CBD on the Go: Traveling with CBD Products and what you need to know

While traveling is a choice for some, it is necessary for others, whether it be because of their uncontrollable wanderlust or simply their lifestyle. As research suggests, some people possess the DRD4-7R gene, which is nicknamed the 'wanderlust' gene. People with the wanderlust gene are thrill-seekers for whom sitting in one place is no less than prison. Whether you are a workaholic who has to go on several business trips or someone who loves to travel, every CBD enthusiast should know the intricacies of traveling with CBD.

What is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol is a cannabinoid or compound derived from the cannabis or hemp plant. In recent years, the cannabis industry has been one of the fastest-growing ones out there, and its growth has largely been achieved on the back of CBD. This cannabinoid and the products that stem from it have been one of the most popular organic products in the last few years, and for a good reason. CBD is one of over 124 cannabinoids you will find in the cannabis plant. While some CBD products do contain delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC in them, they do so in negligible amounts. This means even though THC is the compound that causes a high, it won't happen in such small amounts. CBD products are available in the market in the form of capsules, tinctures, topicals, and even edibles like gummies. Since the developments in the CBD industry are only recent, there can be a lot of confusion about its legal status and your ability to travel. Read ahead to find out everything you need to know before traveling with CBD!

What is the reason behind the ambiguity that surrounds traveling with CBD?

While the growth is rapid, the hemp industry is still in its infant stages. Back in the day, the legality of hemp was black and white as it was classified as a federally controlled substance. Today, hemp and its associated cannabinoids exist in a gray area due to the ambiguity regarding their legality.

The restriction on hemp cultivation was lifted after the 2018 farm bill, which removed the cannabinoid from the federally controlled substances list. After hemp was federally legalized in all 50 states of the U.S, people assumed they would have no trouble traveling with it.

However, what they forgot was that while hemp was federally legalized, the final decision was passed on to state legislation. While some states have limited the amount of THC content CBD products can have to 0.3%, others have either disallowed CBD entirely or limit the THC content to 0%. This ambiguity extends to all other countries where hemp is supposedly legal, which is why you need to do your homework before traveling with CBD.

How do you plan to travel?

While air travel to states or cities which allow CBD I simple and straightforward, you may encounter problems if you are traveling to a state where CBD is not permitted. If you are caught with CBD in these states, you may even face criminal charges in some of the stricter states.

At the same time, issues may arise if you are traveling by bus, train, or cruise line. Most major transport companies, apart from airlines, don't allow passengers to carry CBD products even if they are traveling to a CBD-friendly state. Consequently, the first step is to analyze your traveling arrangements and keep air travel as a preference.

Precautions to Take While Traveling

To avoid the hassle of being stopped, detained, or even having charges pressed on you, there are a few precautions you can take to travel safely.

1. Familiarize yourself with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Regulations.

Things get a lot simpler once you get to know the rules and regulations of TSA that you need to abide by. While TSA originally put medical marijuana and CBD on the list of disallowed substances, recent statements by them suggest that as long as the THC content in your CBD doesn’t violate the limitations, you can carry CBD. This statement was made in line with the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Pub. L. 115-334.

2. The Certificate of Analysis of your CBD product must always be on you.

Given the vastness of the CBD industry and the influx of brands, the quality of CBD products varies. This is why depending on CBD's quality; you won't always get a full picture of the product by the ingredients mentioned on the packaging. Consequently, it is recommended to always buy from vendors who give you access to the third-party lab tests they conduct not only for impurities but also for the THC count in their products. Once you have access to the COA of these tests and you are sure that the THC count is below the limitation, carry it while traveling. At Honey Gold Botanicals, we offer the COA’s of all our products to the public to prove the authenticity of our products and services.

Be ready to furnish any medicinal documentations.

While this wouldn't be necessary if you are carrying CBD for recreational purposes, it will make your life a lot easier if you carry CBD for medicinal purposes. All you have to do is keep your doctor's prescription for CBD and the medical certificate that comes with it on you to go through security checks swiftly.

3. Always pack according to TSA and State regulations.

Most states would allow you to carry an amount of dosage enough for 30 days of prescription usage, which is 150 grams. On the other hand, TSA regulations suggest that no single container can hold more than 3.4 ounces of CBD. Simultaneously, if the CBD products you are carrying are skincare ones, you would need to carry them in a clear quart-sized bag as per TSA regulations.

4. Take a look at CBD’s legal status at your destination of travel.

You must research the regulations and legal status of CBD in the state you are traveling to. Not only will this determine which CBD products you can travel with, but it will also determine whether or not you can travel with CBD in the first place. To avoid running into trouble at the last moment, it is advised to do your research beforehand.