Traveling with CBD: The facts You Need to know
AN ARTICLE WRITTEN BY LG
Traveling. Whether you’re doing it for business, pleasure, or a little of both, there are things your should know when traveling your CBD with you.
For all of us, travel can be a part of our lifestyle in various ways. Some do it daily, whereas for others it can be for a few instances in decades. And if it is just driving from state to state or flying internationally, there is a lot of information and assumption going on with travel and bringing your CBD along with you.
Let’s touch on some of the major things to keep in mind while you’re going from place to place with shades on and wind in your hair.
One CBD and THC are not equal. CBD products and CBD products with THC are also not the same; especially from location to location.
Because you have CBD doesn’t mean that you have THC. Remember that, because this will be brought up several times in this article.
If you’re in the United States, several states will let you know that hemp-derived CBD is legal, but THC over a certain percentage (or any THC whatsoever) is illegal. You have to stay informed on where your state stands on this.
This is especially true if traveling from one state to another in the United States (US).
The major thing to remember is to always check the destination’s laws before you travel. Whether it is driving, camping, hiking, or whatever you want to do. Check them!
Not just the destination, but also if you are driving through various states to get to your destination…check those states too.
Not to scare you; just so that you stay informed.
It is mainly something to consider if you are pulled over and have some other cause for a search (…for some reason).
Overall all broad-spectrum CBD products are the most compliant within the varying states. Full-spectrum CBD products (products with less than 0.3% THC) are legal (federally) and should be a no-issue as well, but certain states have some funky laws that you should be aware of too.
Like CBD with THC is legal as long as you don’t cook with it or having something it was used in cooking.
Before leaving for your flight (even sooner), check with the TSA first for any updates on their policy regarding CBD here.
Check with the airline that you’ll use for traveling, to make sure that they don’t have any specific rules as well. Then check with the state that you are flying to because that matter most – making sure that your destination is OK with the CBD you’re bringing.
You don’t want to enter a state (nor be found leaving a state) with an illegal substance.
Before leaving for your flight (even sooner) especially if you’re flying internationally, again check with the TSA first, the airline(s) and, just like when driving, check the laws for your destination(s).
This is super important for international flights and going through different customs and layover locations.
Firstly, for the majority of international locations, the percentage of the amount of THC is different than in the US.
Where the US is less than 0.3% THC, a majority of the rest of the world is less than 0.2% THC in your CBD product.
CBD Travel Map*
Worldwide CBD Legal Standing
The US is unique because all 50 states have different laws for CBD products. There are some CBD products that are explicitly illegal federally like CBD gummies, and any product where CBD is added to food or drink. However, just a small handful of states do have laws that seemingly permit CBD that is added to food and beverages. Labeling requirements for CBD products also vary by state and not all products can be legally retailed in all 50 states.
Any product with more than 0.3% THC is federally illegal in the US, but each state has different requirements for what they consider to be the amount of THC in a product. Some states require less than 0.3% THC while others require THC to be more accurately reported as delta-9-THC + THCA, multiplied by the amount of THCA that can be activated and converted to delta-9-THC when heated. This more accurate THC calculation is not always the calculation used on labeling.
When it comes to CBD in the US, it is very important to actually read the state laws and understand that a product that is not produced in your state might not be legal to buy, sell, use, or possess. A good example of this are Louisiana, Indiana, North Carolina, and Kentucky which prohibit any smokable CBD or hemp product including flower, concentrates, and vapes! There are also states like Idaho where hemp and CBD are both illegal and heavily penalized.
In Canada, as in the US, hemp flower with THC of less than 0.3% is legal as long as it complies with the regulations outlined in the Cannabis Act.
In Europe, marijuana and cannabis laws differ from country to country. While the general EU law permits the consumption of CBD products containing no more than 0.2% THC, there are a few exceptions such as Croatia, Slovenia, etc.; that apply an outright ban to all cannabis and cannabis-derived substances including CBD.
GERMANY — CBD and medical cannabis are legal substances in Germany and have been so for over 2 years now. Patients requiring CBD are expected to get a marijuana card and doctors prescription for their medications.
While recreational cannabis remains illegal, Germany holds a liberal stance on the private and public consumption of the substance.
ITALY — Italy legalized cannabis for medical use in 2007, with many caveats. In the 1940s, Italy was said to be the world’s second-biggest producer of industrial hemp, but after World War II, the country adopted a different approach to the cultivation of hemp, banning the business completely.
In 2017, a government directive shifted the perspective by no longer requiring authorization for cultivating hemp with a maximum THC content of 0.2% with a tolerance level up to 0.6%. CBD Oil was Legal in Italy as long as the product had less than 0.6% THC. High CBD cannabis strains were also available in Italy in a smokeable form, commonly called Cannabis Light.
