Given the TSA’s updated perspectives in light of the 2018 Farm Bill, it is legal to fly with CBD gummies — especially if they comply with federal law by containing less than 0.3% THC. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn’t even search for THC gummies anymore — though you might be reported to law enforcement if THC is found during a routine search.
THC trickiness aside, the TSA’s stance on CBD couldn’t be clearer: CBD is legal to take through security as long as it complies with the 2018 Farm Bill. So, just choose trustworthy CBD products with less than 0.3% THC (or better yet, fly with broad-spectrum CBD gummies, which contain no THC at all).
In this guide, learn everything you need to fully understand why CBD gummies are legal to take through security… and which precautions you should still nonetheless take. By the end, you’ll be ready to fly with confidence — even more confidence than usual, we should think, due to the calming influence of all-natural CBD gummies.
Hemp vs. Marijuana
Before we go any further, it’s important to fully grasp the fundamental legal distinction between hemp and marijuana, which has a direct impact on the legality, safety, and simplicity of taking CBD gummies through security:
- The 2014 Farm Bill made a distinction between hemp and marijuana, which had previously been considered the same illegal drug
- Since then, “marijuana” has referred to cannabis with more than 0.3% THC
- The term “industrial hemp” is now used to refer to cannabis with less than this THC threshold
- The 2018 Farm Bill solidified this difference, officially legalizing industrial hemp agriculture, which also gave the green light to domestic CBD commerce
- Recognizing CBD’s new legal status, the TSA stopped searching for hemp products to avoid logistical overload
- In doing so, the TSA also essentially gave the green light to traveling with all cannabis products since they’re nearly impossible to distinguish from CBD
- Ultimately, though, CBD is legal to take through TSA and THC is not
- None of this is likely to be relevant on your trip since the TSA has decidedly taken the path of least resistance with cannabis
Flying with CBD Gummies: Is It Legal?
Yes, it is fully legal to fly with CBD gummies. The legality of flying with CBD gummies is clear:
- CBD gummies are a legal substance under the 2018 Farm Bill as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC across their entire product volume
- The Commerce Clause of the Constitution clearly indicates that traveling between states with legal substances is also legal.
- Therefore, the TSA really can’t do much about domestic CBD travel due to the 2018 Farm Bill.
- Recognizing this, they now ignore CBD gummies — and all cannabis gummies for that matter.
- If a search conducted for other reasons happens to reveal your gummies contain too much THC, though, TSA may contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.
- In extreme cases, such as if you’re also caught with other illegal drugs, federal authorities may be called in.
Can You Fly with CBD Gummies?
Yes, the TSA has given the okay to fly with CBD gummies as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. TSA officers don’t search for cannabis gummies of any kind anymore, so the only way they’ll know you have CBD gummies is through an unrelated search. Travel with lab reports just to be safe.
Can You Travel with CBD Gummies Internationally?
You should be cautious when traveling internationally with CBD gummies due to the wide variation of CBD laws between different countries. In nations like the USA and Canada, CBD gummies are essentially as legal as Tylenol.
If you travel with CBD gummies to certain countries in the Middle East or Asia, however, you could be imprisoned alongside violent criminals with no trial. Put as simply as possible, do not travel with CBD gummies, CBD oils, or any other CBD products when flying internationally.
Can You Take CBD Gummies on a Plane?
Yes, it is legal to take CBD gummies on a plane. The TSA does not have any problem with CBD gummies that comply with the 2018 Farm Bill, and once you’re through security and on the plane, nobody will search your bags again. Given the fact that they’re also legal under the Farm Bill, you could even bring CBG or CBN gummies with you on your next plane trip.
Which Airlines Allow You to Fly with CBD Gummies?
All major domestic American airlines allow you to carry CBD gummies. Despite initial confusion over United’s policy, they’re similar to Delta, Southwest, and other airlines by saying it’s okay to travel with CBD if it contains less than 0.3% THC.
5 Tips When Traveling with CBD Gummies
1.) Know the Law Where You’re Going
State laws on CBD vary slightly. If you’re traveling to Idaho, for instance, you shouldn’t bring any CBD products that contain THC… just to be on the safe side. If you’re not entirely certain the state where you’re going allows the kind of CBD you’re bringing, you should probably check.
2.) Travel with Lab Reports
Unlikely as it is that a TSA officer will take an interest in your gummies, it’s still best to come prepared. Keep your CBD gummies in their original container if possible to make them easy to identify. Go the extra mile by finding and printing out the lab reports for that specific batch of gummies, which should include exact concentrations of all cannabinoids present in the product.
3.) Act Natural
You aren’t doing anything wrong; there’s no reason you should be acting like it. TSA staff aren’t trained to look for cannabis anymore, but you’d better believe they’re always on the lookout for shady individuals. It’s just CBD — no reason to look all sweaty and nervous.
4.) Put CBD at the Top
It’s possible that you’ll need to find and explain your CBD to a TSA officer — even if such an event is extremely unlikely. So, you should place your CBD gummies either at the top of your bag, in a pocket, or somewhere else that’s easy to access.
5.) Keep Your Story Straight
As we’ve mentioned many times already, it’s extremely unlikely that TSA agents will question you about anything gummy-related in your luggage. If you are questioned about your CBD gummies, however, don’t freak out. Just point to the packaging where it says “CBD,” and offer to provide lab reports as well. That will usually be enough to satisfy the curiosity of any TSA agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are CBD gummies allowed through TSA?
Yes, you are allowed to take CBD gummies through TSA security checkpoints. To remain compliant with both federal law and laws in your states of departure and arrival, you should only carry CBD gummies with less than 0.3% THC through TSA. Given the TSA’s new policy of not searching for cannabis products of any kind, though, you truly have nothing to worry about when carrying your CBD through security.
Will the TSA know if I bring CBD gummies on a plane?
Yes, TSA officers now have advanced scanning tools that may allow them to identify labeling or other signs that gummies in your luggage contain CBD. It would also be easy to identify your CBD gummies with a hands-on luggage search. However, the TSA no longer searches for CBD or cannabis gummies, making it essentially irrelevant whether they know you’re carrying CBD gummies or not.
Can airport scanners detect CBD gummies?
Theoretically, airport scanners may be able to detect gummies, and then closer scrutiny may reveal labeling indicating that those gummies contain CBD. Given the fact that TSA scanner operators are now trained to ignore anything that looks like cannabis edibles, however, the practical chances of an airport scanner actually detecting CBD gummies are close to zero.
Conclusion: CBD Gummies and Flying
The US government’s perspective on cannabis has changed fast enough to make anyone’s head spin. THC is still technically illegal, but for the TSA not to care about it, America must have come a long way on hemp.
Sure, you still might get referred to local law enforcement if your bag is searched for another reason and you were unwise enough to advertise that your cannabis products contain too much THC. Just make sure to clearly demonstrate that your CBD gummies include less than 0.3% THC, though, and you’re good to fly.
With reputable brands like Colorado Botanicals offering broad-spectrum CBD gummies that don’t contain any THC whatsoever, the days of carefree CBD flying have truly arrived. Choose our broad-spectrum gummies, print out lab reports just to be safe, and fully enjoy your trip through the skies unburdened by any unnecessary anxiety.