Travel Warning: CBD Awareness
As the CBD business continues to boom across America, in some areas of the country, it’s not technically legal yet. This may come as a surprise, but most Federal and State laws that are on the books involving CBD, do not align in most parts of the country. So, it is a good idea to know the legal status of traveling with CBD to your final destination.
A 69-year-old woman from North Carolina was recently arrested at Walt Disney World, near Orlando, Florida because she had CBD oil in her purse. Even though the CBD had been recommended by a doctor, the woman was arrested. The charge was later dropped, but the Orange County Sheriff’s Office responded in saying that its deputy was following the law.
While officials have said some forms of CBD are legal, the Florida state statue says otherwise. Leaving travelers to wonder if they should leave their CBD at home. Here are a few things to remember when traveling with CBD.
The TSA Says Don’t Fly With CBD
Per the TSA website:
Possession of marijuana and cannabis infused products, such as Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, is illegal under federal law.
Essentially, the rule includes all medical marijuana, and hemp-based supplements alike including CBD. The TSA makes no distinction between hemp and marijuana. The TSA is also exempt from state laws, as they operate under federal law. Which means that even if your products are totally legal where you live, you still cannot bring them onto the airplane. The TSA says they don’t necessarily check for illegal substances:
TSA’s screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs.
At the same time, they note that if they do discover what they consider an illegal substance, they’ll act accordingly and alert law enforcement officers. Long story short, do not attempt to fly with cannabis or hemp products, because even if you get past security screenings, there are always customs checkpoints (on international flights) and other agencies (such as the DEA) that are constantly monitoring the airport.
Know the Legal Status of CBD & Marijuana at your Destination
For most of us it is as simple as using Google. Just make sure that you are getting your information from a reputable source, like local and state government websites. It is better to be safe than to miss out on part of your road trip or vacation due to a misunderstanding with local law enforcement.
Changing Attitudes & Future Changes of Traveling with CBD
We know it’s a bummer that we can’t take CBD products with us on flights, and can’t take CBD products on all road trips. But all we can do, for now, is be patient. American culture has already started to embrace hemp products and culture. A couple years ago, if one wanted to read about these topics, you would either read High Times or Vice. Now there are numerous online publications that produce quality and trustworthy content about formerly taboo topics. You can even find cannabis-themed books and shows on Amazon or Netflix, along with hemp publications and foods at Whole Foods.
We are now living in a world in which hemp is finally reaching a point of normalcy. Increasingly, these products are a part of thousands of people’s everyday lives. So, with that being said, be responsible. Don’t bring anything illegal on flights, or when you travel, enjoy yourselves responsibly.
