Posted On:
July 24, 2023
Can You Travel with CBD Gummies in the U.S.
Did you know that 26% of Americans are reported to use CBD in 2022? Experts expect the percentage of CBD users to reach 35% by 2024. This data shows how popular CBD products are becoming day by day. This is why, whether it is CBD gummies, oil, or topicals, many of you may want to have your favorite CBD product handy so you may use it whenever you want including when traveling or crossing international borders.
So, if you’re a CBD gummies lover, you might want to ask can I travel with CBD gummies in the U.S. and internationally? Similarly, a person who uses CBD oil or CBD syrup for therapeutic benefits might be searching for the same answers for specific CBD products.
So, can you travel with CBD gummies or any other CBD products in the U.S.? The short and simple answer is yes. However, there are things to know about traveling with CBD. Let’s discuss this in more detail.
Reasons Why People Want to Travel with CBD on a Plane
Cannabidiol (CBD) delivers some significant therapeutic benefits including increased calmness and relaxation, reduced pain, stress, and anxiety, and better sleep. Scientific studies have observed that cannabidiol (CBD), a type of cannabinoid extracted from cannabis plants, has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties. More importantly, anecdotal reports show that CBD has helped people with many physical and mental stressors.
Due to its potential therapeutic effects, many people want to keep it in their backpacks, pockets, or luggage while traveling within or outside of the U.S. When it comes to traveling on a plane, many people experience a “fear of flying” as well. This is also one of the reasons they might want to bring CBD with them as it can induce calmness and relaxation in the time of anxiety. Other people may bring CBD just to avoid the hassle of finding CBD retailers when the plane lands.
Can You Fly with CBD in the U.S.?
The straightforward answer is yes. You can travel with CBD in the United States. However, there are some important considerations. First, the products must meet Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines.
TSA Guidelines:
- CBD products need to have clear labeling.
- No CBD-infused product can possess more than 0.3% THC (a psychoactive compound, typically found in marijuana).
In the case of bringing CBD on a plane while traveling within the U.S.A., you can carry only hemp-derived CBD products such as oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles (like gummies), topicals (creams, lotions), and vape cartridges.
It’s important to know that any cannabis plant that contains no more than 0.3 percent delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is defined as a hemp plant according to Farm Bill 2018. That’s why you need to ensure that CBD products meet the THC limit.
Can You Travel with CBD Gummies in the U.S.?
You can travel with CBD, and naturally, it appears that you can also travel between states with CBD gummies. The rules are the same for gummies. However, there are some key things to remember when it comes to traveling with gummies in the U.S. territory.
Here is the checklist:
- Legal Considerations
- TSA Guidelines
- Packaging and Labeling
- Accessibility and Documentation
- Carry-on Vs. Checked Bags
- State-Specific Regulations
- TSA Discretion
Legal Considerations
You can legally transport CBD gummies within the United States if they comply with federal regulations. Also, like we said about CBD, gummies also need to be derived from hemp and contain no more than 0.3 percent THC, as per federal law. You should also ensure that the gummies are properly labeled with clear information regarding THC content, other ingredients, and manufacturer details. Finally, checking the CBD laws by state before your arrival is always good practice.
TSA Guidelines
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows hemp-derived CBD products including gummies, on domestic flights within the United States. It would be best if you pack CBD gummies in both carry-on and checked luggage according to TSA guidelines.
Packaging and Labeling
Keep CBD gummies in their original packaging or in clearly labeled containers to enable inspection by TSA agents. Ensure that the packaging includes information such as THC content, ingredients, and manufacturer details.
Accessibility and Documentation
TSA agents might need to examine your luggage. So, Keep CBD gummies easily accessible within your luggage. It’s advisable to carry out documentation such as the product’s Certificate of Analysis (COA) to verify THC content. This way you can offer extra reassurance to TSA agents.
Carry-on Vs. Checked Bags
You can pack your gummies in both carry-on and checked luggage. Make sure that liquid CBD gummies (If any) comply with TSA’s liquid guidelines for carry-on items (3.4 ounces or less per container in a quart-sized bag).
State-Specific Regulations
The 2018 Farm Bill made all CBD derived from hemp legal on a federal level. This is also true for state-level laws. With this information, you can legally bring any CBD products between any two of the 50 US states as long as they have less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol.
