Can You Travel with CBD? Yes, With Some Caveats

More information about the remarkable benefits of CBD (also known as cannabidiol) over the years has catapulted this alternative medicine into the mainstream world. When it comes to travel, CBD has proven to be especially popular. It’s been touted for its benefits including helping alleviate the fear of flying to nixing anxiety from travel, as well as helping to eliminate pain and inflammation and more. Naturally, one of the most-asked questions regarding CBD is if people can travel with it.

What is CBD? 

CBD is a chemical derived from cannabis. Although both CBD and THC are derived from cannabis, THC creates a “high” or euphoric effect, while CBD does not. 

CBD is used to help control seizures, anxiety, pain, Parkinson and Crohn's diseases and more. Consumers can purchase CBD as a flower to smoke, cartridge for vaping, as well as tinctures, gummies, supplements, lotions, patches, and more. 

Is CBD legal? 

Yes…and no. 

First, you’ve got to understand the difference between hemp and marijuana—both of which come from the cannabis sativa plant. They both produce CBD. With hemp, the amount of THC is virtually non-existent; it’s another story when it comes to marijuana. In the US, marijuana is federally illegal because of the high THC percentage (though more and more states are decriminalizing it). 

In 2018, the Agriculture Improvement Act was passed, making hemp-derived CBD products legal on a federal level. It also removed hemp as a Schedule I substance and moved it to an “agricultural commodity.”

So, if the CBD is coming from hemp, then it is legal federally. In addition, the CBD must contain less than .3 percent THC. Hemp-derived CBD can be transported freely across state lines so long as it meets the criteria passed in the bill.

That being said, although CBD is legal on a federal level, not all states consider it so. For example, it’s fully illegal in Idaho (only legal with 0 THC and from mature stalks of plants), Nebraska, and South Dakota as of 2022. And, it’s only legal for medicinal use in Alabama (must contain less than .3% THC), Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee (must contain less than .6% THC), Wisconsin and Wyoming. 

The benefits of traveling with CBD

CBD can be particularly beneficial to people when they travel. 

For starters, since CBD is known to ease anxiety, it can help people with travel anxiety. It’s been shown to lessen the body’s response to stress. In addition, it also quiets the part of the brain that registers threats, making flying a more relaxing experience. For those who have never taken CBD before, make sure to use it a few weeks before flying to see how the body reacts.

Aside from CBD helping with travel anxiety, there are other benefits as well. Lotion can help alleviate dry skin, especially when flying. It helps nourish the skin and prevents dry skin, cracks and more. Plus, if inflammation and joint pain are an issue, it can also provide relief when applied topically.

Finally, CBD can help with jetlag, too. Take some at night to relax and unwind before going to sleep (you can also read our tips for sleeping on a plane).

Choosing the right CBD for traveling

What CBD is the right one for you when it comes to traveling? 

If you’re looking for a slight euphoric feeling, grab the full spectrum CBD. While the THC percentage is still normally less than .3 percent, it’s made with many other cannabinoid compounds and low levels of THC.  While it’s not enough to get someone “high,” it can give a euphoric effect. Because it contains terpenes from the cannabis plant, it also may smell like the plant. Skip the full spectrum CBD if you have to take drug tests, as it could show up.

Broad-spectrum CBD delivers all the calming effects of CBD, minus the euphoric feeling. Like full-spectrum, it contains other cannabinoid compounds, but has zero (or only traces) of THC. So, in a place where THC is illegal, this is the CBD to choose.

For nearly instant gratification to combat anxiety, tinctures/oils are the way to go as they get to your bloodstream the quickest. However, this wears off the quickest of all delivery methods, so you’ll need to take it every four to six hours.

CBD gummies are easy to dose and provide relief to your entire body since they are metabolized and spread throughout your entire body. Plan for when you want the gummies to kick in, as they take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours to feel the effects. Most single servings last up to 12 hours.

You’ll want to use a CBD cream or lotions, balms, patches or salves for aches and inflammation, as well as for dry skin.

Because vaping isn’t allowed on planes, it’s probably best to leave that at home or only bring it out once you’ve arrived at your destination (assuming it’s legal where you’re traveling). 

No matter which method of CBD you choose, always check the label to make sure the percentage of THC is lower than .3 percent for traveling to destinations where it’s legal to use.

Can you bring CBD on a plane? 

Generally, yes, you can bring CBD on a plane so long as the THC content is under that magic .3 percent. If you’re carrying a liquid or cream form of CBD, it must be less than three ounces if you want to take it in your carry-on. If you’re traveling with a CBD vape pen, then it can only go in your carryon, not your checked baggage.

When traveling, know the state laws for your destination and understand that, ultimately, it’s up to the TSA officer to let you through with CBD. Sometimes they get it wrong, and will confiscate your CBD. A handful of states only allow CBD for medicinal use. It is illegal to have CBD in Idaho, Nebraska and South Dakota.

Internationally, always check the laws before departure. CBD is illegal in countries including Singapore, Bolivia and Armenia, as well as most countries in Africa (except South Africa).

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