However, in June 2019, the Supreme Court outlawed so-called “Cannabis Light” as the Interior Minister put pressure on to shut down CBD shops. The verdict means that the sale of cannabis light is prosecutable but no formal change of legislation has happened yet, so we should not expect all stores to shut immediately; that will depend on local enforcement.
BULGARIA — Bulgaria made history by becoming the first EU country to allow the free sale of hemp-derived cannabidiol. This makes CBD products legal and easy to purchase in Bulgaria, as long as they contain less than 0.2% of THC.
CYPRUS — Cyprus follows the EU regulations and allows the cultivation of hemp. Any products manufactured from this plan must not exceed 0.2% of THC, making regular CBD products legal to purchase.
CZECH REPUBLIC — Hemp-derived CBD is legal to purchase as long as it has less than .3% THC (higher than the EU limit of .2%THC).
AUSTRIA — In Austria the legal situation regarding CBD is a bit more complicated than in Germany, cannabis flowers and extracts containing CBD can be legally sold, but not as a food supplement or medication and the maximal content of THC allowed is 0.3%.
FRANCE — France is the largest producer of hemp in Europe, mostly used for hemp paper. It is unclear whether CBD oil is legal in France. France follows the general EU law for industrial hemp and allows the legal purchase of CBD products with a content of 0.2% THC or less.
However, in 2018, French health authorities shut down “CBD cafes” and sent out a directive clarifying regulations surrounding CBD products: “Products, and especially CBD-based e-liquids are prohibited if they contain THC regardless of the rate and if they are not obtained from varieties and part of authorized plants.” France stated that “the .2% THC limit principle exists in order to allow the use of hemp for industrial and commercial purposes”.
This directive would seem to indicate that only CBD products with 0% THC are legal for sale/consumption, inconsistent with EU standards.
SPAIN — Yes. Although it is illegal to buy and sell CBD oil, the Spanish government adjusted previous laws on Hemp cultivation, making allowances for 25 approved strains, and also stipulating that dried hemp products cannot contain more than 0.2% THC. As for making CBD oil from homegrown plants, it is not explicitly illegal.
GREECE — According to Greek law, hemp-derived products are not considered drugs, as they do not contain high amounts of THC.
Therefore, CBD products can be legally purchased in Greece as long as they contain .2% or less of THC.
IRELAND — Pharmacies and stores in Dublin have started selling CBD products containing less than 0.2% THC. This is because of the recent amendments to Irish law, which have recognized CBD (hemp-derived CBD) as a non-cannabis product, making it legal.
These oils and products must be developed according to HPRA and EU standards to be accepted in the market.
FINLAND — While CBD products in Finland are legal, they are regarded as a medicine, and therefore require a prescription. Importing CBD products from abroad is also not easy and heavily regulated.
DENMARK — While cannabis-derived CBD is legal, there are controlled measures with prescriptions. Marijuana remains an illegal substance in Denmark and when reprimanded would cost you a small fine or on a heavier note, a prison sentence of up to 2 years depending on the quantity in your possession at the point of arrest.
Danish laws unequivocally prohibit the cultivation, processing, sale, and or distribution of marijuana. However, only recently (January 2018) whole plant for medical and wellness purposes was made legal for a 4 years pilot.
To become eligible to purchase and use a control quantity of the substance in Denmark, you would require a written prescription from your licensed health care provider.
SWEDEN — Sweden has some of Europe’s most restrictive drug laws. There are currently no specific laws about CBD in Sweden yet, so CBD is in a gray zone here. CBD is not classified as a medicine, but the medical agency is currently working on classifying it as medicine.
Classifying CBD as a medicine needs to be tried in court first and the process will take a long time. According to EU laws, CBD products cannot contain more than 0,2% THC, which also applies to Sweden.
However, a recent court ruling (June 2019) provided clarification that hemp is excluded from the definition of cannabis, and therefore is not considered a drug. A CBD preparation containing THC does not meet this exception and is therefore considered a drug.
NORWAY — CBD oil is widely accepted in Norway. The Norwegian Parliament decriminalized personal drug use in December 2017. As long as there’s 0% trace of THC, CBD is legal. Norway is not a part of the European Union, which has a .2% THC limit. It is legal to use and possess CBD only if it is prescribed by a doctor.
THE NETHERLANDS — CBD oil is legal in the Netherlands as long as it was produced outside of The Netherlands and contains less than the legal concentration of 0.2% THC in its formulation.
THE UNITED KINGDOM — Cannabis remains illegal in the United Kingdom although the government has made some concessions on the dispensary of medical cannabis. While the UK remains strongly averse to the idea of legalized cannabis, growing public concerns and agitation will likely shift the pendulum in the near future.
However, CBD is an exception and is completely legal in the UK, “provided it has been derived from an industrial hemp strain that is EU-approved”, or comes from outside the EU. For CBD oil to be legal in the UK, it must contain 0% THC.
