Can You Travel with Delta-8 THC?
It’s that time for that big vacation or much-needed weekend retreat. Everything is packed, tickets are ready, and GPS is set to the destination. But what about Delta-8 products? Can someone travel with Delta-8 THC? Will edibles, vape cartridges or disposables be safe to take on the trip?
Delta-8 THC is available in over half of the United States. Does that mean it’s safe to travel with? Is there any restrictive laws at the destination? These are very important questions, and we’re here to fill readers in on the details in this guide.
Is it Legal to Travel with Delta-8 THC?
As of the time of this writing, there is not a set-in-stone answer here. There are local laws in some areas that ban the use and sale of Delta-8 THC. Travelers will need to keep a careful eye on local regulations. It also depends if the traveler is transporting by air or just driving. Depending on state or international laws, traveling with Delta-8 may present a challenge.
Delta-8 is becoming more popular by the day; and it may be inevitable that some may find themselves traveling with it at some point. Just think about how much better a weekend getaway would be with some gummies or a disposable in tow. There are a few key things to keep in mind for those who do plan on traveling with their favorite Delta-8 THC products.
It can be tricky when traveling by car in the United States. The laws for cannabis products, hemp-derived or otherwise, vary greatly from one state to the next. When traveling by car across state lines with any hemp-derived product, make sure to only cross through states where Delta-8 is legal. Otherwise, travelers may find themselves in trouble with authorities should they ever find out they are in possession of THC.
Fortunately, there is an easy way to avoid this altogether. Study up on the laws in any states that are part of the journey. Then, double-check the THC content of all the products you’re taking with you. Do they contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC? That’s the requirement – travelers should make sure it is proven by scanning the QR code affixed to the product label. If it doesn’t have one, travelers should not take that product with them and consider purchasing one with a verifiable 3rd party lab result.
Is It Legal to Fly with Delta 8?
The rules on flying with Delta-8 may be even more ambiguous than flying with CBD. An uphill battle since the 2018 Farm Bill, it seems that it can come down to the airline’s corporate discretion. In some instances, it could be up to the TSA agent at the security gate.
In fact, the Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) amended their policy in 2019 to allow passengers to travel with hemp-derived CBD. The TSA website specifies their role – which is to search for weapons, not drugs – illegal or otherwise.
If, for any reason, the TSA agent considers your Delta-8 product as dangerous, suspicious, or illegal, they’ll give the product(s) to airport security. This team is usually a part of the local police force, and they can decide further action from there.
Fortunately, travelers in this predicament will probably not be arrested. While the police test Delta-8 products, chances are the only negative outcome will be a questioning, but not anything worse.
To avoid this delicate situation, travelers should ensure that their chosen Delta-8 product(s) contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Purchase your Delta-8 products through a trustworthy brand that tests each batch through a third-party lab.
Flying Domestic USA with Delta-8 THC
Remember, it’s legal to fly with Delta-8 in most states – but not all. The TSA will not be actively looking for Delta-8 to confiscate, but nevertheless, travelers should always do their due diligence before they embark on their journey. Better to be prepared versus being surprised and/or inconvenienced by TSA or airline staff.
There are at least sixteen states that have banned the sale and use of Delta-8. It’s more than likely illegal to travel with Delta-8 if the destination is among these states:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Kentucky
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
Those not traveling to any of the above areas may be in the clear. It’s always best to triple-check the local laws instead of taking a chance, or worse, finding out firsthand.
Flying Internationally with Delta-8 THC
Okay, flying internationally with Delta-8 THC is a completely different arena. The stigma for marijuana is bad in some areas in the U.S. And there’s a negative stigma for all cannabis – hemp and marijuana – across many other nations of the world.
In some countries, there are stringent and severe laws for carrying anything considered to be contraband on a flight. Depending on the country, the consequences could be severe if found to be in possession of an illegal substance.
Travelers are encouraged to spend time researching the legality of delta 8 before they leave to their chosen destination. Sometimes, certain cannabis products may be legal in a country, but it’s still illegal to import them without a license.
Each country has its own laws on cannabis, with some similar to our “less than 0.3% delta-9” hemp rule. Other countries, like those in the European Union, call for even less of a presence of Delta-9 THC: 0.2% or less.
Realistically, when flying internationally, it’s best to leave all Delta-8 products at home. Travelers may find that there are other cannabis products in that country available for purchase that will do the job just fine.
Final Tips for Traveling with Delta-8 THC
As we wrap up this guide on the important question, “is it legal to travel with Delta-8 THC?”, we want to leave readers with some final tips.
Use Only Legal Delta-8 Products
Verify the brand. Make sure ensure every batch of hemp-derived Delta-8 is tested through a third-party lab. Look for accurate statements on potency, and ensure that the product contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. We cannot recommend enough how important it is to purchase from a brand you trust.
Always Carry Documentation
Those lab reports that were previously mentioned? Travelers are highly encouraged to print out the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) for any Delta-8 products they plan on traveling with to take with them. Sometimes, having lab results ready can be the difference between leaving on time versus hours of delays. It’s always best to be prepared for any situation.
Pack it Well!
Finally, when preparing for the trip, travelers should always pack their Delta-8 products safely and securely. Additionally, the airline may offer packing guidelines to follow. Likewise, travelers should do their research to know what can be included as part of a carry-on and what needs to be stored in checked-in luggage. Happy travels!