Can I fly with my CBD?

Will I be able to bring my CBD with me on the airplane? While the TSA has loosened its regulations around CBD products, the answer it still – it depends.

Marijuana and certain cannabis-infused products including cannabidiol (CBD) oil are still illegal under federal law and won't make it through government screening, says Carrie Harmon, a TSA spokesperson. But CBD products made from hemp, which contain no more than 0.3% THC, are legal under the Farm Bill of 2018.

In addition, the FDA recently warned companies that adding CBD to foods or dietary supplements is illegal because it has not been declared to be GRAS, or generally recognized as safe.

The TSA’s updated regulations allow passengers to legally bring these products on board:

• Medical marijuana
• Products that contain no more than 0.3% THC
• FDA-approved products. The only one currently approved is Epidiolex (cannabidiol), which treats two rare and severe forms of epilepsy.

Once at the TSA checkpoint, what can you expect? According to the TSA, screening is focused on security and protecting passenger safety. “TSA security officers don’t search for marijuana or cannabis-infused products. However, in the event a substance that appears illegal is discovered during security screening, TSA officers will refer the matter to law enforcement. Law enforcement officers then follow their own procedures."

And no, there won't be a TSA dog sniffing your luggage or purse. "TSA K9s only search for explosives and explosive components," Harmon says. However, the TSA website posts: The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

If you are traveling with medical marijuana or an FDA-approved drug, take your prescription with you in case there are any questions. Keep the marijuana and the prescription drug in original packaging.

If you have CBD products, print and bring the product's certificate of analysis, or CoA. The CoA will list the percent of CBD and other cannabinoids, when it was tested, and the name of the lab that tested it. This will make it clear there is no THC or it is below the required 0.3%.

Besides packing the CoA, print out the latest regulations that TSA has posted, or have the link to the latest regulations on your phone. That way, if you encounter a new TSA agent or one unfamiliar with all the regulations, you have support.

If you are flying internationally, better just to leave it at home. The laws in the jurisdiction you are flying to could be drastically different!

If all this stresses you out, rather than carry it with you, check out if CBD is legal at your destination and buy it there, or ship it directly to your destination.

And send educated vibes to the government agencies regulating CBD! Happy Travels!