A Texas woman says she was banned from Carnival cruises for life because she tried to board a ship in Miami with CBD gum. Carnival said it follows federal law and that the chewing gum is against its policy.
As the busy holiday travel season begins, be aware: There are rules for cruising or flying with medical marijuana and CBD products popular for their health benefits, including pain management.
Here’s what you need to know:
Is CBD Legal in Florida? What about marijuana?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis, but it doesn’t cause a high by itself, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. THC is the substance that makes you feel high when you smoke marijuana or eat food.
Yes, people in Florida 18 and older can buy CBD products, including oils and topicals, from authorized sellers if the product has 0.3% or less THC and is derived from the hemp plant. You must be at least 21 years old to purchase and use CBD inhalants and vapes.
It is still illegal in Florida to use recreational marijuana, or weed, marijuana, dope, Mary Jane, ganja, or whatever you want to call it. Only medical marijuana is legal and you must get a medical marijuana card to use it.
Can you take CBD and marijuana on cruises? What about medical marijuana?
The consensus among the popular Miami-based cruise lines, as well as with Disney Cruise Lines, is no, you cannot take CBD oil and products or marijuana, including medical marijuana, on your cruise. Forbidden.
Here’s what some popular cruise lines based in South Florida have to say:
▪ Royal Caribbean Group: “Marijuana, even in its medical form or for medical purposes, is prohibited on our ships, as well as CBD oil and products.”
▪ Norwegian: Its policy states that all illegal drugs and narcotics, including recreational and medical marijuana, as well as all products “containing CBD, oils, candies and gums or any product containing THC” are prohibited and will be confiscated.
▪ Carnival: Any illegal drugs “including synthetic, designer drugs, cannabidiol (CBD) and medical marijuana” are prohibited, according to the cruise line’s policy. “While certain CBD products used for medical purposes may be legal in the US, they are not legal in all the ports we visit and are therefore also considered prohibited items. “
▪ Virgo: Illegal drugs, non-prescription controlled substances, medically prescribed marijuana or synthetic marijuana, and CBD products are prohibited
▪ Disney Cruise Lines (now transferred to Fort Lauderdale): The policy states that “illegal drugs – including synthetic designer drugs – and marijuana (even if legal where you reside or prescribed by a doctor) – are prohibited aboard ships and on Disney Castaway Cay.” Medical marijuana, as well as products containing CBD, are prohibited. You may be denied access to the board if found to be in possession of it and may also be “subject to serious legal penalties”.
Can you take CBD and marijuana on a plane? What about medical marijuana?
Although some states, including Florida, have made medical marijuana and CBD legal, the substances are still illegal under federal law, according to the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA.
However, while “marijuana and certain cannabis-infused products, including certain cannabidiol (CBD) oils, remain illegal under federal law,” there is an exception for products that have less than 0.3% THC on a “dry basis “, the agency said.
Check your CBD product packaging for a QR code or website address on how to print the product’s certificate of analysis, which will include information such as how much THC is in the product.
Also, note that although you can fly into the country with CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC, the TSA rule for liquids—less than 3 ounces, including oils, tinctures, and creams— still applies, according to Travel + Leisure. The travel site also notes that CBD vape pens can go through airport security if they are in your carry-on, but not in your checked bag. If you are flying internationally, check that the products are allowed in your destination.
Another thing to remember: Your ability to bring your CBD product onto a plane may depend on the TSA agent checking your bag.
TSA officers do not look for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but if they find them on you or in your luggage during security screening, TSA officers will call the police, the agency said. Officers will then determine if your product meets the 0.3% or less rule and also decide what to do.
It’s all a messed up gamble. And it can be a headache that makes you late to board. So, consider whether it’s best for you to leave your weed and CBD gummies at home when traveling by plane or cruise ship.