Can You Fly With CBD Products? The Most Updated Rules & Practical Tips

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a compound from hemp. Often touted as the “traveler’s best friend,” more and more flyers bring CBD along their journey for comfort. However, since it’s a hemp-based product, there are questions about its legality, especially in flights. 

So, if you are scheduled for a domestic or international flight, understanding the legal nuances of packing a CBD product is a must. This blog gives you the updated rules of flying with CBD so you can go on that trip confidently.

Can I Fly With CBD in the US? TSA Official Rules

Yes, but under specific conditions. As per the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), CBD products with not more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis are generally allowed. The exception to this rule involves FDA-approved CBD products, which are:

• Epidiolex (a CBD-based drug)
• Marinol
• Syndros
• Cesamet

You can fly with CBD products that meet these requirements (containing not more than 0.3% THC or FDA-approved). These rules apply regardless of the airport or state you’re flying to and from.

What’s prohibited are marijuana products and cannabis-infused CBD products with more than the permitted 0.3% Delta 9 THC content. TSA officers are authorized to report passengers carrying illegal substances to local, state, or federal authorities. 

TSA also mentioned that they aren’t proactively searching for CBD products with more than the allowed content of THC. However, once your luggage and carry-ons are discovered to have illegal CBD products or drugs, they have the right to refer you to a law enforcement officer.

✈️ Note Here’s the official list from the TSA, which includes a complete enumeration of what’s allowed and not in carry-ons and checked bags.

Can I Travel With CBD Internationally?

Now that you know the rules for domestic flights with CBD, how about flying internationally?

Unlike domestic flights, rules about flying with CBD internationally are less clear. This is why most experts advise against bringing CBD with you when you travel abroad, notwithstanding the compound’s legality in the country of origin and destination.

Although times are changing and the sentiment surrounding CBD products is less harsh, laws worldwide are still slow to adapt. Some countries don’t have a concept of differentiating between marijuana and hemp, and certainly, not all follow the 0.3% rules of the US-based 2018 Farm Bill. 

Overall, it’s best to leave your CBD at home and purchase a new legal CBD product in the country you’re visiting. 

Can You Fly With CBD Oil in the US?

Yes, you can pack CBD oil in checked bags and carry-ons as long as they’re hemp-derived and contain less than 0.3% THC. You may also carry one if it’s one of the four listed FDA-approved drugs. 

Bring travel-sized CBD oil with a volume below or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml. If you plan to load more than the allowed limit, it’s better to pack your CBD in checked-in luggage. 

Another thing to ensure is that the product should be correctly labeled with tags like  “hemp-derived” and “less than 0.3% THC.” It’s also important for it to be in its original packaging. 

If you’re not confident about bringing a CBD product, don’t bring one; buy one in your destination state. 

Can You Fly With CBD Gummies?

When traveling domestically, the same rules apply to carrying CBD gummies as with CBD oil, except for the liquid volume limit. You may also pack hemp-derived CBD gummies in your carry-on or checked baggage. 

It’s crucial to note that while most states allow CBD gummies with less than 0.3% THC, some states have unique protocols for possessing CBD gummies or CBD products in general. For example, the state of Idaho allows CBD products, but they must have zero traceable THC. 

That said, familiarize yourself with the specific CBD laws of your destination state before departure to avoid encountering any legal inconvenience. Otherwise, leave the product behind if you don’t have the time to research. 

🧷 Good to Know Some airports, like the O’Hare in Chicago, have amnesty boxes where people can dump their marijuana and other illegal substances before passing through security. In case you accidentally packed CBD gummies with you without knowing a state’s specific laws about them, amnesty boxes are helpful.

Can You Fly With CBD Cream?

Yes, you may fly with a CBD cream in your carry-on and checked bag. However, again, CBD creams and other CBD topical varieties should adhere to the requirement of TSA—hemp-derived and less than 0.3% THC.

Additionally, the TSA categorizes CBD balms, creams, lotions, gels, salves, and pastes as liquids. Thus, to pack CBD creams in a carry-on, each item must be under the 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) limit. 

If you need to pack more than the allowed liquid volume limit for carry-ons, you may store them in your checked luggage instead. 

Another tip to consider when traveling with topical CBD is to keep your CBD creams in a small, clear pouch. You need to separate them from the rest of your other products so they are accessible during the screening process. 

Can You Fly With a CBD Pen?

Yes. You’ll be fine flying with CBD vape pens as long they’re within the limits set by TSA, as with CBD oil and CBD creams. The only remarkable thing to remember in bringing CBD vapes with you is you can’t store them in checked bags. 

The TSA has strict guidelines about packing batteries in checked luggage. They don’t allow them because they’re a potential fire hazard. The good news is you can stow CBD pens in a carry-on bag. 

Some packing ideas to follow are to store your CBD pens in a clear bag for easy inspection and separate the battery from the actual device so you don’t risk activating the device.

As for whether it’s acceptable to vape inside a plane, you can’t. It’s illegal to vape or plane on planes.

Can You Fly With CBD Flower?

Now, this is where things get murky. Even though it’s acceptable to travel with a CBD bud well within the requirements of the TSA, it’s not advisable to bring one on a plane. 

The chances of getting caught with a CBD flower are low. However, it’s a well-known fact within the cannabis traveler community that to a TSA agent, all cannabis flowers are considered marijuana.

Carry-on or checked luggage: neither is safe for storing a CBD flower. X-ray technicians or sniffer dogs could easily pick them up.

How Much CBD Can You Fly With?

TSA failed to document the specific weight, volume, amount, or number of federally legal CBD products you can bring on a flight. However, they declare that liquids (including CBD oil, vape liquids, and topical CBD products) must be inside a container that holds no more than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Also, those items should all fit in a single quart-sized bag. 

Will You Get Into Trouble for Taking CBD Before Flying?

It’s highly unlikely you’ll get into trouble having CBD in your system before a flight, even if your destination state has banned CBD. Here’s why. 

CBD with less than 0.3% THC rarely results in noticeable physical or psychological effects. Also, it’s against the law to force someone to submit to any type of drug test without an immediate cause. 

Even if you do submit a urine sample (or any bodily fluid or tissue sample), it’s less likely to get a marijuana-positive test just because you took a drop of CBD a while ago. 

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Can You Consume CBD Inside the Plane?

Because at the federal level, legal CBD is allowed in a carry-on, it is understood that it’s safe to consume it while the plane is taking off or in the air. However, airline policies determine whether CBD can be consumed while inside the plane. 

Since America has several airlines, it’s important to do your research before boarding a particular airline and consuming CBD inside the aircraft. Some airlines have specific rules about consuming CBD while a passenger is on board their aircraft. 

All in all, here are some practical recommendations when planning to consume CBD inside the plane:

• Avoid consuming any CBD product inside the plane as much as possible. 
• If the airline is allowing it, be discreet. Gummies are less noticeable compared to vapes and CBD oils. 

Wrapping Up

Overall, the safest thing to do is to avoid bringing CBD while flying domestically or internationally. However, if taking CBD is a necessary part of your flying routine, always adhere to TSA rules, airline policies, and the particular laws on CBD of the destination state or country. 

Another note to consider is purchasing a CBD product correctly labeled with a COA to boot. Making sure these two elements are present will help your case if you are questioned at the inopportune time. The Hemp Doctor’s 100% federally legal CBD products check those boxes. So get one now and have a peaceful flight!

Disclaimer: While we strive to offer accurate materials, this blog is for general informational purposes only. Consult a legal professional for advice about flying with CBD products inside and outside the US border.

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