CBD is a substance that’s still newly legal in the United States and many other nations, which makes traveling with it confusing and, at times, complicated.
CBD gummies are technically legal to fly with on domestic US flights. However, you could have issues if traveling to other countries. Some TSA agents could give you problems, but this is abnormal.
Travel within the US is much more approachable than international travel, but it’s important to be aware of limitations that might exist in either scenario. The TSA reviewing your products is actually one of the smallest concerns you might worry about – what’s often much more nuanced and challenging is crossing international borders.
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Can TSA detect CBD gummies?
The TSA, or Travel Safety Agency, does not provide officers with tools to identify whether food or drink contain substances like CBD. CBD gummies that aren’t clearly marked as such on packaging can’t be identified just by looking at them, at least not in most cases.
Even “obvious” CBD gummies or those still in their original packaging are unlikely to raise any flags so long as other travel guidelines (what can and can’t go in checked bags and to what extent) are followed. CBD from hemp is legal at the federal level, so you won’t face any legal repercussions for possessing these products.
It’s important to remember that the TSA’s goal is security, not drug searching. TSA officers do not deliberately seek out illegal substances, but they do have the right to contact law enforcement if said substances are discovered.
But, because CBD isn’t illegal, you’re likely in the clear no matter what. Be sure that your gummies are securely packaged if they’re going in your checked luggage and ensure you follow any relevant restrictions if you decide to bring them in an unchecked bag.
It may also help to bring a certificate or third-party lab report specifying that the CBD product is under the legal limit of THC. This will add to your credibility if any questions come up.
Can you bring CBD on a plane in the US?
So long as your CBD comes from hemp, in many cases, you can easily travel with some forms of CBD, including gummies, in the US. Still it’s helpful to be aware of what restrictions, if any, might apply to your product and situation.
Because CBD is not an illegal or controlled substance, you’re not breaking any laws by possessing or attempting to transport it within the US. Some states have different laws than others regarding how much CBD an individual can possess, who can purchase it legally, etc., so it’s best to do some homework and find out what the laws are like where you’ll be traveling.
Air travel is perhaps one of the most challenging ways to transport CBD products, mostly due to the existing limits and rules that limit what individuals can bring on a flight in general.
Hemp-derived CBD, according to TSA policy, isn’t a cause for alarm, and it won’t get the police called on you. CBD that comes from marijuana or other medical marijuana products might be subject to more limitations, particularly because marijuana and THC are still illegal at the federal level.
Some products, like gummies or other edibles, are more travel-friendly than others. CBD oil and similar options (liquids like tinctures, for instance) can be tricky, as most guidelines limit how much fluid or other substances can be packed at once.
Generally speaking, checked luggage is likely the better place to store liquid or other temperamental CBD products. In this case, not only are you free from volume or size restrictions, you’re also ensuring that your products are stored in a way that’s optimal and safe for long-distance travel.
States Where CBD is Illegal
As mentioned briefly above, some states within the US have different laws regarding who can purchase CBD, how much can be sold at a time, and how these products should be used.
It’s important to remember, once again, that CBD is legal at the federal level, thanks to the Farm Bill of 2018 (which legalized hemp growth and distribution, making it possible to derive and sell CBD legally as well).
That means that CBD isn’t strictly outlawed or fully “illegal” in any US state, but states do have the right and ability to manage specific details and limitations when it comes to purchasing and growing.
In addition, some states take a strong stance when it comes to CBD derived from marijuana rather than hemp. Many states still ban this type of CBD, notably those that don’t have medical marijuana programs, which can be helpful for some travelers to keep in mind.
Some states like Wisconsin, Texas, and Iowa, among others, have been known to have more conservative legislation and language when it comes to CBD, marijuana, and cannabis in general.
Still, so long as your CBD comes from legal hemp (which contains 0.3% THC or lower), you won’t be breaking any laws by possessing or using your products. When in doubt, it never hurts to secure paperwork or other permission from a healthcare professional or simply keep track of where you purchase your products from.
Can you travel internationally with CBD gummies?
It’s not generally advised to travel internationally with CBD of any kind, as different nations have different laws surrounding CBD and cannabis in general.
What’s legal in the US may not be legal abroad, so even if you successfully exit the country with these products, they may become problematic when you arrive at your destination.
