If you’re a regular CBD user, you might be wondering if it’s okay to pop CBD oil in your suitcase when you go on holiday. Travelling with CBD is still a bit of a grey area, simply because different countries have different laws.
Across Europe, the rules on CBD vary between countries. And some places like Russia and Singapore have outlawed CBD entirely. Unless you are confident that your holiday destination not only allows the sale of CBD, but will also allow you to bring it with you through customs, it is usually better to leave your CBD at home. Here’s what we do know about travelling with CBD products.
Should you take CBD on holiday?
While CBD might be readily available in the UK without a prescription, not every country in the world has the same laws and regulations. Some countries have similar rules to the UK, some allow CBD if the THC content is 0.0% and some have outlawed CBD entirely.
If you decide to travel with CBD, you will need to check that it is allowed in your destination and any countries that you might be passing through on your travels, and if your airline permits it.
For example, if you are flying somewhere on a non-direct flight and CBD might be permitted in your final destination, but is illegal in the layover country, this could be problematic.
To further complicate things, some countries have not yet defined the rules on CBD. For example, it’s still very much a grey area in Italy. In 2019, Italy’s Supreme Court of Cassation banned the sale of all cannabis derivatives, unless they are free of narcotic effects.
This ruling should include CBD, but no limits were set on the amount of THC in a product, so Italians generally play it safe by sticking to products with lower than 0.2% THC. It’s also worth noting that CBD edibles are strictly banned in the country. As you can see, travelling with CBD isn’t as straightforward as you might like.
Can you travel with CBD in Europe?
Some countries in Europe allow CBD while others have banned it. While the European Court of Justice ruled that CBD is not a narcotic, every country in Europe is allowed to set their own rules and regulations. And to make things more complicated, these rules can often change quickly and without much warning.
So, if you are travelling to Europe, it would be a good idea to confirm the rules on CBD before travelling. But if you want to be safe and take no risks, it might be best to leave your CBD products at home.
Can you travel with CBD elsewhere?
If you’re setting your sights further afield, you should certainly check before you travel. Some countries allow CBD, some countries allow CBD without THC, some countries allow CBD with a prescription and some have banned it altogether.
If CBD is legal in the country you are travelling to, but you are nervous about taking it with you, you might consider ordering from a local supplier once you arrive.
However, this comes with some unique risks and challenges. You might not be able to secure the same high quality CBD products you are accustomed to, which means you could be using a product with high levels of THC or with less stringent manufacturing guidelines.
To be completely safe, it would be best to leave your CBD at home and simply take a break from CBD while you are away.
Can you bring CBD oil through customs in the UK?
If you purchase CBD in another country and want to bring it back to the UK, you will first need to check that you’re allowed to travel with your CBD. Not only should you check with the departing country, but also with your airline.
You should be fine travelling into the UK with a CBD product, provided the total THC content is lower than 1mg per product. If you’re travelling with it in your hand luggage, the bottle of CBD oil will need to be smaller than 100ml. It’s also a good idea to carry the CBD in its original packaging, with the THC contents clearly marked.
Can you take CBD oil in hand luggage?
You should be okay to travel with CBD oil in your hand luggage, provided you follow the rules on liquids. Any liquids in your carry-on luggage need to be placed in a clear and resealable plastic bag, usually measuring around 20cm x 20cm.
The liquids have to be less than 100ml in volume. And bottles larger than 100ml, even if partially empty with the actual volume of liquid less than 100ml, won’t be permitted.
It’s a good idea to make sure your CBD oil is clearly marked, but be prepared for some questions, particularly if you are travelling to a country where CBD rules are less obvious. If this is the case, we would advise leaving your CBD at home. The last thing you want is to be held up with questioning and potentially miss your flight!
Is it worth the risk?
It’s usually better to be safe and leave your CBD products at home. Since CBD is a hemp derivative, it could easily be classified as a narcotic, which could land you in some serious trouble.
While all Love Hemp products contain zero THC, some countries don’t recognise this distinction. If you’re concerned about the risks of travelling with CBD, it's probably best leaving your CBD at home and resuming your daily routine when you return.
