Can You Take CBD on A Plane? Five Tips for Traveling with CBD

Revised May 2022

Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis sativa, is becoming more and more popular as a means to manage mental and physical ailments. According to an April 2020 survey of U.S. adults who use CBD, 64 percent take it to manage pain, 49 percent to relieve stress and anxiety, and 42 percent for insomnia and other sleep problems. With all of these benefits, it’s no wonder people are wanting to take their CBD supplements with them on their travels. But can you take CBD on a plane? And if so, do you simply pack it in your carry-on and stroll through security to your gate? Not exactly.

Is It Legal to Take CBD on an Airplane?

The short answer: Yes, with exceptions. According to the TSA CBD policy 2022, “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% THC on a dry weight basis or that are approved by FDA.” So non-FDA approved cannabinoid products are allowed as long as they contain 0.3% THC or less — but why?

In late May of 2019, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) changed its medical marijuana policy with the above stipulations, likely due to the passing of the Agricultural Improvement Act in 2018 (more commonly known as the “Farm Bill”), which officially legalized hemp on the federal level and declared it to be an agricultural commodity.

Hemp and marijuana are subspecies of cannabis sativa, and each contains both CBD and THC (as well as over 120 other cannabinoids and compounds). A key factor of the “Farm Bill” is the way it distinguishes between these two plants. Simply put, hemp may contain no more than 0.3% THC, while plants with a THC level higher than 0.3% are deemed “marijuana”.

Can You Bring CBD Oil on a Plane in Every U.S. State?

While hemp has been legal on a federal level since 2018, there are some states that have chosen to forgo including the differentiation between hemp and marijuana in their own legislation. Furthermore, while hemp-derived products such as full spectrum CBD oil are legal in many states, there are some where it is only “conditionally legal” — meaning you may first need approval from your doctor or to enroll in a medical CBD program before gaining legal access. For this reason, it’s important to check the local laws for any states where you’ll be traveling before you get on the plane.

A good source for state laws related to marijuana, hemp, and CBD is norml.org.

Does the TSA Check for CBD?

According to its website, the TSA’s screening procedures are focused on security and detecting potential threats to aviation and passengers. For this reason, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs. However, if illegal substances are found during security screenings, the TSA is required to report it to the appropriate authorities.

Tips for Traveling with CBD Oil

The TSA continues to modify the logistics of security screenings as they relate to traveling with CBD oil and other hemp-derived products. To help you navigate this relatively new aspect of travel, here are some recommendations to minimize the risk of having your CBD oil confiscated.

1. Ensure Your CBD Oil Is Under the THC Limit

Make sure any CBD oil, or other cannabinoid-derived products you’re planning to fly with, contain 0.3% THC or less. Transport your CBD oil in its original packaging, bottle, or container with the manufacturing label intact.

2. Bring Supporting Documentation

If you have a prescription for CBD oil, bring it with you along with any other written or printed information, such as a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Be sure that your documentation specifies the product is hemp-derived and does not contain more than 0.3% THC. Do your due diligence by purchasing your CBD oil from a reliable and trustworthy source that does third party testing and makes the COA for each product available to consumers.

3. Pack CBD Oil with Your Liquids

The TSA Liquids Rule allows each passenger to carry on one clear, quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, creams, pastes, and gels. Each travel-sized container inside the bag must not exceed 3.4 oz (100 milliliters). It is recommended that you include your CBD supplements or other full spectrum CBD oil products in this bag, which is usually inspected and separated from your carry-on bag at the security checkpoint. A benefit to packing your CBD in your carry-on luggage is that you have it with you for use during your travel.

CBD products packaged in containers larger than 3.4 oz must be packed in your checked luggage and not your carry-on bag (even if the amount of product remaining in the container is less than 3.4 oz).

4. Do Not Pack Vaping Devices in Your Checked Luggage

If you plan to travel with a CBD vape, remember that they’re not allowed in checked luggage but must be packed in your carry-on bag. There are restrictions regarding vape batteries as well:

• • • Lithium ion batteries: Must have a Watt-hour (Wh) rating of 100 or less
    • Lithium metal batteries: May contain no more than 2 grams of lithium

Some airlines may limit the number of vaping devices that can be carried on by one passenger, so be sure to check with your airline if you plan to carry more than one.

5. Do Not Attempt to Hide Your CBD Oil

While TSA policy states that CBD oil and CBD isolate can be carried in checked or carry-on luggage on domestic flights, most travelers feel safer keeping their CBD oil with their bag of liquids, packed in their carry-on. If your CBD products contain more than 3.4 oz or you wish to pack them with your checked luggage, be sure to store them with your toiletries or other checked liquids. Packing CBD elsewhere may lead a TSA inspector to wrongfully assume you’re trying to hide something, in which case they could confiscate your product.

Traveling Overseas

International cannabis laws vary drastically depending on the country, so before you travel overseas, be sure to check the laws and policies of your destination country and any other countries you’ll be passing through on your way.

Don’t Want to Risk It? Ship It

If you’re not sure that your CBD product meets TSA’s criteria for travel, you can always play it safe and simply ship it to your final destination. Just remember to check the local laws before sending it off.

You can avoid this scenario by purchasing your CBD Oil from a reputable company like NuLeaf Naturals, whose third party batch analysis and reporting ensures you have all the supporting documentation needed to get through TSA security quickly and easily.

What’s the Best CBD for Travel?

NuLeaf Naturals’ Full Spectrum CBD Oil is a favorite among our customers for reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and relieving inflammatory pain — making it an ideal travel supplement. This whole-plant extract comes in a TSA-friendly bottle and is subject to third party testing to ensure it meets TSA’s travel requirements (just like all NuLeaf Naturals’ products). A leader in the manufacturing and distribution of pure CBD oil, NuLeaf Naturals offers quality and experience you can trust.

Do you have questions about our products, or are wondering which one is right for you?

Our Expert Team is here to help via phone, email, or online chat:

Telephone: +1 (720) 372-4842
Email: [email protected]
Online chat: nuleafnaturals.com

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us Monday through Friday between 9am and 5pm MT.