CBD Magazine 4 minute read

CBD when travelling abroad - What do I need to know in advance?

cbd auf reisen was beachten vaay

All you need to do is pack your bag and take your CBD with you?

Ah, if only it were that easy. It’s true that CBD might be of help to you while travelling, help keep your immune system in check, possibly allow you to sleep better and even help you with your fear of flying.

But read on to find out why it’s not as easy as you might think to take CBD with you on your travels, and why it can even land you in jail in some countries.

Am I allowed to travel abroad with my CBD oil?

Guests are often told that they should “make themselves at home”, right? Sure, but there are some countries where the fun stops when CBD’s involved.

Of course, the answer to the question above depends entirely on the country you’re visiting. In the EU, for example, the official recommendation is that CBD products with a maximum of 0.2 percent THC are permitted. However, how each country implements this recommendation will vary.

And we urge you to note that even within the same country, CBD legislation can vary depending on the province, state or region. In the US, for example, individual states can take very different approaches to regulating THC. And this might have an impact on CBD products themselves, some of which need to be approved by the local Department of Agriculture office.

The best thing to do is to inform yourself of the specific regulations that apply in the state, country or region you’re travelling to before you leave. And make sure that all the information you get is as up-to-date as possible, because regulations have been known to change rather quickly.

If you want to be on the safe side and avoid any potential misunderstandings, you can also make a point to carry the original product packaging with you, plus a list of ingredients in the local language or in English.

When you purchase your CBD oil, always make sure that you’re dealing with trustworthy retailers who have their products independently certified. This way, you can always be sure that what’s on the label is also in the product – and that in the unlikely event that the product is analysed, you’ll have nothing to worry about.

Where can I get my CBD when I’m on holiday?

If CBD is legal in the country you’re holidaying in, buying it locally is probably the easiest and safest way to avoid missing out on the effect of your favourite CBD products while away. This allows you to make sure that authorities don’t become suspicious, for example, when they’re checking foreign packages and the like.

But you should always be careful not to purchase “just any” product. If possible, the best place to get your CBD products is at a local pharmacy.

However, unless you plan to consume the entire foreign-bought CBD product on site in the country you’re in, you should avoid purchasing any product containing more than 0.2 percent THC. In other words, it would not be a good idea to bring products that have up to a full one percent concentration – like the ones available in Switzerland – back with you to good old Germany.

Am I allowed to take CBD on the plane with me?

The same thing applies to CBD oil, sprays and creams as does to their compatriots that contain no cannabidiol. You are allowed to take packages with a maximum size of 100 millilitres with you on the plane, and you have to put them in a transparent plastic bag. Just like with all other e-cigarettes, you are only allowed to carry a CBD vaper in your carry-on luggage and not in your checked baggage.

It’s the regulations of the country you’re entering that apply when it comes to the legality of CBD and the permitted THC content. Of course, these regulations apply equally to  capsules and fruit gums, which are not likely to be a problem during the flight itself.

Still, there is always a residual risk here: because not every customs officer knows the difference between CBD and THC off the bat. But if you’ve got a tested product with you, you’ll be able to clear up even this kind of misunderstanding quickly – especially since CBD products are becoming more and more popular and less of a rarity at airports.

Sweet dreams are made of this … Am I allowed to take my melatonin spray to England with me?

As you might already know, the clocks run a little differently in the United Kingdom. Still, even after exiting the EU, the British have at least remained committed to allowing CBD products with up to 0.2 percent THC to count as food. In other words, you shouldn’t have any problems from that side.

But there’s a different issue that comes into play here: melatonin, also known to us as the sleep hormone, is considered a prescription drug in the UK.

The good news is that you’re permitted to bring melatonin from countries where it’s legal for your own personal use. In other words, if you’re in the UK, you don’t have to go without the melatonin spray that gives you those peaceful nights of sleep.

Conclusion: Should I travel with CBD – Yes or no?

Either way, you should always inform yourself well and in advance about the CBD laws that apply in the country you’re travelling to. If the officials in that country are even a bit uptight, that wonderful relaxation effect you’re getting from your CBD product will be gone faster that you can say endocannabinoid system.

But as long as you comply with the usual air travel regulations, you should generally have no problems with your CBD product in most countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement. However, since many people still tend to associate CBD with cannabis and THC, there’s always a certain residual risk involved.

If you want to play it absolutely safe, you should leave your own products at home and purchase new CBD products in the country you’re travelling to. This also eliminates any possible misunderstandings that might arise due to foreign packaging and descriptions in other languages.

Whether you travel with or without your CBD products, we wish you happy and safe travels!

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