Everything To Know When Traveling With CBD

If you’re planning to travel this fall, it’s important to know how to safely and legally transport CBD products (such as oils, gummies, and capsules) across state lines when flying or driving.

Though non-psychoactive hemp that contains less than 0.3% THC is legal across the U.S., there are still blurred lines and mixed tolerances when it comes to traveling with CBD, especially across state lines. Consider this your go-to guide for traveling with CBD.

Can You Fly with CBD? 

If you’re flying somewhere in the coming days or weeks, it’s important to know: can you take CBD on a plane? Current TSA regulations allow passengers to fly with Cannabis products that contain no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight, and FDA-approved products. Some experts recommend printing out TSA’s newest regulations on CBD so you can show it to the agent on duty if he or she is unfamiliar with current rules. The final decision about what can be taken on a plane rests with the TSA officers manning the checkpoint. 

However, it can still be helpful to familiarize yourself with the latest guidelines in case you need to share more information about a particular CBD wellness product.

What are the Official TSA Hemp Rules? 

In 2019, the TSA updated its travel policy to approve certain hemp-derived CBD and cannabinoid-based products on the approved list for traveling. According to the official TSA Government website, the TSA Hemp rules state the following: 

TSA Hemp Rules

Carry On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)

Checked Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)

Marijuana and certain cannabis-infused products, including some (Cannabidiol) CBD oil, remain illegal under federal law except for products that contain no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or that are approved by the FDA. (See the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Pub. L. 115-334.) TSA officers are required to report any suspected violations of law to local, state, or federal authorities. 

TSA’s screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but if any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.

Breaking Down the TSA CBD Policy

The TSA’s policy change about CBD on airplanes followed shortly after the 2018 Farm Bill legalized all hemp and hemp production within the United States. 

The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp by removing it and its derivatives from the definition of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act. This means that as long as the hemp plant, including any extracts and hemp-derived cannabinoids, contains no more than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis), it is considered legal at the federal level.

 This federal legalization includes hemp-based CBD products, as long as the products meet the THC threshold. With that being said, traveling across state lines with CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC is generally considered legal under federal law and TSA Travel Guidelines. 

Additionally, hemp-derived psychoactive cannabinoids similar to Delta-9 THC, such as Delta-8 THC, remain technically legal under federal law, as long as it does not contain 0.3% of Delta-9 THC. This has caused some blurred lines and confusion across states, as some states have established their own policy and regulations around these different hemp-based psychoactive cannabinoids. 

When traveling with hemp or CBD on a plane, the best practice is to research the specific rules about hemp and Delta-9 THC in the state where you’ll be traveling. Always check local regulations to get a better understanding of flying with CBD! 

Keep Your Medical Cannabis or CBD Prescription With You

If you’re flying with CBD, an FDA-approved drug or medical Cannabis, it’s a good idea to keep your prescription with you. Leave the marijuana products in their original packaging, and—if you’re carrying CBD products—have the certificate of analysis (CoA) on hand. 

Any legitimate brand will have the CoA accessible on its website, so have it handy on your phone in case you need to show the TSA agent that the THC level is at or below the required 0.3%. It’s also a good idea to keep your prescription or the CoA with you if you’re traveling across state lines in a car with CBD products. Make sure the CBD products are unopened or in a sealed bag so you don’t run the risk of spilling the contents during the flight.

Exercise Caution with CBD on Airplanes

If a state or country is vague or unclear about its rules, it’s better to err on the side of caution and leave any questionable products at home. When traveling with CBD or medical cannabis, the last thing you want to do is create unnecessary attention or risk slowing down your trip. Before you purchase a CBD product, be sure to check its CoA and website for information regarding its THC content. 

Know the Rules Before Traveling with CBD 

Since laws vary from state to state, when traveling with CBD, be sure to read up on the rules of the place you’re heading to. If you’re looking for up-to-date information about state laws for marijuana you can see a full list here. Since international rules can be much stricter, make sure to carefully research the requirements and regulations before packing any products for an international visit so you don’t run into any legal issues.

Traveling with CBD from Upstate Elevator 

At Upstate Elevator Supply Co., we offer hemp-based products ranging from THC-free CBD capsules made from 99% pure CBD isolate to a THC-free CBD tincture made with MCT oil – all so you can enjoy the benefits of CBD anytime, anywhere. Each hemp-based product at Upstate Elevator is made with clean, organically grown hemp in Vermont – so you’ll be flying with gummies or CBD oil safely and dutifully.

Check out some of our best recommended CBD products for traveling: 

• Upstate Elevator’s Organic CBG & CBD Tart Berry Gummies provide full-spectrum flavor and effects, making it an ideal travel companion for those who struggle to feel calm or at ease while flying. 
• Upstate Elevator’s full spectrum capsules are USDA organic certified and formulated with a powerful blend of hemp-based cannabinoids. These CBD capsules are a great option for helping relieve nerves, clear your mind, and soothe your body if you’ve been cooped up in an airplane seat most of the day. 
• For those more sensitive to THC or looking for a THC-free product, our 30mg Fruit Slice gummies are fast-acting, providing the relief and relaxation you need just in time for take-off! 
• If you want to catch a few ZZZ’s before you land at your destination, Upstate also proudly offers THC-free Deep Calm CBD & CBN gummies.

All of our products are batch-tested by third-party laboratories, with current CoAs conveniently listed on the website. By planning ahead, doing your research, and making sure you have any relevant documents on hand when you’re traveling with CBD, you can guarantee a safe and seamless ride with your CBD products in tow. 

Enjoy your next adventure!