Rules of Traveling with CBD and Delta 8

Who’s ready for a vacation? We certainly are! But before you go, there’s lots to check off your to-do list. Planning your trip is step one – but if you’re like many cannabis lovers, it also brings up some important questions about traveling with your favorite plant. The rules, laws, and regulations surrounding cannabis are fuzzy and ever-changing. There’s a lot to understand when it comes to traveling with CBD and legal forms of THC, like delta-8 THC. 

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But never fear – we’ll break down what you need to know to be safe and smart while traveling with CBD. We’ll also touch on how to store your products for traveling and which products you can use to ease travel stress and anxiety. So, pack your bags, and let’s dive in!

How to Travel with CBD & Delta 8: The Basics

So, you’re looking to travel with CBD, delta-8 THC, or another form of cannabis. Having a game plan is the best way to avoid getting flagged or running into any issues while you’re on the go. The first thing to do is ask yourself these two questions:

1. Where are you going?
2. How are you getting there? 

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Your answers to each will determine how you need to prepare.

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Let’s start with the first question: where are you going? If you live in the US and are traveling domestically (to another state), you’ll probably need a different approach than you would for traveling abroad to another country. When you know where you’re traveling to, you can look up the rules and laws surrounding CBD and THC that are specific to that location.

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Now, let’s consider the second piece of the puzzle: how are you getting there? What is your mode of transportation? This could make a big difference in terms of what products you can bring. You might need to alter your product options based on your mode of travel. Or, you might want to choose transportation that makes it easier to bring your desired product with you.

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For example, if you’d like to transport CBD products in larger quantities, you might find that getting around by car or mass transit is easiest. Not only do these options leave you less susceptible to bag searches or questions, but you also don’t have to limit how much you bring. 

Rules for Traveling with CBD

As of 2018, CBD and CBD products are federally legal, thanks to the Agriculture Improvement Act (Farm Bill). That means that you should be able to carry CBD and travel with CBD products as long as they meet federal requirements (hemp-derived and containing 0.3% THC or less). 

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If you’re traveling with CBD that’s derived from marijuana – that you purchased at a legal recreational or medical dispensary, for example – things get a little muddy. Because marijuana is federally illegal and a controlled substance, possessing it can land you in hot water in some states, even if you purchased it legally. 

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If you’re a medical marijuana patient who needs to travel with CBD, bring along any packaging or documentation you have to verify your product’s origins and contents. That way, you have something to fall back on if you run into any issues.

Rules for Traveling with Delta-8 THC

The rules for traveling with delta-8 THC are pretty similar to those that apply to CBD. Hemp-derived delta-8 THC products that have a delta-9 THC content of 0.3% or less by dry weight are federally legal under the Farm Bill. That means you should be able to travel with delta-8 without violating federal law.

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However, it’s super important to note here that although delta 8 is legal at the federal level, each state still has the right to its own laws and restrictions. Some states have placed limitations on delta-8 products, and it’s possible that others may follow suit in the future. Always remember to check the laws on all of your health and wellness products before taking them on a trip, especially on planes.

Can You Fly with CBD or Delta-8 THC?

Technically, you can fly to some destinations with hemp-derived CBD products and delta-8 THC. But there are a lot of rules and limitations to consider, particularly if you’re traveling to another country. The main thing to remember is that if you plan to take CBD on a plane, you’ll likely need to pack it in a checked bag.

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But what does the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) say about cannabis? Currently, the TSA’s policy for cannabis is as follows:

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“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. (See the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Pub. L. 115-334.)  TSA officers are required to report any suspected violations of law to local, state or federal authorities.”

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What does this mean? At the end of the day, this means you can bring your CBD and delta-8 products with you as long as you abide by the liquid rules of flying (>3.4oz). This also means, though, that it is still possible for your TSA agent to report your products to law enforcement. The best way, it seems, to bring your products with you is to pack them in your bags that will be checked. 

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If you need to bring CBD or delta-8 THC products in a carry-on, it’s best to bring the lab results with you (or pull them up on your phone). That way, you can confirm that the product you have was legally purchased and doesn’t violate federal law should you run into any questions.

Domestic (US) vs. International Travel

Laws on CBD around the world are not universal, unfortunately, but not totally unpredictable. Cannabis, including hemp, remains illegal in nearly all countries outside the US. 

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While it’s possible you could travel to someplace that’s an exception to this rule, bringing cannabis on international flights can be so confusing that it’s likely best to leave your products at home.

How to Store Cannabis for Travel

You’ve decided to bring CBD along and have checked all of the rules and regulations of the place you’re going to… okay, so what’s next? Making sure your product doesn’t leak all over your perfectly curated (or, in our case, completely chaotic) luggage. 

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If your CBD product is something that is easily separated, like gummies or capsules, then only bring what you need for the duration of your trip. Make sure to store them in an airtight container that isn’t accessible to the rest of the parties on your trip, particularly children and pets.

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When it comes to liquids or "melt-ables" that you can’t separate, like tinctures, oils, and topicals, always double bag them. These products can’t necessarily be separated into other containers, so creating multiple layers of protection between your liquid product and the rest of your luggage is the best bet. 

The Case for Using CBD or THC When Traveling

Traveling is fun but pretty dang stressful. Using CBD or Delta 8 products for traveling is great for helping ease those anxious thoughts or even help you with travel aches and pains. CBD and delta-8 THC are both great for: 

• Natural energy boost to jumpstart your adventure
• Ease sore muscles from cramped plane, car, or bus travel
• Reduce anxiety from packing, planning, driving, etc. 
• Reduce overall trip-stress
• Sleeping on planes, trains, boats, or new places

Bonus: Use Pet CBD to Keep Furry Friends Calm

Are you bringing some four-legged travelers on your trip? They can enjoy the benefits of CBD, too! 

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Bringing pets along as you travel, especially for a vacation, can cause stress all around. Fortunately, CBD for pets is the perfect way to help ease those anxious behaviors your pet might have on a trip. There are also products that can help with their muscle and joint pains (and even seizures!) while they are cramped up in the car with you.

Key Takeaways for Traveling with CBD & Delta 8

Whether you are flying, driving, taking the train, jetpacking, or whatever else floats your boat, you should always check up-to-date information on your destination’s laws surrounding CBD. 

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Here are your top tips for how to travel successfully with CBD and Delta 8:

• Pack ONLY what you need for the trip while abiding by the rules of whatever transportation you choose.
• Ensure your products are safe from leaking, spilling, melting, or becoming accessible to anyone other than yourself.
• Take CBD with you (if you can) for your pet. 
• Have a copy of the lab results for all your products, noting that the THC levels should be below 0.3%.
• For airplane travel, try to pack your products in your checked luggage.
• Best Pro Tip: STAY INFORMED on laws and regulations in your home area and at your destination. 

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And, of course, make sure you shop with reputable sellers who deliver top-quality products and the support documentation you need to travel safely.