Can I Travel With CBD Oil?
In 2018, the Farm Bill officially legalized cannabidiol (CBD) derived from hemp, as long as it comes from licensed farmers and contains less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The legalization of certain CBD oils and other products led to a similar change by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA quietly updated its website to say it now permits medical marijuana – including some CBD oils – in carry-on bags and checked bags on flights. Travelers must be careful, however, to only carry legal forms of cannabis products.
What Is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol is an extract from the cannabis plant that does not have intoxicating properties. CBD oil derived from hemp does not contain enough THC, marijuana’s active ingredient, to have psychoactive effects. Patients and consumers use CBD oil for medicinal purposes such as relieving pain, reducing inflammation, easing anxiety and promoting sleep.
Thousands of people around the planet have turned to CBD oil to treat conditions and symptoms naturally, without the use of pharmaceuticals. The rise in popularity of CBD oil, however, has come with legal complications. Marijuana is an illegal Schedule 1 drug under federal law. Despite some states legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana, it is still technically an illicit substance in the eyes of the federal government.
CBD oil, however, is not marijuana. Thanks to the Farm Bill, the federal government now differentiates between hemp-derived and marijuana-derived CBD oils. It still outlaws cannabis-infused products with more than 0.3% THC but has allowed the production, sale, purchase and use of certain industrial CBD products, including hemp-derived CBD oil and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved products.
Tips for Traveling With CBD Oil
Despite the Farm Bill and the TSA update, a great deal of confusion still surrounds the legality of medical marijuana and CBD products. The police were still arresting passengers who tried to travel with CBD oil and other hemp-based products in early 2019. Federal agents can perform quick THC tests to see of CBD oils contain too much THC at airports. Having a product that is even 0.1% over the maximum could lead to an arrest. Lack of clarity about the rules can make many travelers too afraid to bring their CBD products with them, legal or not.
If you use CBD oil or other hemp-derived products that meet the stipulations in the Farm Bill, you should be fine to travel with them. The Farm Bill legalized certain hemp-derived items on a federal level. As a citizen of California, you may also travel within state lines with medical or recreational marijuana, as long as you do so within the state’s marijuana laws. If you are traveling to a state that does not legalize medical or recreational marijuana, however, possessing these substances could lead to your arrest upon touchdown.
In California, it is legal to use and travel with cannabis for medical or recreational purposes as long as you are over 21 and do not possess more than 28.5 grams of flower or 8 grams of concentrate. It is still against state law, however, to possess CBD products – even those derived from hemp. Californians can still get their hands on these products through websites such as Amazon, but technically the Department of Public Health asserts that nonintoxicating CBD remains against state law.
Play it safe when traveling with CBD oil or other cannabis products. Double-check that your item meets the restrictions under the Farm Bill and the TSA’s new rules. Know your rights so you can defend them if a TSA agent tries to confiscate your product or place you under arrest. Although the TSA says it does not actively search for drugs, it does have the power to report you to authorities if it finds illegal substances during a standard search or security procedure. If you are nervous that your product does not meet the new federal regulations, leave it at home.