SOUTH AFRICA — South African Health Minister amended the country’s Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965, to remove certain cannabidiol preparations for nonserious health claims.
The change to South Africa’s medicines law means the country is the first in Africa to carve out a federally approved market for nonprescription CBD.
The rule change pertains to preparations that contain a maximum daily dose of 20 milligrams of CBD and that contain no more than 0.001% of THC and not more than 0.0075% total CBD.
JAPAN — In Japan, cannabis possession alone can land you a five-year prison term with 7-10 years for cultivation, sale, and transport. Surprisingly, CBD oil IS LEGAL in Japan. However, it has to contain absolutely 0% THC.
CHINA — While the consumption of CBD has not yet been authorized in China, this hasn’t stopped some states in the country from cashing in on the cannabis boom and cultivating cannabis to produce CBD oil.
To produce hemp in China requires, among other things, approval from the police to insure that the plant is bred with less than 0.3% THC. This is difficult to enforce in theory, as you won’t know the % of THC until the hemp is harvested. China is another country with some of the strictest drug enforcement policies in the world.
Cultivating and using marijuana in China are strictly forbidden, and it’s uncertain whether or not CBD will be legal for use in food or medicines any time soon. Currently, China permits the sale of hemp seeds and hemp oil and the use of CBD in cosmetics.
SOUTH KOREA — South Korea was the first country in east Asia to legalize Medical Cannabis in November 2018. CBD oil is legal but strictly for medical purposes from a short list of approved drugs.
THAILAND — In August 2019 the Ministry of Public Health took CBD off of the Narcotics list as long as it is 99% pure and contains no more than .01% THC by weight. This oil can be derived from cannabis or hemp as long as there is less than .01% THC. Thailand currently bans imports of 99%-pure CBD oil made from cannabis for five years from the date the regulation came into effect on September 2, 2019. Any imports during that time will be considered a narcotic. While CBD oil made from cannabis is illegal to import, there is no ban on imports of CBD oil made from hemp.
SINGAPORE — The Republic has an absolute zero tolerance position on drugs. There may be a health case for CBD in Singapore despite the harsh drug policies. In February, the Health Ministry and the Ministry of Home Affairs commented that it was vital to distinguish between compounds containing unprocessed illicit substances and medically useful supplements with cannabinoids.
In other words, any material with scientific evidence backing its efficacy and safety for the body might not be considered illicit. Currently, the country is exploring medical treatments and the utility of CBD.
INDIA — The laws in India are very unclear. Growing hemp is allowed only with special permission. It is said, that cannabis medicines are allowed and legally available under the AYUSH ministry as Ayurvedic medicine. It is advised to be careful when importing/exporting any products that are made from hemp/cannabis.
MEXICO — Mexico in days would join the league of countries that have fully legalized the cultivation, processing, sale, possession, and use of Cannabis and cannabis derivatives. This has come on the heels of an October 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
However, the laws since 2015 have been a little relaxed with medical CBD for the treatment of degenerative ailments such as cancer and Parkinson’s disease.
BRAZIL — Brazil has been a long-time opponent of cannabis legalization, but in April 2014, the country and its regulatory authority ANVISA legalized CBD for therapeutic uses.
Currently, the government has approved the import of hemp-based CBD oils for epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and chronic pain, including migraine headaches.
AUSTRALIA — As of 2016, yes CBD oil in Australia is legal, but is highly restricted and regulated. CBD oil is legal as long as it contains at least 98% cannabidiol and <2% of other cannabinoids found in cannabis.
Australia is far behind other countries in terms of cannabis regulation. The government however, particularly the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), has made efforts to listen to consumers and improve the process.
RUSSIA — All cannabis products are illegal in Russia, regardless of how much THC (the substance responsible for the ‘high’) they contain. As such, individuals may not possess, sell or buy any CBD products in the country.
GREENLAND — Cannabis in Greenland is illegal, but is used in the country.
ICELAND — In Iceland, CBD products are allowed as long as they do not contain THC. Any CBD oil containing THC is illegal.
the Broad, the full, & the coa: having your coa can save your ass!
ALWAY HAVE YOUR CERTIFICATES OF ANALYSIS (COA(s)) WITH YOU. COAs are the proof you need to show what is in and how much of what is in your product.
Full transparency – a COA isn’t entirely a legally binding document that proves beyond a shadow of a doubt. IT IS a document that you can use to show what you have in your CBD and what your know to be in your CBD.
Now, is it possible for a law official to assume that that isn’t the case…YES. Is it possible for that official to assume that the contents in your container are altered, despite what your COA shows…YES.
But having a COA is a REALLY GOOD step at proving that you have certified documentation of the contents and type of CBD you’re traveling with at the time.
