CBD products like drops or gummies have been shown to be great for those suffering from anxiety, insomnia, mild chronic discomforts, or even seizures. That’s why more and more people taking CBD are asking, “Can I travel with CBD?”
The dilemma is that while CBD is legal in several states here in the US, it’s not necessarily the case outside the country. If you’re going to travel and are thinking of bringing your CBD with you, it’s best to check first and ask can you travel internationally with CBD products.
But first, for those who may still not be all clear about it, what is CBD?
What Is CBD?
CBD has grown in popularity over the last decade or so, mostly because of the relief and medicinal properties it touts to have. It can be found in both hemp and cannabis plants, which is why there are cannabis-derived CBD and hemp-derived CBD.
The controversy lies in the fact that cannabis contains THC, which produces the psychoactive drug marijuana. This drug has been approved for non-medicinal use in states like California and Colorado, but many more have not recognized it as safe enough for casual public consumption.
Because of this association of being from the same plant source, CBD products tend to be cast in dubious light as well, although they’re clearly not the same as THC by-products. In fact, what makes CBD completely different from marijuana is that it does not have THC at all. Therefore, it doesn’t have the same psychoactive component that laws are typically wary of.
Hemp-derived CBD also tends to face the same bias against them, although hemp is known to be more of a CBD source than THC.
CBD and Travel
The very first thing you need to do before you pack your CBD goodies in your travel bag is to check the rules surrounding it in your intended destination. Especially if you’ll be crossing into multiple territories — even if it’s just for a quick layover — you have to be cognizant of the laws being implemented regarding marijuana and CBD possession.
Many countries still lump the two together, so it will be better to err on the side of caution rather than being held at the airport for having CBD gummies with you.
You also should know the product you have inside out. Make sure you understand whether it is hemp or cannabis-derived, as well as if it is purely CBD or if it has a bit of THC in it. This is very useful information, especially when traveling within the US, since most states do make some leeway for possession of hemp-based CBD.
CBD and Destinations
Although Europe is known to be somewhat friendly when it comes to THC, like Amsterdam, there are some that make it illegal, such as Monaco, Montenegro, and Iceland.
Meanwhile, cannabis products are most definitely illegal in Africa and the Middle East, as well as mostly in Asia, although there has been a growing movement to at least legalize medicinal marijuana.
These tips are just the tip of the iceberg. Go deeper in your research to truly understand the risks, if there are any, to bringing your CBD products with you on travel.
