The CBD industry is exploding in the western world—which is excellent—but the rest of the world lags. As a result, you may be wondering: can I travel overseas with CBD? Let’s face it, once you’ve felt the immense benefits of using CBD, it’s hard to imagine life without it (especially on vacation!)
Here’s the truth: CBD laws vary depending on the destination.
In many western countries, CBD is legal, and you may travel with specific CBD products. However, some nations still treat CBD as a drug because it may contain traces—albeit tiny traces—of THC. Governments have jailed people for carrying CBD products, so it’s something you must take seriously!
In this article, we’ll discuss the legality of CBD usage worldwide and answer the question: is CBD safe to travel with?
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is an active ingredient in cannabis. Unlike regular cannabis, CBD doesn’t contain high levels of THC, which is the ingredient that makes you feel high. Sometimes, however, there may be minute traces of THC in CBD—which is enough for some governments to prosecute people.
Many CBD users take it for anxiety relief, chronic pain, stress relief, PTSD, epilepsy, depression, and sleep disorders. You may take CBD topically or orally, depending on what side effects you prefer. For example, you may take CBD orally to handle travel anxiety on a long flight.
The most common method of consumption is through oil tinctures. You can buy these in shops worldwide and consume them orally or topically. You may also smoke or vape CBD, but you can’t do this on a plane.
Why Is CBD Popular for Travelers?
CBD is a popular product for millions of people, but it often appeals to travelers looking to maintain healthy stress and anxiety levels. If you’re a nervous flier, CBD is an excellent tool to maintain calmness. In addition, travelers suffering from jet lag after long flights may use CBD to encourage better sleep and faster adjustment to a new timezone.
If travelers are dealing with body aches—such as a bad back from constantly flying or too many nights in poor hostel mattresses—CBD is an excellent tool to soothe your muscles. Travelers who suffer from PTSD or epilepsy also require CBD when traveling to monitor their condition.
Can You Fly With CBD Products?
If you want to fly with CBD products, you must remember that the legal status of CBD changes depending on your destination. In the United States, CBD has been federally legal since 2018. Most states allow CBD product possession because it contains less than 0.3% THC. However, some states still maintain stringent laws on CBD, so you should check which state you’re visiting. After that, ensure your CBD products contain zero THC.
If you’re traveling internationally, you must be extremely careful about the destination you’re visiting. In some European destinations, such as Iceland, Monaco, and Montenegro, CBD remains illegal. In some Asian countries, including Cambodia and Vietnam, CBD remains prohibited. Most Middle Eastern and African nations have banned CBD products. However, CBD is legal under some circumstances in South Africa.
When you fly to the United States, your CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC. However, TSA rules generally apply, so any liquids (tinctures, creams, and oils) must be under 3 ounces. Do you love vaping? If so, you’ll be pleased to hear you can take a CBD vape pen through airport security, but you can’t have it in your checked baggage.
The best idea is to always check your destination before flying. In addition, if you’re transiting before your final destination, check the rules within your transit destination. You must also know whether your CBD products contain pure CBD or include THC.
Traveling With CBD Gummies, CBD Oil, or Vapes
If you’re looking to travel with CBD oils or CBD gummies, you’ll be delighted to know the TSA allows both checked-in and carry-on bags. However, the CBD must be hemp-derived and contain less than 0.3%. If you’re traveling with vaping devices, you can’t bring them in checked bags. Instead, you must bring them in your carry-on bags due to the potential fire hazard if they’re in the cargo hold.
If you’re bringing CBD topicals, vape liquids, and vape oils in your carry-on bags, they must be in travel-sized containers (100ml.) You must have these ready for inspection at airport security. If you’re bringing liquids and oils over 100ml, you should place those in your checked bags.
What Might Happen at the Airport?
You might be wondering, what will happen at the airport if I have CBD? According to the TSA, airport screening focuses on security and protecting passengers. As a result, they don’t typically search for cannabis and marijuana products.
If they find cannabis products, the final decision will rest with the TSA officer. As we’ve discussed, some states have different laws regarding CBD—such as Virginia, where you can only purchase CBD with a prescription. Therefore, your airport experience may differ depending on your destination.
Which Countries Have Legalized CBD?
