Traveling with CBD just became a whole lot easier.
With Summer vacations just around the corner, there’s been a lot of concern about whether or not to fly with CBD. News stories of people flying with legal CBD products being detained and even arrested at security checkpoints put CBD fans in a scary and stressful position- do I risk taking CBD on my flight, or risk going without CBD on vacation- a choice that could mean increased anxiety, stress, or even pain for some.
Well, Stress No More.
This past Memorial Day weekend, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that some CBD products are OK’d to fly. TSA updated its “What Can I Bring?” page with a new, updated policy regarding flying with CBD products. Now, the page for Medical Marijuana lists both Carry On and Checked bags as a ‘Yes’, but with Special Instructions.
What Does That Mean?
Let’s break down the three paragraphs of ‘Special Instructions’ that the TSA gives for flying with CBD.
1: “Possession of marijuana and certain cannabis infused products, including some Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, remain illegal under federal law. TSA officers are required to report any suspected violations of law, including possession of marijuana and certain cannabis infused products.”
This is TSA’s little disclaimer that they have to follow the law, and under federal law, marijuana is still illegal. CBD products that don’t comply with the 2018 Farm Bill (which made hemp products, including hemp-derived CBD, federally legal) are still illegal. Because TSA is a federal agency, they’re required to follow federal laws, and report illegal activity if they see it….
2. “Products/medications that contain hemp-derived CBD or are approved by the FDA are legal as long as it is produced within the regulations defined by the law under the Agriculture Improvement Act 2018.”
…But, as long as the CBD is produced in compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill (aka the Agriculture Improvement Act 2018), it’s legal- and that means the TSA don’t care! If your CBD product is legal, TSA does not have a problem with it.
3. “TSA’s screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but if any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.”
TSA has a lot more to worry about than bottles of CBD- their focus is the safety of airports and airplanes. The primary focus of TSA is not to search for any illegal drugs, but if they find them, they are required to involve law enforcement.
So, to be clear, it’s obviously a really bad idea to try to sneak illegal drugs through airport screenings. If you’re caught with illegal goods, you will most definitely be arrested.
That being said, if you’re traveling with some CBD gummies, a small bottle of tincture, etc., TSA really doesn’t care. Just make sure you comply with their other rules, and remember that TSA doesn’t like glass, metal, or liquids. Be mindful of what you take through security- CBD flower rolled up looks an awful lot like marijuana, so to avoid confusion & delays, maybe save those for home. I bet if you make it easy for TSA, they’ll make it easy for you. Bring CBD that’s clearly labeled, legal, and discrete (again, it’s gonna be a ‘no’ for carrying a CBD joint onto a plane).
Final Thoughts:
This is the TSA’s response to the confusion surrounding traveling with CBD. TSA agents have so many other things to look out for, so go ahead and travel with your CBD products- just be sure you’re doing so legally, and in compliance with the rest of their rules.
So go enjoy that balmy beach with the calm of CBD behind you!
Explore that historic location with CBD lotion to help keep you going!
Enjoy a CBD gummy in the midst of a stressful airport!
As far as the TSA is concerned, it ain’t a problem at all.
