Flying with CBD oil seems like a natural choice. And now, we’re happy to report you can safely bring it on domestic flights.
Editor’s Note: We updated this article in August 2019. -KO
CBD is a wonderful addition to your daily supplements, and it’s only natural that you’ll want to take it with you on trips and vacations. Fortunately, recent changes to Transportation Security Administration policy now make it possible to fly with CBD.
Below, we’ll share a few tips for flying with CBD. Please note, this article only applies to flights within the U.S. Consult with customs officials or legal experts before bringing CBD on any international flights.
What the TSA says about flying with CBD
In December 2018, the United States legalized hemp products with an amendment to the passage of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, better known as the Farm Bill. This major change completely took hemp and hemp products out from under the of control of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
It still took months, until May of this year, for the TSA to catch up.
Although hemp and “marijuana” are different, the TSA policy on CBD is still found under its entry on flying with medical marijuana:
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 percent THC on a dry weight basis or that are approved by FDA.
In plain English, the Farm Bill defined (and legalized) hemp as a form of the cannabis plant with under 0.3% THC, the component of marijuana that makes people feel high. Any hemp products which meet this legal requirement for low THC content, such as the legal CBD products sold throughout the U.S., can now be brought on a plane. Other cannabis-derived products are also allowed on the plane if they’re approved by the FDA. Currently only one medication, Epidiolex, meets that requirement.
Tips for flying with CBD
CBD now falls under the same regulations covering all other items you bring through security. That includes regulations restricting liquids.
Here’s some tips for bringing different types of CBD supplements on a plane:
- CBD capsules — In general, pills and capsules don’t need any special treatment. Even “softgels” aren’t considered liquids when flying.
- CBD gummies and other edibles — It’s not routine, but occasionally TSA agents do request screening of food. In that case, remove your CBD edibles for screening along with any snacks you’re carrying.
- CBD tinctures, oil and topicals — Like all liquids or gels, you will either need to put this product in your checked bag or make sure you meet the 3-1-1 travel rules. That includes all CBD oils and tinctures, and topical CBD like balms or salves.
- CBD vapes — Don’t put CBD vape pens or vape batteries in your checked bags due to the risk of fire. Anything with a rechargeable battery must be carried onto the plane. Vape cartridges or small vape “juice” bottles can go in your ziplock baggie or your checked bag.
Final tips on traveling with CBD
We were thrilled to hear that the TSA had changed their guidelines on CBD. CBD is a super-supplement providing many benefits for travelers including reducing inflammation and symptoms of anxiety.
Even under these updated guidelines, TSA agents at the security checkpoint always have the final say whether any item makes it through.
If your CBD is turned away for some reason, you could take a dose before entering security and then either mail the product to yourself, or discard it and buy new CBD at your final destination. If this happens, it certainly sounds inconvenient, frustrating, and even expensive. But it’s better than missing a flight or causing a serious delay for yourself or others.
In general, thanks to changing laws and the changing American culture, you should be able to fly with CBD without worrying.
Have you tried flying with CBD? Let us know about your experience. You can reach us by email, on social media, or in the comments below.
Ellijah Pickering contributed reporting to this article.
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I’m not going to stop flying with CBD, catch me if you can TSA. Would you like my flight numbers and planned time of arrival?
If anything just put it in your checked bag folks, don’t believe everything you read. If it was illegal then why is it for sale at grocery stores ALL around the country?
DON’T BE ANOTHER ON OF THE SHEEP AND LISTEN TO EVERYTHING ‘THEY’ tell you to do.
Right on.
Going to try it tomorrow with Naked CBD vape juice. Wish me luck! From SMF to CVG. Sac to Cincy.