Following the legalization of hemp-derived CBD, there has been substantial growth in the popularity and availability of CBD oil and other products. People use CBD oil for many reasons, and it has become a regular part of their lives.
While we’re learning a lot about CBD, there are still a few things that continue to confuse new and veteran users alike. One source of confusion concerns what happens when you’re a CBD user who wants to travel across state lines or to another country. Can you take your products with you? Here, we take a closer look at traveling with CBD oil.
CBD Oil vs. Cannabis-Derived Products
“CBD oil” is a term that describes a liquid preparation of CBD extract suspended in a carrier oil such as MCT or hemp. While it can technically refer to hemp-derived and cannabis-derived products, it typically describes the former. Products derived from cannabis are often called “cannabis oil.”
Hemp-derived CBD oil is available in three forms:
- Full-spectrum
- Broad-spectrum
- Isolate
CBD oil isolates contain only CBD. Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum products, on the other hand, have a full array of cannabinoids and terpenes. The only difference between the two is the THC content. Full-spectrum CBD contains small amounts of THC, while broad-spectrum oil has THC removed.
Both hemp and cannabis are Cannabis sativa plants. However, there is one significant difference between the two. Hemp is legal, while cannabis, under current federal law, is not. The 2018 Farm Bill, which defines hemp as any Cannabis sativa plant with no more than 0.3% THC, removed hemp and hemp-derived products from the Controlled Substances Act. Cannabis (Cannabis sativa plants with more than 0.3% THC) remains a Schedule I substance. Although some states have begun legalizing it for medical and recreational use within their borders, it remains illegal on the federal level.
Benefits of CBD Oil for Travel
Research has shown that CBD oil may provide users with many benefits. For example, it may help with pain and inflammation, insomnia, and skin conditions such as acne and eczema. It could also provide some travel-specific benefits:
Stress and Anxiety
Traveling, even for leisure, can be stressful. Flying, in particular, is a common source of anxiety. Some studies show that CBD can dampen the stress response. Others show that it may reduce activity in the area of your brain that detects threats and triggers your flight or fight response. Altering that activity could change how you respond to stressors like getting on a plane.
Travel-Related Pain
Depending on the distance you’re traveling, you could be doing a lot of sitting. The problem with sitting for long periods is that it can cause muscle soreness. If you already live with chronic pain, traveling could aggravate your symptoms. CBD may help ease that discomfort.
Jet Lag
Hopping time zones can result in jet lag, a temporary condition that occurs when your internal clock doesn’t align with the external cues of your new location. Some research suggests that, in lower doses, CBD may produce stimulating effects. In higher doses, it demonstrates sedative properties, which could help with sleeplessness.
Along with these benefits, you may decide you want to travel with your CBD products so you can avoid the need to search for and buy new ones after you arrive at your destination.
Your Guide to Traveling With CBD Oil
While hemp-derived CBD oil is federally legal, there are some caveats regarding travel. We’ve put together this quick guide to help you understand what you need to know:
Is It Legal?
Technically, traveling with CBD oil is legal between states in the US. However, every state has its own rules, even when it comes to hemp-derived products. For instance, in Idaho, CBD oil must contain 0% THC, and the CBD extract can only come from specific plant parts. CBD is illegal in Nebraska, but the state decriminalized hemp-based products in 2019.
TSA Regulations Regarding CBD Oil
What if you’re planning to travel by plane to another state with your CBD oil in tow? According to TSA regulations, you can fly with hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC in your carry-on or checked bag.
Tips for Traveling With CBD (Between States and Overseas)
No matter what your reason for wanting to bring your CBD oil with you when you travel between states (or overseas), here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind:
- Do your homework. Hemp-derived CBD may be federally legal, but laws vary between states and countries. Make sure you know the exact regulations of your destination before you start packing.
- Know your product. Is your CBD oil from hemp or cannabis? Even if your product is hemp-derived, does it have any THC? Again, some states have laws prohibiting any amount of the cannabinoid, even if it comes from hemp.
- Make sure your CBD oil conforms to TSA regulations for liquids. CBD oil packed in your carry-on can’t be more than 3.4 ounces.
- Know your own state’s rules. The information will come in handy if you plan to purchase CBD oil while on your trip and want to transport it home.
How to Pack Your CBD Products
After doing your homework and ensuring you’re good to go, all that’s left to do is pack! The following packing tips can help make the process easier:
- Keep products in their original packaging. You’ll also want to make sure the manufacturing label is intact. For extra security, you could bring the Certificate of Analysis (COA) that shows your product comes from hemp.
- Pack CBD oil with your other liquids. The size restriction is only one TSA regulation you’ll need to follow. All of your liquid products, CBD oil included, must fit in a quart-sized bag. Larger bottles must go in your checked bag, but you may still want to keep them with the rest of your liquid products.
- Place your CBD oil bottle in its own bag. Pressure changes on a plane could cause your CBD oil to leak. Even if you’re placing it with your other liquids, putting the bottle in a separate bag can keep your other belongings clean. You may also want to do this when driving to avoid spills on surrounding items. Or, you might consider traveling with a different product, like gummies or capsules.
CBD Direct Club Has CBD Products for All of Your Travel Needs
Traveling with hemp-derived CBD can cause some confusion. However, with some research, you can go between states or visit some other countries with confidence. Are you in need of high-quality CBD products for traveling? CBD Direct Club is here to help. We offer a range of CBD oils, gummies, capsules, and topicals, all of which contain broad-spectrum, 0% THC guaranteed CBD extract. Visit us online to find CBD products for all of your travel needs today.