Still, you should check to see if the state laws have changed before you start your trip. Additionally, some states might have legal age limitations for purchasing and possessing any form of CBD product. Generally, in this case, most states require you to be either 18 or 21. Check our article on how old do you have to be to buy CBD.
TSA Discretion
TSA agents are free to decide whether to check CBD gummies or let them on flights. Even though the TSA doesn't actively look for drugs, if CBD gummies are found during screening, they may be looked at more closely or turned over to law enforcement.
Can You Bring CBD on International Flights?
The simple answer is it depends. Traveling internationally with CBD requires understanding the laws and regulations of both your country of departure and your destination country. There are 195 countries in the world today. Each country has different rules and restrictions regarding CBD products.
This is why it is always a good idea to check the legalization status of CBD in the destination country. Let’s see some considerations for bringing CBD products including gummies, oil, or other forms of CBD on international flights.
Legalization Status
- Europe: CBD laws vary across European countries. CBD is legal in countries like Australia, France, Germany, and the UK. However, Iceland, Albania, and Armenia maintain stricter regulations.
- Asia: Most of the Asian countries have legally banned CBD as well as marijuana. You’ll be penalized for the use, possession, purchase, and transportation of cannabis and CBD products in those countries. So, CBD enthusiasts should avoid bringing cannabidiol products including CBD gummies to Asia.
- Australia and Canada: CBD is widely legalized in Canada and Australia. However, to enter Australia with cannabinoids (CBD), you must have a medical prescription from a medical practitioner. It is illegal to take cannabis products including CBD in Canada.
- South America: CBD regulations in South America vary, with countries like Uruguay, and Colombia moving towards full legalization.
Legal Gray Area
Because CBD legalization is still in its early stages, some countries may have rules that aren't clear about CBD products. To make sure you follow the rules, you need to learn about and study the laws of the country you are going to.
Final Tips for Flying with CBD Gummies
Here are some tips for you to fly with CBD products including gummies:
- Know the laws: Familiarize yourself with both federal and state regulations regarding CBD, as well as the laws of your destination country if traveling internationally.
- Choose Hemp-Derived CBD: Ensure that your CBD products are derived from hemp and contain no more than 0.3 percent THC.
- Check TSA Guidelines: Evaluate the Transportation Security Administration’s guidelines for carrying CBD gummies on flights. Then pack your products accordingly.
- Proper Labeling: Ensure that your CBD gummies are properly labeled with clear information about the amount of THC, ingredients, and manufacturer details.
- Original Packaging: Keep your CBD products in their original packaging or in clearly labeled containers to ease the inspection process by TSA agents.
- Accessibility: If the TSA needs to check your CBD gummies during security screening, you should keep them easy to get to in your bag or luggage.
- Documentation: Consider carrying documents including a certificate of analysis for your CBD gummies. You can find it on the packaging of the company’s website. For more convenience, bring a hard copy of this.
- Research Your Destination: If traveling internationally, research the CBD laws and regulations of the destination country to avoid legal issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some relevant questions and answers related to “Flying with CBD gummies in the U.S. and internationally”.
Can I Have CBD in My Luggage When I Fly?
Ans: Yes, you can pack CBD products in your luggage when flying domestically. However, to comply with TSA regulations, liquid CBD products such as oil or creams must stick to the TSA’s liquid guidelines for carry-on items. Note that any container of CBD products with a capacity greater than 3.4 ounces must be placed in checked luggage.
Can I Get in Trouble with CBD in My System While Traveling?
Ans: It is not likely that having CBD in your system while traveling would get you in trouble with the law, but laws and rules about CBD change from state to state and country to country. CBD products usually have small amounts of THC, which means they probably won't get you high or show up on drug tests.
Does the Type of CBD Product Matter?
Ans: Yes, the type of CBD product you’re traveling with can impact how it is perceived by TSA agents or airport security. Certain CBD products, such as gummies, and pills, may attract attention due to their appearance or potential THC content. Plus, some states might have restrictions on a certain format of CBD.
The Bottom Line
CBD gummies can be brought on planes within the United States. But make sure they are correctly labeled and have no more than 0.3% THC. For a smooth trip, follow TSA rules and keep them close at hand. Also, bring documentation like a certificate of analysis, research-specific laws, and foreign rules.