CBD oil has gained popularity as a natural supplement, but it’s still unclear whether or not you can travel with the substance thus raising the question, can you take CBD oil on a plane? This guide will help you determine what CBD oil is if you can take it on the plane, and how to know if you’re breaking any laws by bringing it onto your flight.
Is all CBD oil the same? What is the difference between them (CBD vs. THC)?
It is important to know that not all CBD oil is the same. CBD oil will contain different amounts of various cannabinoids, including CBD and THC. THC is still illegal in many countries around the world and is considered a controlled substance. CBD oil can be categorised as Isolate, broad spectrum and full spectrum depending on the concentrations of various cannabinoids. Isolate is considered the purest form of CBD, broad spectrum contains mostly CBD but may have some trace amount of other cannabinoids while full spectrum will contain other cannabinoids the level of THC is controlled by the laws of the country. And lastly, CBD oil may be sourced from different strains of cannabis, further affecting the level of CBD and THC in the oil.
Cannabis Products Can Be Sourced From Different Plants
The cannabis plant has 2 strains, hemp and marijuana. Hemp contains a much higher CBD to THC ratio while the opposite is true for marijuana. Therefore in countries where CBD is legal such as the UK, CBD may only be produced from verified hemp strains that contain less than 0.3% THC.
Can you take CBD oil on a plane? The legality of CBD across the world.
Europe
CBD is quickly becoming legal in many countries throughout Europe. Countries that allow CBD include:
United Kingdom - If your CBD product meets the UK's laws, it can be used freely throughout the UK. CBD products must not contain any THC and must be safe to consume.
Germany - In Germany, CBD products containing less than 0.2% of THC can be safely used in Germany.
France - CBD is legal in France under certain conditions, including that it contains zero THC. Authorities will deem any trace of THC and the product as narcotics.
Netherlands - CBD that contains less than 0.05% THC can safely be used in the Netherlands.
When it comes to can you take cbd oil on a plane, to ensure that you can breeze through security and arrive at your destination with CBD, you must check with the airline or authority you will pass through in advance of travelling.
North America
CBD policies in North America are quite loose, similar to those in Europe.
United States allow CBD in some form. Make sure when you are travelling between states to check the legality of the state before travelling with CBD.
Canada, as of 2018, it is legal to use CBD for both medical and recreational purposes within the country and while travelling within the country however it is illegal to travel outside of Canada with CBD. For more information on can you take CBD oil on a plane visit the Government of Canada website.
Mexico, on the other hand, allows only medical CBD usage. Aside from Jamaica and Costa Rica, where CBD is not legal but is decriminalised, all other North American countries prohibit its usage.
Asia
Asian countries are known for their strict policies and laws. The penalties for taking CBD to Russia, Singapore, or Japan can be head-spinning - from fines to jail time so if you are asking the question can you take cbd oil on a plane in Asia, better be safe than sorry. Although China has a booming CBD industry but considers any use, sale, or purchase of CBD illegal.
The following countries are CBD-friendly in Asia:
India - Similarly to buying bhang, a popular form of cannabis in India, you can now also buy CBD oils. They are completely legal and can be transported wherever you go, regardless of your medical condition.
South Korea - CBD is widely used in topical products in South Korea, but you cannot use it recreationally. You can only bring CBD into the country for medical reasons.
Thailand - CBD can be brought into the country only if you have a permit from the FDA Thailand. The permit can be used for a maximum of 30 days.
Africa
The CBD market in Africa is still non-existent. Because of this, it is extremely difficult to determine which laws apply there. In spite of the fact that many witnesses report that marijuana is frequently smoked across Africa, it is still unclear whether it is illegal.
The only country in Africa that clarified its position and laws on CBD is South Africa.
South Africa changed its medicines law in May 2019, allowing you to consume 20 milligrams of CBD daily. Moreover, it must have a THC content of less than 0.001% and a CBD content of less than 0.0075%.
Australia
Australia, various states had different laws pertaining to CBD. Fortunately, in 2020, it is legal to use CBD medicinally so long as it contains less than 2% of other cannabinoids. You can only have or buy CBD if you have a medical prescription.
Central and South America
A similar ambiguity to cannabis' legality also exists in Africa, as well as Central and South America. However, there are a few countries that consider cannabis to be legal.
Colombia- If your product contains less than 1% THC by dry weight, it is legal for use in Colombia.
Costa Rica - A nation with an out of border THC limit of less than 0.3%. If the product has less than 0.3% THC, it's allowed to cross the border.
Brazil - In one of the largest CBD markets in the world, Brazil, it is allowed to bring CBD oil across the border, but it cannot contain more than 0.2% THC.
There is no doubt that CBD is gaining popularity around the world due to its favourable effects. Consumer demands are already understood by many countries, as can be seen above.
Until then, always check local laws and regulations and contact your airline. We hope our guide will help you prepare for your next trip and help answer your question, “can you take CBD oil on a plane?" as best as possible. In the meantime, travellers who are considering CBD products can order them online and have them shipped to their homes, offices, hotels or mailboxes. As compared to local counterparts in countries where CBD is legal, online stores offer a much wider selection of hemp-derived CBD extracts in various forms.
Disclaimer: Please do not construe this as legal advice. It is important that you conduct your own research as to whether CBD is legal in the country to which you are traveling.
