Author: Luke Sholl
About the author
A picture of Luke Sholl
With over a decade of experience writing about CBD and cannabinoids, Luke is an established journalist working as the lead writer for Cibdol and other cannabinoid publications. Committed to presenting factual, evidence-based content, his fascination with CBD also extends to fitness, nutrition, and disease prevention.
Read more.

Can You Fly With CBD Oil In Europe, America, And Canada?

Can You Fly With CBD Oil In Europe, America, And Canada?

Planning a trip, but not sure if you can take CBD oil with you? Keep reading to find out if you can fly with CBD oil in Europe, America, and Canada, and for our top travel tips for frequent flyers.

The legality of CBD oil

At this point, several countries around the world have effectively legalized both recreational and medicinal cannabis in its various forms. But, even with a growing acceptance of the Cannabis sativa species and all its derivatives, travelling with CBD oil isn't as straightforward as you might think.

The legality of cannabidiol still varies from country to country, so travellers will need to carefully research and understand the requirements of the country they're visiting. In fact, the legality of CBD oil in the jurisdiction you are travelling to is the most crucial factor to consider.

The surest way to find out if CBD oil is legal in the country you are travelling to is by speaking to a customs agent or an embassy official. You may also be able to receive assistance from airline or airport officials. As CBD oil gains more acceptance across the globe, laws are subject to change, so checking them regularly is highly recommended—you might be pleasantly surprised!

Flying with CBD oil

The issue with international travel is that you have to consider the laws in the country you are flying from, and the country you are flying too. Despite hemp-derived CBD oil being accepted throughout much of Europe, the US, and Canada, every nation (and state) has a slightly different take.

As such, without extensive research or written permission, the uncertainty associated with taking CBD oil on a flight doesn't outweigh the benefits—at least in the majority of situations.

Europe

In most cases, CBD oil is safe to carry within Europe as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC[1]. While this exact threshold may differ from country to country, 0.2% is low enough to be safe in most locations. But how can you know for sure if your CBD products contain less than 0.2% THC?

Most CBD products will prominently display their cannabinoid content. Additionally, they will usually point out the fact that their product is under the legal threshold for THC content.

However, without third-party lab testing, there is really no way to know if this is true or not. That's why it's vital to only travel with CBD products that are produced by a reputable and trustworthy brand. Transparent brands like Cibdol will always provide you with test results to back their claims. It is simply safer to travel with a brand you can trust to produce legal CBD oil.

United States

In the United States, regulations for CBD have been put forth by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency). Legal CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC—0.1% higher than in most parts of Europe. Many travellers have reported receiving a pass on small variations in concentration, but TSA regulations require agents to report any possible violations to law enforcement.

However, the situation in the US isn't as straightforward as it appears. While state law may accept CBD oil, local decisions can still conflict with federal regulations. As such, it is always a good idea to research the local laws of the specific state you're flying into.

Canada

Both medical and recreational cannabis are legal in Canada, and there is no limit on the amount of THC that a CBD product can contain. Even better, you can safely travel with up to a 30-day supply of CBD. However, CBD oils carried onto an aeroplane will be subject to your airline's limit on liquids (usually 100ml in Canada).

Can You Fly With CBD Oil In Europe, America, And Canada?

CBD oil tips for frequent flyers

If you fly regularly and can't be without CBD oil, we've put together some top tips to make travelling as straightforward as possible.

• Bring proof that your CBD oil is hemp-derived

Given the distinction in guidelines between hemp-derived and marijuana-derived CBD, it is highly advisable to bring proof that what you are travelling with is the former. Reputable producers of CBD will have their products third-party tested to ensure the ratio of cannabinoids is correct.

Where possible, bring a print-out of any related test results as a way of proving your CBD oil is legitimate—if challenged. If you cannot get hold of test results, then at least try to bring the oil's packaging, as this should also state how much THC it contains.

• Understand local regulations

If you are not flying domestically across the US, make sure you research your home nation's stance on CBD. As we have pointed out, even though CBD oil may be legal to buy and use, it may not be suitable to take on a flight. If you are flying within the US, make sure you understand the regulations in the states you are flying to and from.

Just because you can fly with CBD oil from one destination doesn't mean the state you're landing in also allows it—researching regulations is crucial.

• Adhere to the same rules as other liquids

Assuming CBD oil is accepted on your flight, don't forget it must adhere to the standard rules regarding liquids. These will vary from country to country, but in most cases, liquids should be in a see-through container and declared at customs. Don't try to hide your CBD oil; instead, treat it the same as any other liquid you would take on a flight.

What about travelling by car, ferry, or train?

When you aren't flying, there is a little more freedom in how much CBD oil you can carry, but legal limitations still apply. You'll need to be aware of the regulations surrounding CBD oil for all locations you're travelling from, to, or through—no matter how you get there. There's less of a chance you'll be stopped or searched if you're going in your own car, but we wouldn't recommend throwing caution to the wind.

A final note on flying with CBD oil

In the majority of situations, the difficulty of taking CBD oil on a flight will likely outweigh any potential benefits you might get from taking the substance with you. Regulations in the US are a little clearer, but even travelling with CBD oil between states can be challenging.

If you cannot be without CBD oil, make sure you thoroughly research any applicable regulations. You can always contact an airline or security agency directly to ask what their stance on travelling with CBD oil is, especially if guidance is lacking online.

Planning a trip and need to stock up on CBD oil? Choose from an extensive selection of high-quality CBD oils, creams, and supplements when you browse the Cibdol store. And, if you need to find out how alternatives to CBD oil compare, check out our CBD Encyclopedia for more information.

Sources

[1] European Industrial Hemp Association. (2019, January 15). European Industrial Hemp Association asked by European Commission to advise on traditional or novel food status of hemp extracts. [Press release]. http://eiha.org/media/2019/01/19-01-14-press_release_EIHA-novelfoods.pdf [Source]

Which product do I need?