With a constant change in the laws and regulations of recreational and medical use of CBD in the last few years, it has become quite confusing for many people who are willing or intend travelling with CBD. Due to the medical potentiality of hemp-derived products, the production, distribution, and cultivation have experienced reduced restrictions lately. But it’s still crucial for you to understand which countries allow them and to what extent.
Some countries have gone ahead and banned the use of CBD. There’s still some stigma towards CBD derived from hemp with it being closely associated with marijuana. However, from a legal perspective, the possession of hemp-derived CBD is considered legitimate and would pose no legal implications in several states of the United States. Let’s understand how laws and ownership of CBD work in five countries
Italy
In 2007, Italy legalized cannabis, but for medical use only. The 1940s was the time when Italy was known for being the second-biggest producer of industrial hemp. After the Second World War, the country happened to adopt a much different approach to hemp cultivation. In 2017, a government directive shifted the whole perspective by scrapping the requirement of authorization with regards to hemp cultivation. CBD oil, for that matter, is legal in the country as long as it does not violate the limitations of the THC content of not more than 0.6%
Note that CBD oil is still considered to be illegal if the THC content exceeds 0.6%, even if it’s for medical purposes unless there are direct instructions from a particular doctor. Nonetheless, in Italy, you can still acquire CBD without your doctor’s prescription if the content is below the mark of 0.2% in both offline and online pharmacies and stores.
Australia
The state and health ministers of Australia approved hemp products’ trade in the year 2018. However, in this process, if you are planning to travel with CBD oil or other products, make sure they contain no more than the permitted THC concentration. If your CBD product is found to have THC content above 0.005% it would be deemed illegal.
Products containing hemp-derived CBD should not contain any other drug and have a total content of 0.0075%, which is equal to 75 mg/kg or less. More importantly, the complete tetrahydrocannabinol or THC content should also be equal to or less than 0.005%, which is equivalent to 50 mg/kg.
Despite the country’s laws and regulations, users over the age of eighteen can walk into the stores and purchase any CBD products like tinctures, oils, and dog treats, without facing any repercussions.
The United States of America
The U.S. is probably the only country in the world that provides a clear idea of the legality of hemp-derived CBD products. CBD oil from industrial hemp at a federal level is considered legal. Industrial hemp, as described in 2018’s Farm Bill, states that a CBD product should have less than 0.3% THC content, and if the THC level goes beyond 0.3%, the product will be associated with marijuana. They are, of course, talking about delta 9 THC here and not the milder delta 8 THC, which is also legal in the U.S. You can click here for some help with understanding delta 8 THC. Since CBD does not intoxicate, it will not provide a high.
Let’s take an example of an art-filled cafe in the East Village of Manhattan. The owner of the cafe created a CBD-laced drink in order to celebrate 420, Marijuana Day. Just like this cafe, you can go and check with other cafes and eatery hubs in the state you’re in. Check for their reformulated menus and order CBD-infused coffee drinks, cocktails, and so much more.
France
Even though France is the only country in Europe to have the most stringent laws against CBD usage, it’s still legal. In France, CBD oil that is produced from marijuana is considered illegal as it has high THC levels of about 14%. But the hemp-derived CBD oil is legal because of its lesser THC levels of 0.2%. Such a principle exists in France to allow the use of safe, lab-tested CBD tincture you can trust. However, if you are travelling with CBD product that has the permitted THC content in it, it will be allowed in the country.
CBD Coffee Shops are quite famous in the capital, Paris. You can get coffees, cookies, oils, and lollipops from cafes like CofyShop, Le Lab du Bonheur, and many more.
Canada
CBD is considered legal in Canada only for medical patients who are registered with specific permission from the practitioners licensed under healthcare, according to cannabis for medical purpose regulations. According to Canada’s cannabis act, the hemp-derived CBD should consist of cannabis plants and most importantly the THC levels of CBD leaves or heads should be less than or equal to 0.3%. In addition, the regulations also state that the industrial hemp should include derivatives of the parts of the plant and plant alone, but not flowering parts or leaves. In cities such as Ontario and Quebec, you can easily look for CBD edibles at cafes and certified stores.
Final Thoughts
It would be best if you made sure that the CBD oil or products you buy are certified and tested by third parties. Keep an eye on the THC levels of CBD products that you own before you travel and make sure the CBD product abides by the guidelines of your destination country’s laws and regulations.
Interesting article, thanks for the information.