- If your CBD product is broad or full-spectrum
- If your CBD product has THC in it and how much
- If your CBD product has something other than CBD in it and just how much (ie. melatonin and/or another compound)
- Your CBD product’s expiration date
- Your CBD product’s total mg quantity and dosage
Always remember what type of CBD product you have with you. Your lifestyle is important to us, and we want you to be informed about the difference between broad-spectrum and full-spectrum. Your COA will back you up on this information.
Broad-Spectrum CBD Products are products that have 0% THC in them. You can have other compounds or ingredients in it, but THC will not be one of them. This will be shown on the product’s COA.
Full-Spectrum CBD Products will have less than 0.3% THC in them. This is the legal amount, so make sure that is the case. Again, this will be shown on the product’s COA. Anything over that can be a strong no-no, and if you’re going international, make sure it is less than 0.2%.
Remember, valid COAs are conducted by accredited third-party labs with no affiliation or bias with the CBD manufacturer. The main purpose of this is to be able to provide unbiased information about the product: the hemp extract, the cannabinoid profile, potency, and the presence of potential cannabinoids. Do not purchase any product without first reading the COA.
get yourself together: being upfront and paperwork can go a long way
Some people are on the fence about this. But for the most part, telling the TSA upfront that you “have CBD and here are my COAs”, can make things easier for you.
Several travelers admit that when getting their carry-ons checked, telling the TSA officer that they have CBD and presenting their COAs, got them through the line with far fewer issues than when they didn’t.
Some travelers think that “hey, I don’t need to tell them about that. Unless they ask, why put that out there, and potentially get questioned? They’re not even looking for it. So, you basically told on yourself.”
We’re not saying one way or another is CORRECT, but we did find that more found it beneficial to be upfront with COAs. Apparently TSAs will see you being on top of things and making their job easier.
YOU’re on a boat! – don’t sink your cruise
If you’re sitting poolside and cruising with your CBD, make sure that you do all of the above and check with the cruise company also.
When you get to your cruise ship, check with those officials, laws, and what issues (if any) are in various waters controlled by other countries.
Again, having your COAs with you is necessary; especially the more complex your trip becomes.
To sum it all up
If there were two things, to sum up how to be the safest on any trip you take that would be it – COAs and knowing the legal status.
As far as legality goes, outside of the United States, our recommendation is to stick with broad-spectrum CBD products. When traveling internationally it is really tricky with the varying THC percentages that one country has over another.
CBD alone is something to stay on top of, but adding THC content percentage to it is just adding more complexity to something that you have means to managing yourself.
Traveling is exciting and we’re not wanting to rain on anyone’s plans. We just want everyone to be in the know.
CBD is great, your form of consuming it and when you need it is your business.
Just be aware of the laws, in states and countries, the difference in products, and that it might be better for you to be upfront during a search from the start.
Bobby Rapscallion’s CBD Products
At Bobby Rapscallion, honesty and integrity are values put into everything. Our hemp is farmed on American soil using organic practices. Our extracts are meticulously tested by our team and a third-party lab to ensure the highest quality standards. Since we stand firmly behind the profound effects of the entourage effect, you won’t find CBD isolate products in our catalog—but we understand that full-spectrum products aren’t ideal for everyone, which is why most of our products are also available in a THC-free broad-spectrum option.
Our high-potency oils start at a Potency Level 1 for those that are wanting to ease into CBD but need a higher dose. Keeping to this focus, we’ll be releasing Potency Levels 2 & 3 in the future. This is to make sure that all of our customers have the option to get high-quality CBD at a potency level that works best for them.
Our CBD Oil
CBD oils are a product staple for a CBD brand. We’ve carefully crafted our CBD oils to keep our high-quality hemp crops the star of the show. CBD oil also provides a wide range of versatility as you can take them sublingual (under the tongue) for fast-acting effects, or mix our flavored options into your favorite foods and drinks for wellness with a unique twist. CBD oils are a favorite for beginners and experts alike for their versatility and because you can customize your doses drop by drop.
our CBD Gummies
For those who don’t enjoy the natural bitter terpene flavor in hemp oils, but still want the whole plant benefits, CBD gummies might be a better solution for you.
We create selectively-crafted gummies at a cGMP facility and make them fresh to order. These also come in assorted flavors to mask the hempy taste and potencies start at 45MG per gummy.
Always remember that the ingestion process is different between oils and edibles like gummies. So we provide products that allow you to decide what works best for you and how you want to experience CBD.
Resources:
*The compiling of information feeding Bobby Rapscallion’s CBD Map is from Pure Green Living, the TSA, and a spattering of others to confirm. Again, this is just for information purposes only. We will update it when we can, but we do not state or claim that the information that is shown on the map is completely current and based on the legislation in action at this very moment. Things are always subject to change, so do some due diligence on your own as well. For this reason, the map is shown and should be used as more of a guide.
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