Travel is about to restart amidst the Covid-19 health crisis as borders have started reopening to welcome international visitors for the summer holiday season. Earlier this month, the European Union opened its borders to South Korea, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia, while travel bubbles have also been created as Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia have lifted travel restrictions from each other.
After several months spent under lockdown, a holiday may seem like a good idea to many individuals who want a change of pace and scenery, and some may want to take along their CBD oil to regulate their immune system while they’re on vacation. But is it legal to travel with cannabis-infused products? Moreover, will taking it make a difference to your travel experience? If you’re thinking about bringing your CBD oil on your travels, here’s everything you need to know.
Choose hemp-derived CBD oil
It’s natural to be concerned when traveling with CBD oil as travel regulations surrounding cannabidiol or cannabis infused products are often vague or non-existent, depending on where you’re coming from and where you’re going. For instance, in the US, the TSA forbids passengers from bringing marijuana and its derived products on domestic and international flights, so this means that CBD oils derived from marijuana are on the banned list of products.
However, hemp-derived CBD oils with THC levels below 0.3 percent aren’t included in the policy, so it’s federally legal to travel with a small bottle of it domestically in the US. But as other destinations may have different policies, it may be best to do your research before traveling to avoid running into potential problems.
Can you use it during your flight?
Anxious flyers have discovered different ways to cope with their fear of flying, and most opt to take a few sedatives to help calm their mind while they’re up in the air. Meanwhile, others have found that consuming a few CBD gummies can also help to ease their anxiety, so eating a few hemp-based gummies should do the trick if you’re a nervous flyer. If you prefer to take your CBD oil sublingually, you may do so, but do it discreetly. You may even use the bathroom for this purpose if you don’t feel like flashing your CBD oil to your seatmates.
Should you take it on a cruise?
If you’re going on a cruise, keep in mind that some cruise ships have an outright ban on all types of CBD oils, so if you’re determined to travel with a small bottle of it, be willing to take the chance that it might be confiscated and disposed of immediately before boarding. To be on the safe side, make sure to call ahead and ask about the cruise’s policy regarding cannabis-infused products so you won’t run into trouble upon boarding. Also, if the ship allows passengers to bring CBD oil, err on the side of caution and don’t bring it with you at ports. Leaving your CBD oil inside the ship ensures that you won’t get on the wrong side of the law as some countries, such as the UAE, Belarus, Russia, China, and Slovakia, forbid bringing in cannabis, CBD oil, and other marijuana-derived products.
Pack it carefully, but don’t attempt to hide it
Some people may be tempted to hide their CBD oils for fear of getting into trouble. If you’re traveling with hemp-derived oil in a standard 30mL bottle, then you should be good to go, so there’s absolutely no point in hiding it, as airport and cruise line scanners can see them anyway. Also, keep in mind that the screening procedures in airports and cruise lines are in place so that they’ll know if there are potential threats to passengers, and they’re not actively searching for marijuana or drugs. However, should they find drugs, marijuana, or marijuana-derived CBD oil in your possession during a security screening, then expect that the situation will be handed over to a law enforcement officer. Don’t take your chances and only bring hemp-based CBD oil, as mentioned earlier.
As to how you should pack your CBD oil, the best way to do it is to place the bottle inside a small resealable bag along with your other toiletries if you intend to place it in your carry-on bag. Make sure that the bottle has no cracks and that the lid is screwed on tightly to avoid any leaks. If you’re bringing along a few CBD gummies for the flight or cruise, store them in an airtight container, such as a small condiment container with a lid, to ensure freshness. Don’t just pop them inside a plastic bag as plastics can leach onto the gummies and ruin their flavor and texture.
Why should you travel with CBD oil?
Using CBD oil can be beneficial while traveling as it has a calming effect on the nerves, helping you to sleep better. This is especially useful if you’re prone to jet lag or sleeplessness during holidays. It may also control nausea and reduce the symptoms of migraine, helping you to feel more comfortable while you’re on the road.
Using CBD oil or topical creams infused with it may also help to give you an Instagram-worthy glow during your holiday, as it can help to moisturize skin and reduce the symptoms of certain skin conditions such as eczema and inflammation. CBD oil doesn’t pose a risk to your health, but side effects may include low blood pressure, hallucinations, and dizziness. If it’s your first time to try CBD oil, remember to start with the lowest dose, and use it before bedtime as some people experience drowsiness after taking it. If you’re on any other medication, it would be wise to consult your doctor if taking CBD oil is right for you.
Taking CBD oil while traveling can enhance your overall health and lead to a more enjoyable and rejuvenating holiday. Remember to research your destination’s laws on CBD oil to avoid problems, and always be mindful of how you consume it for best results.
