidiolex, an FDA-approved prescription to treat epilepsy, can be legally carried on airplanes anywhere in the United States. Just make sure you carry your prescription just in case.

Medical Marijuana: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

Marijuana remains illegal under federal law in the United States, classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act.

This classification means that it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use at the federal level, making any transportation of marijuana across state lines illegal, regardless of the cannabis laws in any specific state.

When it comes to air travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a federal agency, so its operations are governed by federal law, not local legislation.

While the TSA's primary focus is on threats to aviation security, and its screening procedures are designed to detect potential threats, if a TSA agent discovers marijuana or marijuana-infused products during security screening, they are obliged to alert law enforcement, even if the traveler has a valid medical marijuana card.

That being said, if it is a domestic flight, depending on the state you are traveling to and from the TSA agent might just let you through since it is not their top priority. This is not advice to travel with marijuana as it comes with risk, it is only an observation.

To note, recreational marijuana is illegal at the federal level and you cannot cross state lines with these products.

Summary

In conclusion, traveling with CBD in 2024 can be a breeze with the right knowledge. From understanding TSA regulations and to knowing your rights as a medical cannabis patient, this guide has equipped you with the tools you need to travel confidently and legally with your CBD products.

So pack your bags, secure your CBD, have your Certificate of Analysis ready, and embark on your journey with peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you bring CBD on a plane in the US?

Yes, the TSA states that you can bring CBD on a plane in the US as long as the product contains less than 0.3% THC content, and is hemp-derived. If the CBD is in liquid, gel, cream or oil form it also must be in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

What do airport dogs sniff for?

Airport dogs are trained to sniff for explosives & firearms, agricultural products, currency, contraband electronics and drugs. While they have the nose for drugs, their primary concern at airports is to ensure the safety of travelers, so they are mostly looking for explosives & firearms. That being said, travel with drugs at your own risk.

Can I consume CBD before a flight?

Yes, you can take CBD before a flight to help calm your nerves and induce sleep, just make sure it complies with legal restrictions on THC content and the brand has high quality standards.