Cannabidiol (CBD) products are growing in popularity around the world, as they offer a natural and gentle alternative for supporting health and vitality. However, due to being derived from the hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa), particular attention needs to be paid to its legality, if you intend to travel abroad.
Taking CBD oil and other CBD-based products is a completely logical thing to do when going on holiday, although from country to country, you’ll find very different attitudes. In certain parts of the world, there’s no distinction between CBD and cannabis, so it very much pays to be careful.
Geography Matters When It Comes to CBD
While the many health supporting qualities are being embraced around the world, some governments have a grave view on cannabis derived products. Most of Europe has no issue with both broad spectrum CBD and isolates, with even the US deeming the substance as legal to own and use.
That said, the laws do differ from state to state, and nation to nation, with regulations being updated on a regular basis. That’s why it’s so important that you check local rules on the matter, before you travel anywhere with CBD in your suitcase, so you don’t inadvertently flout any newly introduced rules.
Can I Get Arrested If I’m Found With It?
In many countries, carrying CBD products with you is no different to transporting paracetamol or hand cream, but as we said, there are some global locations where being found with it in your possession comes with some surprisingly stiff penalties that go well beyond being questioned about why you have it.
For instance, a British man visiting Dubai was found with 4 bottles of CBD vape oil in his luggage – something that landed him a 25 year prison sentence. So, yes, you can get arrested and much worse besides if you happen to take your CBD oil, capsules or anything else derived from the marijuana plant to the wrong place.
Countries You Should Avoid Going to With CBD Oil
While we’d always recommend checking national and state rules regarding CBD products to avoid becoming the subject of a news headline, there are some areas of the world that you shouldn’t visit with cannabidiol products in your possession.
They include:
- Saudi Arabia
- Oman
- UAE
- Thailand
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
Unless you get specific assurance from an official source that it’s okay to travel to any given country with CBD, it’s best not to take chances. What you should never do is assume that everything will be fine and put your trust in the local authorities to have an understanding attitude.
Do Your Research – Or You Could End Up Regretting It
At the risk of repeating ourselves here, failing to check the local rules on CBD when travelling abroad is something that can have very real ramifications on your life in general. Most of the Western world has a progressive approach to CBD, but others have a very different view.
The truth is that missing a week or two of your CBD intake isn’t going to cause you too many issues, so if you’re unsure in any way, either leave it at home or check the local CBD laws. As someone who takes CBD, it should be one of the first things you think about when travelling internationally.
Can I take CBD on a plane?
When flying from the UK it pays to do your research.
In many western countries, carrying CBD products with you is no different to having paracetamol or hand cream, but as we said, there are some global locations where being found with it in your possession comes with some surprisingly stiff penalties that go well beyond being questioned about why you have it.
While we’d always recommend checking national and state rules regarding CBD products to avoid becoming the subject of a news headline, there are some areas of the world that you shouldn’t visit with cannabidiol products in your possession.
They currently include:
- Saudi Arabia
- Oman
- UAE
- Thailand
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
This list is not conclusive and laws and rules will change.
