We've already covered THC limits and customs, but once you know what's legal where you're going, there's still some practical preparation not to overlook before closing your suitcase. Here's the checklist I give my customers before they travel.
The cabin liquids rule, often forgotten
To airport security, a CBD oil is a liquid like any other. In cabin baggage, it must be in a container of 100 ml maximum, placed in your clear liquids bag with your other liquids. In checked baggage there's no volume limit, but the product is still subject to the destination country's rules once you arrive.
Never decant your product
Always keep your oil, capsules or isolate in their original packaging, sealed and labelled with the CBD and THC content. Keep a copy of the certificate of analysis alongside, on paper or on your phone. Never pour your oil into an unlabelled empty bottle, even for convenience: that's exactly the kind of detail that turns a routine check into a long conversation.
Check each destination's law, not just your habits
Even if you've already travelled with CBD without any problem, never assume a new country follows the same rules. THC limits, permitted formats and even real tolerance on the ground change from country to country, sometimes radically. Take five minutes before each new trip to check the exact situation in the country you're visiting, even if it's just a stopover.
What you can't do, even if it's legal
Using or vaping CBD on board is still forbidden, however legal the product itself. Airline rules apply regardless of the law on the ground, and no airline will tolerate vaping or consumption on board. Keep your products closed for the whole flight, without exception.
A customer went on holiday with exactly the amount of oil she needed for her stay, in its original packaging, with the certificate on her phone. An officer checked quickly with no further questions. A friend who took a big bottle "so as not to run out" got many more questions about a quantity that looked out of proportion to the length of the trip.
The checklist before you close your suitcase
Original, sealed packaging; certificate of analysis to hand; a reasonable quantity based on the length of your stay; the destination country's law checked in advance; and oil or isolate rather than flowers if your trip involves several borders or a flight.
My straight advice
Good preparation happens before you pack, not at the security check. Original packaging, a reasonable quantity and accessible documents: these three simple habits avoid most bad surprises when travelling. Also read our article on CBD and Swiss customs.
