Travelling with CBD - What to look out for
In this article, we'll help you travel smart with CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) has quickly become a popular natural dietary supplement. And it's practically everywhere. You can find it in the form of capsules, oils, gummy bears, chocolates or creams. CBD is a compound derived from cannabis, so travelling or crossing international borders with it in your pocket can be a huge risk. If you make the wrong decision, you could find yourself in trouble with the police. CBD has been recognised for its myriad health benefits and hemp-derived CBD is legal in the Czech Republic and many other countries. However, not all countries are tolerant of hemp-based products. Before you pack your bag with your favourite products, be sure to check the legal status of CBD in the country you're going to to avoid getting hit for breaking the law. The following are helpful tips for traveling with CBD in our home country and internationally.
CBD oil benefits for travellers
CBD is the name for cannabidiol, which belongs to a class of natural compounds called cannabinoids. These come from the cannabis plant. Although CBD comes from the cannabis plant, unlike its psychoactive relative, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), taking CBD does not produce intoxicating effects. Many people take CBD as a natural supplement to fortify their health, relieve pain, manage anxiety, and promote sleep. Given all of CBD's potential health benefits, it makes sense to pack CBD in your bag along with melatonin (to combat jet lag), painkillers, other health supplements and medications, as many people consider CBD an important part of their regimen.
Below you will find reasons to pack CBD for your travels.
1. Sleep support
Travelling across time zones can disrupt your sleep cycle. One of the many reasons people take CBD is to help regulate their sleep cycle. In high doses, CBD has been found to have sedative effects that can help you fall gently asleep and sleep through the night without waking up drowsy in the morning.
2. Coping with stress and anxiety
Not everyone handles travel well. It can bring a lot of stress and anxiety, which is exacerbated when you're afraid of flying or have a busy schedule. When CBD is combined with other approaches to stress reduction, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, working with a counselor, and sticking to quality sleep, CBD can be an excellent supplement for managing symptoms of anxiety.
3. Healthy inflammatory response
CBD is best known for its anti-inflammatory effects that can help fight pain, tissue damage and mood disorders. There are dozens of physiological processes that regulate the body's inflammatory response, and CBD is an effective anti-inflammatory that addresses the problem overall, not just a single cause.
Legality of CBD
Cannabis has a very long and complicated history, but as more and more research results emerge about the potential benefits of cannabinoids health benefits, society's view of cannabis is becoming more positive and even the laws will eventually adapt. In any case, just the fact that you can buy CBD products freely not only on the internet but also in the branches of many pharmacy chains is a clear indicator that its sale is indeed legal.
What about THC?
In the Czech Republic, the cultivation and processing of cannabis with a THC content of up to 0.3 percent is permitted. However, THC should not be present at all, even in trace amounts, in oils, ointments, capsules, extracts and cannabis teas intended for human consumption. However, current research shows that even Delta 9 THC has therapeutic effects, but laws and social stigma have been slow to respond. Some US states including California, Oregon, Illinois, New York and Maine have already fully legalised marijuana for recreational and medicinal use. Cannabis, which contains a high proportion of CBD with less than 0.3 per cent THC, is highly unlikely to have any intoxicating effects, making it an ideal dietary supplement and medicine. Before buying any CBD product, make sure it contains only approved substances, otherwise you could be breaking the law.
Can I take CBD oil on the plane?
Tread these waters with the utmost caution, as the laws regarding traveling with CBD are not the same everywhere, and if you're not well versed in your state's cannabis laws, you could end up in a pickle. Your possible mistake, or lack of awareness, can lead to confiscation of products and other unpleasant consequences. You don't have many options to avoid this, but ensure that your CBD products are properly labeled, and that you carry the necessary paperwork if you are flying with cannabis prescribed by a doctor. Also check the regulations of the company you'll be travelling with online before you fly.
Where is CBD legal?
In addition to CBD's legal status here, you won't have a problem (even without a prescription) in most European countries, as long as their THC content does not exceed 0.2%. However, it is necessary to watch out for any THC content. Your products should be 100% THC-free to be safe. If you plan to take CBD on a cross-border trip, check the local laws in the countries you will be travelling through before packing your bags.
What happens if I get caught with CBD oil?
If you are crossing the border and are caught with CBD oil or any hemp product, the most common outcome is seizure. If you're breaking the law of the country, you may be denied entry and turned back, or face hefty fines and even imprisonment (depending on the country and the amount of CBD you have in your possession).
Can I travel interstate with CBD? You should not travel with CBD if you are flying abroad, even if CBD is legal in your country. Your CBD oil may be considered an illegal drug in the country you are visiting.
Travelling in Europe
According to the European Union, CBD derived from hemp with a THC content of up to 0.2% is legal. However, each country may have its own regulations. The biggest problem is that there is no clear distinction as to how CBD should be classified (food product, health supplement or drug). Either way, you should not travel in Europe with any products containing hemp substances, including CBD. Many European countries have legalised CBD (even Slovakia in May 2021), so you can buy it in local shops.
What to consider when buying CBD and traveling
With a CBD product, you can theoretically travel safely in Europe for the most part. However, if CBD is legal in your destination country, we recommend buying it locally. Below are a few factors to consider when buying CBD and traveling in Europe.
Type of extract
In addition to only buying CBD the legal way, it's important to consider the type of extract you want to use to combat the physical and emotional exhaustion associated with travel.
There are three main types of CBD extracts:
- Full Spectrum
- CBD isolate/distillate
- Broad spectrum (THC-free)
Full-spectrum cannabidiol (CBD) oil is the most suitable type for its therapeutic properties. It contains a number of cannabinoids and terpenes that combine and balance the health benefits of CBD, and can legally contain up to 0.3% THC. Full-spectrum CBD oil and other full-spectrum products are much more effective than CBD isolates at promoting sleep, fighting anxiety and inflammation.
However, the traces of THC in these products can cause you problems at the border. If you're planning a trip, try going with one of the other 100% THC-free options. For THC-free products, we recommend using the broad-spectrum varieties, as these also contain a wide range of cannabinoids.
Product type
If you are travelling by plane in liquid form, you must take into account the safety rules for transporting liquids by plane. You may only take a minimum amount of liquids on board the aircraft. Each passenger may carry liquids and gels in their hand luggage in containers up to a maximum of 100 ml. All packages must be contained in one transparent resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre. Carrying liquids in checked baggage is not recommended. CBD capsules or gummy candies are preferable for travel as there is no risk of accidental leakage and you can then carry a larger supply of CBD on longer journeys.
Results of laboratory tests by independent parties
An important step in your purchasing decision should be the presence of inspection results from independent laboratory testing. The CBD industry is still relatively new and many products are coming to market that are not compliant with the law or do not contain the stated amount of active ingredients. Basically, they are selling plain oil.
Third-party laboratory testing is a way for CBD producers to maintain transparency and ensure the safety of their products. You should make sure that the CBD oil contains no more than 0.3% THC and that it contains the stated amount of CBD. Lab results should also tell you that it is free of potential contaminants (solvents, pesticides, molds, heavy metals).
Conclusion: travelling with CBD
CBD is legal in Europe, but some countries may have their own regulations. If in doubt, always check local laws when travelling with your favourite cannabis-based products. That being said, it's best not to travel outside of the Czech Republic with any hemp-based product. Even though it may be legal on both sides of the border. If you're traveling to another country where cannabis and CBD is legal, it's better to buy CBD as soon as you arrive rather than risk potential trouble with the law.
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