Can you take CBD oil on a plane?

What is CBD oil?

CBD (cannabidiol) is the non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants, such as hemp. It is extracted as an oil through a supercritical CO2 extraction process and then developed into sprays, drops and capsules. CBD is a sister chemical to THC, but the key difference is that it doesn't give users a psychoactive high - it's perfectly legal to buy and consume.

Its effects are related to the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network of cells and receptors that regulates various cardiovascular, nervous and immune functions and helps control how the body achieves balance.

Is it legal to take CBD oil on a plane in the UK?

Not only is CBD widely available across the UK, but you can take it on your next trip on a plane. Although cannabis is a class B controlled substance under the Drugs and Misuse Act of 1971 due to its high THC content, because CBD’s is close to zero, possessing it doesn’t break any laws.

Nonetheless, because of the confusion around CBD and THC, we always recommend telling your flight provider and customs officials in advance to make sure they are aware of your luggage contents. A sensible option is to carry your prescription with you if you have one. However, these are less commonly issued in the UK because CBD oils tend to be sold under the category of nutritional supplements, as opposed to medical products, so you don’t need a prescription to purchase them — which is good news.

On that note, the same rules around hand language and checked baggage apply. If you want to have access to your CBD oil during the flight, remember that it is a liquid. The UK rules state that containers of liquid should not exceed 100ml. While most bottles of CBD oil are only 15ml, you must ensure that it’s visible in a clear plastic bag to avoid delays at the airport. It is essential that you also check the customs regulations of your destination, because CBD is not legal in some countries, including China, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

Can I travel to the UK with CBD oil?

If purchased legally in another country, you can bring CBD oil back into the UK, as long as it adheres to customs regulations and laws. When arriving in the UK from another country, you are entitled to a personal allowance of goods to bring back — either as gifts or for yourself — that people usually use for products like alcohol and tobacco. The same rules apply to leaving.

Though returning here with CBD oil does not present any obvious problems, a number of international destinations will have differing laws that you need to check, and double check (and probably check again!) before travelling

Can I take CBD oil abroad?

As touched upon, the problem is not with carrying CBD oil onto your departure flight out of the UK, but the legal requirements of entering another country with it.

While knowledge and understanding of CBD is constantly improving, many countries remain wary and reluctant to allow travellers to bring CBD in due to its family relations to cannabis. Despite its legality in the UK, it would be silly to assume everywhere else in the world has the same regulations.

That said, you shouldn’t face any issues if you are travelling from the UK to another country where CBD oil is legal. Though, it is still best practice to double check with your airline provider and customs officials of your chosen destination to avoid any unnecessary hassle, delays or inconveniences — the last thing you want when you’ve been excited for your holiday for months.

We have compiled a list of nations with the relevant legal information below*, bearing in mind that it’s always worth a conversation with authorities from each individual country. 

It's vital to take into account any countries where you may stop over during your journey. Even if you’re only within their borders for a matter of minutes between flights, you are still liable for your baggage contents. Put simply, if CBD oil is illegal in your transit country and it’s found in your luggage, you could face consequences from the local authorities. Given that, for instance, in China CBD is treated no differently than marijuana, you could face 10-15 days of jail time for bringing it into the country, and a maximum fine of 2,000 yuan (£235).

Liquid laws

While you must adhere to the 100ml rule for carrying liquids aboard a plane, there is some uncertainty around this for CBD as it is also true that medical products are exempt from this rule. As such, if you have a CBD prescription, you are permitted to ignore this limit. If you don’t, it's best to stick to the 100ml limit in any case to prevent issues at the airport.

Summary

Now we've cleared up the laws around taking CBD oil with you on your travels, you should hopefully feel more confident when booking your next trip. Again, always check with the relevant authorities beforehand. No holidaymaker needs additional stress or items confiscated at the airport.

We also can’t emphasise this enough — check the local laws and restrictions for your destination, as well as any stopover countries you might travel through, to avoid trouble (at the very least). 

Bon voyage!

*This information is written as a guide but all travellers should confirm the legal status at the time of travel before they do take CBD with them. This article does not provide legal advice.