Some countries are relatively marijuana- and cannabis-friendly, so it’s not fair to say that it’s entirely impossible to travel internationally with CBD gummies or other products; it really depends on where you’re going.
As discussed previously, some products (like gummies) are easier to conceal or pass off as non-offending substances than others, but it’s always a good idea to err on the side of caution when traveling far away.
If traveling with your CBD is non-negotiable for you, it’s a good idea to look into the area you’ll be traveling to and what sort of legislation already exists regarding this topic. Even within individual nations, laws may vary from place to place, so taking the time to find information specific to your situation is incredibly beneficial.
Another pro-tip is using CBD gummies that are THC-free, namely broad-spectrum or CBD isolate. Broad-spectrum has other cannabinoids but no THC, and CBD isolate contains purely CBD. Sometimes, in certain locations, officials are wary of any product containing THC, even if CBD is legal. In order to play it very safe, try traveling with only products that are THC-free.
Note that, even in countries where CBD is legal, sometimes the legal limit of THC is different. That means CBD with low, below-limit THC contents that are completely legal in the US may have above the legal THC limit in other countries (sometimes that legal THC limit is zero!). But with CBD isolate and broad-spectrum, you will be fine.
Countries Where CBD is Illegal
Cannabis and its derivatives, including CBD, are unfortunately still illegal in the majority of countries across the world. Some nations allow medical marijuana, but the vast majority outlaw both recreational and medicinal use of cannabis entirely.
Though hemp is different from marijuana and doesn’t contain enough THC to produce a high, it’s usually safest to assume that countries with a harsh anti-cannabis stance aren’t accepting of CBD products either.
Some nations take a less obvious or concrete stance on the issue, which puts the legality of things like hemp-derived CBD in a sort-of gray zone that can be open to interpretation. In this case, it’s also best to be safer rather than sorry.
While traveling internationally with CBD, the biggest concern will often become THC. For example, CBD is legal in most European countries as long as it’s under 0.2% THC. Since the law in the US is under 0.3%, buying a legal full spectrum product here and traveling to Europe could land you in hot water upon arrival.
It may, again, help to travel only with gummies that have 0% THC content. With CBD isolate or broad-spectrum products, you can assure anyone who might have questions that you are only traveling with CBD.
Below is a brief list of frequently traveled-to countries where CBD use is legal (as it is in the US):
- Canada
- Countries in the European Union (EU), including France, Germany, Greece, Spain, Denmark, etc.
- The United Kingdom
- China and Hong Kong
Some other popular options that are less CBD-friendly, whether it be completely outlawed or heavily restricted, include:
- Japan
- Australia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Most South American nations, including Brazil, Chile, Argentina, etc.
Nations that fall into the latter list are more common than those that don’t, so, as mentioned above, the general rule of thumb most CBD users follow is to avoid bringing CBD products internationally unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Takeaway: Where You Go Matters
CBD gummies and other CBD products are legal to possess and transport domestically within the US, but things get a bit more complicated when you bring air travel or international travel into the equation.
The main thing to remember is that your destination will likely be the biggest determining factor when it comes to whether or not you can bring CBD products.
If you’re flying within the US, you shouldn’t have much to worry about so long as your products comply with other airline restrictions. In fact, TSA officers may not even be able to identify that your products contain CBD – regardless though, you won’t be breaking any laws.
When traveling abroad, it’s usually best to leave the CBD gummies at home. Even if you can get away with transporting them, the illegality of these products makes using them abroad risky, and it may be challenging to get them back home.
If you absolutely must travel with your CBD, it never hurts to do a bit of research on your destination and local/national policy on cannabis and CBD. In some cases, medical purposes are enough to justify transporting these sorts of products; speaking with a healthcare professional can also be a great way to get additional insight (and perhaps a letter of permission). Many reputable CBD-providers also offer certificates outlining the contents of your CBD products, including clarification that they contain less than the federal limit of THC, and that may be helpful to have on hand as well, just in case.
If you do decide to travel with CBD products, gummies certainly aren’t your only option. Travel-friendly products can look different from person to person, but no matter who you are or what your needs may be, you can find great product recommendations over at our directory. Finding CBD that works for you shouldn’t have to be guesswork!
