CBD is a secret weapon for travelers to combat jet lag, flight anxiety, or muscle pain – but traveling with it can be complicated. Here’s what you need to know.
If you’ve ever sat on the tarmac and wished for a candy that could somehow calm your flight anxiety, then we have good news: You can. Allow us to formally introduce you to the world of CBD travel. You can indeed find delightful CBD products that can help you relax or even fight anxiety, which is why CBD has become quite popular among travelers.
However, the world of CBD is not without its nuances. CBD comes in various forms – from gummies and pills to tinctures and body lotions – and in different dosages. The right dosage or product for someone looking to unwind in business class with an in-flight movie may differ from the type of CBD you need to fall asleep while battling jet lag. It’s also important to consider the legal implications of CBD. While it is widely used in the USA, regulations vary from state to state, and CBD is still illegal in many countries.
To help you navigate CBD while traveling, we have put together an introductory CBD travel guide that explains what CBD exactly is, how to fly with CBD, where you can travel with CBD, and what are the best CBD products for travelers.
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Why does CBD appeal to travelers?
Before we delve into the legality of flying or road tripping with CBD, let’s talk about why CBD is gaining popularity among travelers. First and foremost, it has become a common remedy for travel anxiety. Whether you’re a nervous flyer dreading turbulence or someone who gets a bit injured while traveling with the family, CBD is a popular way to relieve tension and get back to enjoying the travel experience. For travelers facing significant time zone differences, there are also CBD products that induce sleep, helping you find rest when your internal body clock is completely off. Finally, travelers constantly dealing with travel pains and aches (too many hours in the car or plane or too many nights on an Airbnb mattress) can turn to CBD – topical or ingestible – to alleviate their physical discomfort.
Can you take CBD on a flight?
When traveling with CBD, the most important thing to remember is that the legality of these products varies based on your location. In the USA, CBD is legal at the federal level and has been since 2018. Most states allow the possession of hemp-derived CBD because CBD derived from hemp is guaranteed to have less than 0.3 percent THC. However, if you are traveling to a state known to have strict marijuana regulations, it is advisable to research the state laws before bringing CBD and ensure that your CBD products do not contain THC.
When traveling outside the USA, the rules change from country to country. CBD is illegal in several European countries, including Iceland, Monaco, and Montenegro, as well as in Asian countries such as Cambodia and Vietnam. Most African and Middle Eastern countries have banned all cannabis products, including CBD, although Lebanon legalized medical marijuana in 2020, and CBD products are legal under certain conditions in South Africa.
Within the USA, you can fly with CBD products that contain less than 0.3 percent THC. However, TSA rules apply, which means that any liquids (oils, tinctures, creams) must be less than 3 ounces. You can bring CBD vape pens through airport security in your carry-on baggage, but not in checked baggage.
The best rule of thumb when traveling with CBD is to research whether your destination (and any countries or states you pass through to reach your destination) allow CBD. You should also ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the products you possess and whether they contain any THC or are purely CBD.
