As CBD popularity surges, so do the number of questions about its legality and shipping.
If you're looking to send CBD oil to a loved one or bring it with you on your next vacation, here's what you need to know about sending CBD internationally.
Just to be clear, all references to “CBD” or “CBD products” in this article refer to hemp-derived CBD, not marijuana-derived CBD. None of what we have advised below should be taken as professional legal advice. Always check with local laws before purchasing to send CBD through the mail.
Key Takeaways:
- It's legal to ship CBD oil in the mail across the United States, but Federal law specifically states that it must contain less than 0.3% THC and must be derived from hemp as opposed to cannabis
- Some countries consider hemp plants as having less than 0.2% THC concentration. These differences in THC concentration can pose some complications if you're looking to ship US industrial hemp or CBD products internationally.
- USPS and FedEx can ship CBD oil in the mail within the United States, though certain guidelines must be followed
- The CBD market isn't legal worldwide, and you could face legal ramifications if caught shipping prohibited products.
- It's a better idea to source your CBD products from the country you're visiting if it's legal rather than taking the risk of mailing CBD.
Where Does CBD Come From?
CBD is a compound that can be found in both hemp and marijuana plants. But the largest concentration of CBD is found in hemp plants.
Unlike THC—the main cannabinoid in marijuana—CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it will not get you high. CBD can be extracted from the hemp plant in a variety of ways, the most common being CO2 extraction.
This process uses pressurized carbon dioxide to pull the desired compounds from the plant material. The CBD-rich hemp extract is then mixed with a carrier oil, such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil, to create CBD oil or other edible products.
Is It Legal To Ship CBD Oil Through The Mail Internationally?
The legality of shipping CBD oil internationally is a bit of a gray area. Pure CBD oil derived from hemp is legal in many countries, but it's sometimes prohibited to import.
It's important to check the laws of your destination country before attempting to ship it internationally. In some countries, CBD oil is classified as a controlled substance, as it's not differentiated from THC, and may be subject to strict import/export regulations.
Even in Canada where both hemp and marijuana products are legal for recreational purposes, it's up to the discretion of the border patrol officer as to whether a package successfully crosses the border.
In most instances, CBD oil sent to Canada should make it to its intended destination, but it's up to the discretion of those verifying the package contents. According to the Canadian border control, hemp-derived CBD products for pets and marijuana products are not permitted into the country.
Can I Send CBD To Europe?
While CBD oil is available in many countries in Europe, its legal status may vary depending on the destination country.
The tricky thing is that the requirements as to what constitutes a hemp plant may differ from country to country.
In the United States, cannabis plants are considered hemp as long as they do not contain more than 0.3% THC by weight. In many parts of Europe, the hemp plant must not have more than 0.2%.
Shipping CBD Oil With The United States Postal Service
You can legally ship CBD products derived from hemp within the United States. However, shipping CBD oil overseas is an entirely different story. CBD oil derived from hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC and is therefore not psychoactive. However, CBD oil derived from marijuana (which typically contains more than 0.3% THC) is still illegal at the federal level.
Despite this, some states have legalized the recreational and/or medicinal use of marijuana, so it's important to check your local laws before shipping or ordering CBD oil.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) released guidelines for shipping hemp-derived CBD products in 2019. According to the USPS, hemp-derived CBD products are now permitted to be shipped via USPS if they meet certain criteria.
First, the product must be derived from hemp, not marijuana. Second, the product must contain less than 0.3% THC by weight. Finally, the product must be packaged in a way that prevents leaks or spillage and includes a label that clearly states that the product contains hemp-derived CBD.
The USPS also advises shippers to include a declaration on the package that says something like "This package contains hemp-derived CBD products." These new guidelines make it easier for consumers to send CBD oil within the US.
Can FedEx Ship CBD?
FedEx can ship hemp-derived CBD products only within the United States, and will not ship CBD oil internationally.
Shipping CBD with FedEx can be a convenient way to get your package delivered quickly. They offer overnight express delivery with extra cost, but these options make shipping CBD much more convenient when you need it.
FedEx stipulates that packages containing CBD must be clearly labeled with the words “CBD Oil.” Finally, FedEx requires that all shipments of CBD be accompanied by a commercial invoice.
For more information on shipping CBD with FedEx, please visit their website.
How Do You Package And Ship CBD Products?
It's important to make sure that the products are properly labeled when shipping CBD within the United States. This means including a statement that the products contain CBD, as well as the percentage of CBD that is present.
Choose a shipping carrier that is familiar with CBD regulations and provide clear instructions on their CBD guidelines for successful delivery.
