Despite a fair amount of confusion around regulatory practice and its association with cannabis, CBD (also known as cannabidiol) is completely legal in the UK. That is if the products in question do not exceed the legal limits of controlled substances such as THC – the cannabis compound that causes a ‘high’ in users.
Slowly but surely, the world is once again beginning to open up to travellers. Yet, taking your favourite CBD products with you when you leave could bring with it a whole host of other complications.
Unfortunately, the question of whether you can take your favourite CBD products on holiday with you doesn’t have a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. There are a number of things you should consider before deciding to pack your trusty CBD products alongside your other toiletries and medicines.
What is the law in your destination country?
Although CBD is legal in the UK, there is a chance that it may not be legal in your destination country. While many developed countries have now introduced some form of CBD-specific regulation, there are a number of countries where the compound is still restricted.
While Europe is generally CBD-friendly, there are some exceptions. For example, in some European countries, including Lithuania, Belarus, Moldova, and Slovakia, CBD is still classed as an illegal substance, or falls into a legal grey area, making it best to avoid the risk. As a cannabis product, CBD is also not authorised in many countries in Asia.
Many more countries have only legalised the use of CBD for medical purposes. This will often mean that your CBD products should be accompanied by a prescription to be allowed. Popular tourist destinations that have taken this approach include Finland and Norway.
Patchwork of Regulation
The next thing to consider is the variance of regulation across the globe. Even within the European Union, different countries have developed different regulations for the CBD industry.
For example, guidance issued by the EU puts the acceptable THC limit for hemp at 0.2%. However, this is lowered to 0% in France where the government recently clarified that their 0.2% limit “exists in order to allow the use of hemp for industrial and commercial purposes”.
In contrast, Italy has the most lenient CBD regulations. Hemp plants, and typically CBD oil, containing up to 0.6% THC are tolerated, although this should not be relied upon when taking products into the country. Although not in the EU, it is also worth mentioning that Switzerland allows a THC limit of up to 1%.
Standard Airline Rules
If you are happy that your destination country legally permits the use of your CBD product, that’s great! Just don’t forget to take into account normal flying rules! Although the 100ml limit does not apply to medications, your product likely doesn’t fall into this category. Bear this in mind when you are planning to take your CBD with you for your flight.