So we’ve established that North America has the most liberal laws on CBD, and much of the world perceives CBD products differently. However, it’s not all doom and gloom for CBD fans; some nations also have relaxed CBD laws. Here are some of these nations:
Austria
It’s possible to travel to Austria with CBD if it contains no more than 0.2% THC. However, you can also purchase CBD in Austria if it’s not advertised as medication or a food supplement. Therefore, you could leave your CBD products at home and buy some in Austria if you’re visiting Vienna or the Austrian Alps.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a popular destination for travelers and backpackers in eastern Europe because of its low living costs, superb weather, and fascinating history. Better still, Bulgaria made history by becoming the first EU nation to allow the sale of hemp-derived CBD. Therefore, you can bring CBD to Bulgaria if it contains no more than 0.2% THC. The Bulgarian government has also proposed raising the 0.2% limit to 0.3%.
Canada
Canada is world famous for its relaxed cannabis laws, so you won’t be shocked to hear that you can travel to the nation with CBD products. According to the Cannabis Act, marijuana and hemp are legal for recreational and medicinal use. Although you may want to travel to Canada with CBD, you could also purchase excellent CBD when you’re there. They have some of the best CBD products worldwide.
France
France is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations; it’s also an excellent destination for CBD fans because CBD oil is legal if it contains no more than 0.2% THC. Therefore, you can travel to France with CBD products that don’t have more than 0.2%. Alternatively, you can simply purchase CBD products when you’re there because Paris has some excellent CBD shops.
Greece
If you fancy a trip to Greece’s sunny beaches, you’ll be delighted to know they legalized CBD in 2018 if it contains no more than 0.2% THC. You can also buy CBD products over the counter in Greece, so you don’t have to bring your CBD products with you. In addition, Greece is currently evaluating a proposal to legalize medical cannabis products made from cannabis Sativa with no more than 0.2% THC.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands is famous for its liberal laws toward cannabis. Therefore, you won’t be shocked to hear that you can travel to the country with CBD products if it contains less than 0.2% THC. With all that said, Amsterdam has some of the best CBD products in the world. Why not buy your CBD products when you’re there?
Portugal
Portugal is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe; the nation also has increasingly liberal views toward cannabis. Portugal legalized medical cannabis in 2018 and decriminalized cannabis for personal use in 2001. You can purchase CBD products within the country if the THC content is under 0.2%.
Romania
Romania is becoming a popular eastern European destination for travelers. Although the Romanian Supreme Court has decriminalized cannabis, the nation has forbidden recreational cannabis use. You can purchase CBD products, such as soap, oils, and creams, once you’re in the country if there is 0% THC. You can also travel to the nation with CBD if it has 0% THC. However, you can’t bring CBD edibles or flowers because they’re not permitted.
Slovenia
Slovenia is one of Europe’s most beautiful travel destinations, yet it’s relatively unknown. However, according to Slovenian law, CBD products with less than 0.2% THC are legal. Therefore, you can travel to Slovenia with CBD products if they contain less than 0.2% of THC. It’s also possible to purchase CBD products once you’re in the country.
Spain
Spain is one of Europe’s most liberal countries surrounding cannabis laws. The nation allows citizens to purchase CBD oil if it contains no more than 0.2% of THC. As a result, you can also travel to Spain with CBD products if they have less than 0.2% of THC.
The United Kingdom
London is one of the most popular travel destinations for North American travelers. However, the United Kingdom still has strict laws on cannabis. With that said, it’s legal to buy CBD products in the United Kingdom if they don’t exceed the legal limit of 0.2% of THC. London also has some excellent CBD stores.
3 Tips for Traveling With CBD Products
1. Print an Ingredient List
Printing an ingredient list before you travel is an excellent way to avoid any problems. The ingredient list should include independently tested analysis results that prove the product contains no more than 0.3% THC or 0.2% THC for many EU nations.
2. Research the Country or State You’re Visiting
Some countries have stricter laws surrounding CBD products, and some nations may put travelers in jail for having CBD products. Therefore, conduct your research on the destination. Thankfully, EU nations have transparent and clear rules on CBD products, but it’s grayer in some other countries. If you’re ever in doubt—leave your CBD at home.
3. Buy CBD at Your Destination
In many destinations we mentioned above, you’ll find incredibly unique CBD products, such as CBD gummies and CBD vape pens, that you can’t find in North America. It’s an excellent chance to broaden your tastes and try new things. You could find something you love and decide to ship large quantities back to the United States.
In Summary
Traveling with CBD isn’t risky if you understand the rules within your chosen destination. However, always check the rules, especially if you’re traveling to a non-western destination. Some nations have a zero-tolerance approach toward CBD and you don’t want to fall on the wrong side of it.
If you follow the rules, you can enjoy your CBD on your vacation.
