If you’re a regular CBD user, you might be wondering if it’s okay to bring your CBD oil with you when you go on holiday. Truth be told, travelling with CBD is still a bit of a grey area due to the varying laws across different countries.
In Europe, CBD regulations differ from one country to another and in some places like Russia and Singapore, CBD is completely illegal. So, unless you’re confident that your destination not only allows CBD to be sold but also permits you to carry it through customs, it’s generally advisable to leave your CBD products at home.
Here's what we do know about travelling abroad with CBD.
Should you take CBD oil on holiday?
While CBD is readily available in the UK without a prescription, not every country in the world has the same laws and regulations. Some countries permit CBD only if it contains 0.0% THC, while others have outlawed it entirely.
If you choose to travel with CBD, it's important to check if it's allowed in your destination and any countries you might pass through during your trip. Additionally, you should also confirm whether your airline permits it. For instance, if you have a non-direct flight and CBD is allowed in your final destination but prohibited in the layover country, this could be problematic.
To further complicate things, some countries have not yet established clear rules regarding CBD. Italy, for example, has a somewhat ambiguous stance. 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 no more than 0.2% THC. As you can see, travelling with CBD oil isn’t as straightforward as you might like.
Can you travel with CBD oil in Europe?
CBD regulations vary among European countries. While the European Court of Justice ruled that CBD is not a narcotic, individual countries are allowed to establish their own rules and regulations. To complicate things further, these rules can change pretty quickly and without warning. So, if you’re heading to Europe, it’s a good idea to confirm the rules on CBD before travelling. However, if you want to play it safe and avoid any risks, it's probably best to leave your CBD products at home.
Which form of CBD is the safest to travel with?
Full spectrum CBD means it contains the entire range of cannabinoids, including some THC content, the compound that causes a “high” in recreational users. Any full spectrum CBD products in the UK must by law contain less than 1mg THC per finished product.
Broad spectrum CBD means it contains the entire range of cannabinoids, minus the THC.
CBD isolate is exactly that - it is “isolated” CBD, meaning it is 100% pure CBD.
So if you really want to be on the safe side, broad spectrum CBD and CBD isolate would be best to travel with, as long as your destination and any layover countries do indeed allow CBD.
Can you travel with CBD oil elsewhere?
Now, if you’re setting your sights further afield, you definitely need to do your homework. Every country has its own rules. Some allow CBD, some require a prescription, and some have banned it altogether.
If CBD is legal in the country you’re travelling to, but you feel nervous about carrying it with you, one option would be to purchase it from a local supplier when you arrive. However, this comes with its own set of challenges. You might not find the same high-quality CBD products that you're used to, and you could end up with something that has high levels of THC or less stringent manufacturing standards. Again, to be completely safe, you may want to consider leaving your CBD at home and take a break from it while you're away. As CBD is non addictive, you will not experience any withdrawal symptoms of any kind. It is perfectly safe to have a break and restart again when you’re back home.
Can you bring CBD oil through customs in the UK
If you buy CBD in another country and want to bring it back to the UK, you’ll first need to check that you’re allowed to travel with your CBD and if your airline permits it. However, when it comes to entering the UK, you shouldn’t have any problems, provided the total THC content is lower than 1mg per product.
Can you bring CBD oil in your hand luggage into the UK?
You should be okay to travel with CBD oil in your hand luggage, as long as you follow the rules on liquids. Any liquids in your carry-on luggage need to be less than 100ml and placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag, usually measuring around 20cm x 20cm. Bottles larger than 100ml, even if partially empty with less than 100ml of liquid, won't be allowed. It’s also a good idea to carry the CBD in its original packaging, with the THC contents clearly marked, or perhaps switch to CBD edibles such as our CBD Jelly Domes.
Is travelling with CBD oil worth the risk?
If you're looking for a reliable CBD oil option, our signature CBD Oil Drops are THC free and available in a convenient 30ml size. We even provide a protective cylinder to ensure the bottle stays safe and undamaged during your travels.
However, 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 CBD products contain zero THC, some countries don’t recognise this distinction. So, if you’re concerned about the risks of travelling with CBD oil, leave it at home and resume your daily routine when you return.
