Traveling with CBD During the Holidays

CBD is a natural cannabinoid extracted from cannabis plants. Travelling with cannabidiol products requires the traveller to understand certain guidelines. For instance, carry your COA, examine them to ensure they have below 0.3% THC, and pack properly. This blog contains more.

Cannabidiol (CBD) exists naturally in cannabis plant. Marijuana and hemp are major cannabis strains. Most people interact with cannabis product regularly but some remain confused about their legality. The 2018 farm bill legalized possession, usage, and manufacture of industrial hemp derived products. As such, these items should contain below 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an active cannabis compound that generate psychoactive and euphoric effects. Therefore, individuals confuse legal CBD with prohibited tetrahydrocannabinol molecules. Cannabis consumers consider carrying their CBD products during holiday vacations. However, legality issues limit many from enjoying cannabidiol benefits while on holidays. This blog explores essential aspects pertaining travelling with cannabidiol.

What is CBD?

According to Swift (2013), CBD is a natural cannabinoid extracted from cannabis plants. This botanical family is categorized into hemp and marijuana (cannabis sativa) species. The former constitutes high cannabidiol concentration but low THC contents while the latter is vice versa. Marijuana-derived products have high THC profile that cause intoxication among consumers. Federal laws prohibited consumption and possession of such merchandise following their high feelings. However, some countries allow individuals utilize them for therapeutic and recreational purposes. The 2018 hemp legalization authorized consumers to manufacture, cultivate, and harvest industrial hemp exclusively. This strain contains high cannabidiol contents with insignificant THC molecules. Therefore, only hemp-derived products with less than 0.3 percent THC were legalized. Unfortunately, some countries banned cannabis products since they could not differentiate these species. Notably, States implement their independent laws thus, individuals should check State laws regarding cannabidiol cannabis items. This might help consumers escape unnecessary fines and imprisonment in States where cannabis-derived products are illegalized. Manufacturers categorize cannabidiol into isolate, broad spectrum, and full-spectrum (whole-spectrum). Isolates constitute only cannabidiol contents since other plant elements are eliminated during extraction. They are suitable for consumers seeking to reap cannabidiol benefits without experiencing intoxicating effects. Also, they are suitable for individuals allergic to other hemp elements except cannabidiol.

Whole-spectrum CBD includes entire hemp compounds such as terpenes, cannabinol, cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabichromene, flavonoids, and omega-6 fatty acids. Also, it contains antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties. These qualities prevent certain skin-related disorders including eczema, psoriasis, and acne. According to Lobo et al. (2010), anti-oxidative properties delay aging signs by preventing oxidation caused by free radicals. This extract contains flavor and scent since terpenes, fragrant molecules, are present. Interestingly, whole-plant compounds work synergistically to generate entourage effect. This phenomenon occurs when the benefits of individual elements are amplified. However, whole-plant CBD products have THC traces insufficient to intoxicate but make consumers fail pre-employment drug screening test.  Excess consumption produces mild side effects due to accumulated THC contents. Travelling with such products in places where THC is prohibited might trigger problems to consumers for breaking laws. Broad-spectrum cannabidiol products involve whole plant compounds except THC. The extract produces entourage effect though lesser than its counterpart since it contains fewer components. It is appropriate for consumers who tolerate other hemp compounds except tetrahydrocannabinol molecule. Enthusiasts can travel with such products in regions where cannabidiol merchandise are legalized. Nevertheless, there are CBD products that have not undergone Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, consumers should be vigilant on unscrupulous brands that manufacture low quality products. Also, some market CBD merchandise contaminated with THC which might bring problems to consumers.

Guidelines When Traveling with Cannabidiol

Examine Cannabidiol Product

Ensure your cannabidiol product contains below 0.3 percent THC threshold level. Those with greater amounts are banned and should be avoided. Therefore, travel with only products containing less than 0.3% THC since they comply with federal laws. Additionally, cannabidiol oil and capsules enthusiasts should carry them in their original version. This means their official packaging and containers are available to escape legal accusations while travelling.

Carry Certificate of Analysis (COA)

According to Rodriguez-Morrison, Llewellyn & Zheng (2021), cannabidiol products have varying quality level. The low grade have inconsistent cannabinoid profile. In this regard, they might contain high THC levels though the label displays otherwise which make them illegal. Thus, always carry certificate of analysis which authenticates the product’s potency and safety. This confirms whether the listed ingredients and their proportions match what the product contains. Notably, avoid all products without this document because they have not undergone third-party laboratory testing for purity and effectiveness approval. Also, individuals with doctor’s prescription to partake the products should carry the document. These guidelines are essential wellbeing measures that people should obey to escape legal problems.

Pack the Cannabidiol Product Properly

According to O’Keefe (2020), the Transport Security Administration (TSA) stipulates specific requirements for liquid extracts like cannabidiol oil. In general, travellers are allowed to carry quartz-sized shopping gears of gels, pastes, liquids, creams, and aerosols. Additionally, hiding CBD products with certain liquids is punishable. Incorporate liquid-based cannabidiol with different liquids when packaging cannabidiol oil rather than into transparent plastic vessels.

Research Your Destination

Multiple regions illegalize the consumption or transportation of cannabidiol products. Certain countries like Canada, Italy, United Kingdom, France, and Australia legalized cannabidiol products. Nevertheless, states like Texas and Florida have tough cannabis laws on sales and usage. Prior research helps consumer identify states where cannabidiol products are prohibited or legalized. Furthermore, read the state’s laws and rules before travelling to your preferred destination.

Carry only the Authorized Dosage

Your preferred cannabidiol product amount should range within the authorized boundary. Some countries allow individuals to transport a dose enough for four weeks of prescribed utilization or 150mg. Flying with higher than the recommended cannabidiol dosage make the consumer face tough legal repercussions during the journey. Furthermore, legal officers at check points will take all cannabidiol oil.

Conclusion

Cannabidiol product’s consumers should consider the stipulated rules in particular countries and States when flying with cannabidiol products. In this regard, States like Texas and Florida have illegalized cannabis items and, thus you might be prosecuted for carrying cannabidiol products. Nevertheless, others like Canada, Italy, United Kingdom, France, and Australia legalized cannabidiol products. Therefore, users should research regulation and law necessities before bordering to such places. Also, examine your CBD product to ensure it contains less than 0.3 percent THC threshold levels. This amount is legal since it complies with federal laws. Moreover, carry your COA and pack your items properly.

References

Lobo, Patil, Phatak, & Chandra (2010). Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health. Pharmacognosy reviews, 4(8), 118.

O’Keefe (2020). Natural Product Reports. Nat. Prod. Rep, 37, 893-918.

Rodriguez-Morrison, Llewellyn, & Zheng (2021). Cannabis yield, potency, and leaf photosynthesis respond differently to increasing light levels in an indoor environment. Frontiers in plant science, 12, 456.

Swift, Wong, Arnold, & McGregor (2013). Analysis of cannabis seizures in NSW, Australia: cannabis potency and cannabinoid profile. PloS one, 8(7), e70052.