CBD products need to be packaged in a way that ensures the product will not be damaged during transit. Many CBD retailers use mylar bags and bubble wrap to protect their products. Mylar bags are made of a thin film that is moisture and gas-resistant.
This type of packaging is often used for food products, as it helps to keep the product fresh. Bubble wrap and craft paper also protect items from impact damage. When packaging CBD products, use multiple layers of protection, as this will help to ensure the product arrives at its destination in pristine condition.
Risks Associated With Shipping CBD Products Internationally
Shipping CBD oil internationally can be risky, as there are many regulations and laws that vary from country to country. In some places, CBD is completely illegal, while in others it is legal but heavily regulated.
This means that you could potentially face serious legal penalties if your shipment is stopped and inspected. If you're planning on shipping CBD products internationally, it's important to do your research and make sure you understand the risks involved.
You may be tempted to provide false or misleading information to prevent your CBD from getting intercepted at the border, but it's very important that you don't falsify statements or you could face severe legal consequences.
The worst-case scenario would be that your package gets intercepted by customs and you get arrested.
Even if you aren't convicted of a crime, you could still be facing some serious legal penalties, like getting banned from ever entering the country. So, while it might be tempting to Ship CBD products internationally, it's definitely not worth the risk.
How Can I Know If My Supplier's CBD Is Legal To Ship?
When it comes to international shipping, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, make sure your supplier's CBD is legal to ship. You can do this by referencing third-party lab tests to verify the cannabinoid content.
Second, check with your local laws and regulations to make sure you are not breaking any rules.
Finally, make sure you have all the necessary paperwork in order, including an invoice and a certificate of analysis. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your CBD products arrive safe and sound.
How To Read A Third-Party Lab Test For CBD Oil
If you're considering buying CBD oil, it's important to make sure that you're getting a high-quality product.
One way to do this is to check the Certificate of Analysis (COA) from a third-party lab. This document will tell you what cannabinoids are present in the oil and in what concentrations.
Here's what you need to know about reading a COA for CBD oil:
First, take a look at the cannabinoid profile. This will tell you what cannabinoids are present in the oil and in what concentrations. Make sure that the levels of CBD and THC are within the range that you're looking for.
Next, check the purity of the oil. The COA should list the percentage of impurities. It should read "ND" or not detected for pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and solvents.
The Takeaway: Shipping CBD Oil Internationally
CBD oil derived from hemp is legal to ship within the United States. However, hemp products are not legal worldwide.
Thus, it is not worth risking the confiscation of your package at border control and potential legal consequences if you get caught mailing a controlled substance overseas.
In addition, CBD oil may be subject to import tariffs. So, before shipping CBD oil internationally, check with the laws of the destination country to see if importing CBD oil is legal. Finally, make sure to use a reputable shipping company that specializes in shipping CBD oil so that your package is properly labeled and insured.
FAQ
Can You Ship CBD Oil In The Mail?
CBD derived from hemp is lawful to ship within the United States. However, shipping CBD oil overseas is a very different matter. To be psychoactive, CBD oil derived from hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC. CBD oil derived from marijuana, on the other hand, remains federally prohibited (it frequently includes more than 0.3% THC). Despite this, numerous states have legalized marijuana for recreational and/or therapeutic purposes, so before shipping or ordering CBD oil, make sure to verify your local rules.
Can You Send CBD Internationally?
Shipping CBD oil overseas might be dangerous due to the numerous rules and legislation that differ from country to country. CBD is outright prohibited in some regions, while it is permitted but tightly controlled in others. This implies that if your shipment is halted and inspected, you could face substantial legal consequences. If you intend to ship CBD products worldwide, do your research and make sure you understand the risks associated.
Can You Ship CBD Overnight Through FedEx?
FedEx may only carry hemp-derived CBD products within the United States; CBD oil cannot be shipped worldwide. FedEx shipping is a simple way to get your product delivered quickly because they offer overnight express delivery for an additional fee, but these options make shipping CBD much more convenient when you need it. For more information about shipping CBD with FedEx, please visit their website.
Is CBD Oil Legal In Europe?
While CBD oil is available in several European nations, the legal status varies depending on the destination country. The complicated part is that the rules for what defines a hemp plant vary by country. Cannabis plants are called hemp in the United States if they contain no more than 0.3% THC by weight, although in many parts of Europe, the hemp plant must have no more than 0.2%.
Can You Bring CBD On An International Flight?
While it is allowed to mail CBD oil across the United States, Federal law requires that it have less than 0.3% THC and be derived from hemp rather than cannabis. Rather than risking the danger of carrying CBD, it's better to acquire your CBD products from the country you're visiting if it's legal.
