With Covid nearing its one year mark, I’m sure we can all agree that restlessness is at an all time high. With restaurants and other businesses forced to close in certain states and unnecessary travel frowned upon, we have been cooped up for quite some time. I, for one, plan on taking some much needed travel time as soon as I can do so safely. Cue me daydreaming about sunshine and a beach...
And for those that are required to travel in the midst of the pandemic due to work or other responsibilities, this one's for you as well. For some, flying on it’s own is enough to trigger overwhelming anxiety and stress; Throw Covid into the mix and you could have a recipe for some type of panic attack. As we know, CBD can help with that. We’re here to make your lives easier in any way possible. So let’s go over the rules and regulations of traveling with CBD.
Knowing your Products
The first thing that should be addressed is what type of CBD product you are dealing with. There are three main types of CBD products: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. Full spectrum CBD, sometimes called whole-plant CBD, does not isolate CBD from any of the other chemicals in the plant, including THC. This means that THC is included in different doses depending on the product. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD must contain less than 0.3% THC in order to be considered industrial hemp and therefore legal to grow in the United States.
Broad spectrum CBD gives all the benefits of Cannabidiols, other cannabinoids and terpenes, while eliminating all chances of ingesting THC. Isolated CBD is pure CBD, meaning that all other chemical components are removed from the mixture to get the full benefits of CBD alone. Once you know your product in and out, traveling will become a lot easier.
Flying Domestic with CBD
Why is knowing your product important for flying? In the United States, any CBD product with more than 0.3% THC is considered illegal by the federal government, regardless of whether you live in a legal state. So while some full-spectrum products could be legal, others are not. It is always important to double check the amount of THC (if any) that your CBD product contains. Better Conditions uses only broad spectrum CBD, so you can fly stress-free knowing that THC is completely excluded from all products.
If you can confirm that your CBD contains less than 0.3% THC, you are good to travel within the United States. Our advice is to double check the certificate of analysis on the website’s product page just to be sure. If you can’t confirm a product's THC level, either leave it at home or contact the company’s customer service team for more info. Better safe than sorry.
Going International?
This is where it gets a bit tricky. International flying makes things complicated based on the fact that rules and regulations differ from country to country. Some countries don’t allow any type of CBD products (Singapore), while others allow CBD products with even higher amounts of THC than the U.S. does (Switzerland).
Our advice is to do your research and do it thoroughly before considering traveling internationally with your CBD. If you feel things are unclear even after looking into it, we suggest opting out of packing your CBD at all. Just to be safe. Check out this website for some international CBD rules.
How to safely Pack Your CBD Products
For flights within the U.S., you can either pack your CBD in your check-in luggage or carry on luggage. If your product is in a container that is labeled 3.5 ounces or more, you must check a bag. This allows you to travel with larger containers of necessary product, as long as they do not break any other rules listed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Shatterproof containers within a larger plastic bag are also recommended for all liquids, to ensure the product does not get anywhere else.
If you need relief for inflight anxiety, you will definitely want to bring your CBD in your carry on luggage. In this case, ensure that your CBD meets the liquid limit set by the TSA. Your items must be in a container that is labeled 3.4 ounces or less, regardless of how much product is left in the container. The container must be shatterproof and then placed in a quart-sized bag with your other liquid products to make for easy screening.
Which Product is Right for Your trip?
Anxious flyer? If you’re the type to experience anxiety just from thinking about flying, something easily accessible and discreet would be nice so that you can take on board. We recommend CBD in capsule or gummy form for this.
Need some sleep? For long flights that cause jet-lag or for people who can’t bear to be awake for take off, try a formulation that includes melatonin. This will ensure that you wake up rested and ready to take on your trip.
Achy bones? Long flights can make for achy muscles, bad backs and restless legs. If your body can’t bear the uncomfortable, often cramped seating options that most commercial planes offer, try a topical cream for localized treatment. If you want to apply in-flight just be sure that it is stored in a container labeled 3.4 ounces or less.
Need to focus? It can be hard to get into work mode after a long flight and even harder to work while flying. To give you the extra boost you need, we suggest a CBD oil or tincture because they are the fastest way for your body to receive the benefits of CBD when taken sublingually. You will be ready to work in no time.
Flying with pups? Flying can be especially nerve wracking for pets who have no idea where they are going and why. Trust me, I know the struggle. If you want to ease your dog's flight anxiety, make sure to travel with some CBD dog treats. Believe me, they will thank you for it.
Safe Travels!
We are all itching to get a little bit of travel in after the year we’ve had. We hope that this helps you fly safely, responsibly and stress-free whenever you are willing and able. From me & mine to you & yours.
