May 14, 2021 8 min read

Thanks to its uplifting, relaxing effects, it's no wonder that travelling with Delta-8-THC is enticing. Whether you have flight anxiety or you're just looking to unwind after a long drive to your vacation destination, federally legal Delta-8 may be the best trick up your sleeve.

Before you load your suitcase with your favorite D8 products, make sure you check out local laws and regulations for travelling with Delta-8. We'll cover everything you need to know about taking Delta-8 on the road down below:

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Table of Contents
Why Would I Want to Travel with Delta-8?
Laws for Travelling with Delta-8-THC
Where to Store Delta-8 While Travelling
Tips for Travelling with Delta-8-THC
Best Delta-8-THC Products for Travelling
Conclusion: Can You Travel with Delta-8-THC

Key Takeaways

  • Delta-8-THC laws vary from state to state, so you’ll want to check local laws carefully before you decide to travel with Delta-8.
  • You may be able to take Delta-8 in your car or on a plane, but there may be specific regulations regarding how to store it.
  • Delta-8-THC is psychoactive and it is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence. Make other arrangements for transportation while you’re intoxicated.

Why Would I Want to Travel with Delta-8?

There are plenty of reasons why you may considering taking Delta-8-THC on vacation. Whether you're going to use the legal buzz to help you relax your nerves or want to partake in a social dose with friends, Delta-8-THC is often a safe option.

That's especially true if you come from an area where Delta-9 is legal, since there are sometimes serious penalties for travelling with Delta-9 through illegal states. Compared to traditional THC products, Delta-8-THC is less sedating and may be a better option for staying alert and enjoying your trip.

If you want to learn more about how Delta-8-THC may enhance your travels, read about Delta-8-THC Effects.

Important: Don't Drive Under the Influence

It probably goes without saying, but when we say that it's often okay to travel with Delta-8-THC, we mean that it's usually okay to transport Delta-8-THC from place to place (with a few exceptions).

It is not safe to take Delta-8-THC before you drive or operate machinery, and we DO NOT condone driving under the influence.

You (and others on the road) are far safer when your Delta-8-THC stays packed away until you reach your destination. Driving while under the influence is illegal regardless of the legal status of Delta-8 in any given area.

With that in mind, let's check out the laws surrounding travelling with Delta-8 by car, plane, and on public transportation.

Laws for Travelling with Delta-8-THC

As you plan to travel with Delta-8, you need to consider the Delta-8-THC laws in other areas. For a full list of Delta-8-THC laws by state, read "Where is Delta-8-THC Legal?"

Keep in mind that the laws may apply differently depending on your method of travel:

A Delta-8-THC tincture, one product type that may count toward your total liquid allowance when travelling with Delta-8-THC by plane.

Travelling by Plane

If you're travelling by plane, you need to make sure that Delta-8-THC is legal in the state you'll take off from and the state you'll arrive in. You'll also need to check the regulations provided by your airline of choice. There are a number of factors that come into play when you take Delta-8 on a plane, so you may want to read "Flying with Delta-8-THC" to learn more.

Travelling by Car

When travelling by car, you need to make sure that Delta-8-THC is legal in every state you will pass through.

Aside from ensuring that Delta-8-THC is generally legal in each state, you also need to check out the general hemp laws. That's because Delta-8-THC may be legal in certain areas where specific types of hemp products are not.

For instance, some areas have legalized hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinols, but have laws against edible formulations or inhalation products like vaporizers. To check out the general hemp laws in every state, cross reference the Delta-8-THC state law article above with "Where is CBD Legal?"

Delta-8-THC on Public Transportation

Public Transportation laws may be different than the general laws for the states you're travelling through or to. In the past, major public transportation companies like Greyhound and Amtrak have maintained a zero tolerance policy on "marijuana" products, even when travelling though legal states. Some companies, including small taxi companies, have restrictions against carrying alcohol and other substances on the ride.

Of course, many reference "federal laws" as their reasoning for not allowing cannabis products. It's fair to say that these restrictions may not apply to federally legal hemp products in states where they are also legal. For now, the overall atmosphere for Delta-8 on public transportation is unclear.

To date, no major transportation companies have made any public statements or amendments to their rules regarding hemp products. The best approach may be to reach out to these companies individually to understand the rules about carrying federally legal hemp products on board.

Delta-8-THC on Cruise Ships

Taking Delta-8-THC on a cruise ship is an even trickier feat. Most cruise ships don’t allow you to bring much in the way of mind-altering substances. Even alcoholic beverages, which are widely legal, are not typically allowed in your carry on bags.

In actuality, though, the rules on Delta-8 products are not so clear. Most cruise lines have spoken out against “marijuana products,” but have not made any announcements regarding hemp products since the 2018 Farm Bill separated hemp products from the legal definition used for “marijuana.”

For example, Carnival Cruise Line, amended their rules in November 2018 to suggest that passengers would be fined up to $500 for using cannabis on board. The rules state that a passenger could even be removed from the ship entirely, and would be responsible for the costs of transportation and other means to return home.

The policy states that “Carnival recognizes that some state and local governments in the U.S., and in the destinations we visit, might allow marijuana use. However, Carnival Cruise Line follows U.S. federal law, which strictly prohibits possession and use of recreational/medicinal marijuana and other illegal controlled substances.”

Because this statement seems to align Carnival Cruise Line with U.S. federal law, it’s reasonable to say that they may have a different outlook on hemp-derived products, but it’s no guarantee.

The same is true for other cruise lines, so it may be best to reach out to the company and ask about their Delta-8 policy before you make plans to travel with Delta-8. If you can’t get direct approval, you should probably just forgo Delta-8 for the trip.

Where to Store Delta-8-THC When Travelling

If you've determined that it's legal to take Delta 8 on your next trip, you may also be looking for tips on how to store it during your travels. Again, the best storage methods depend on your mode of travel, but the general rule of thumb is to keep Delta-8 in a sealed container and out of reach when you are operating a vehicle.

A suitcase packed for vacation, a suitable place to store Delta-8-THC while travelling.

When travelling by car, you may reference the laws for driving with THC in states where cannabis is legal. It varies slightly from place to place, but the law generally requires drivers to leave THC products in their original, sealed containers and place them in the backseat or trunk.

When travelling by plane, the rules are a bit more complex. Some planes may allow you to bring hemp products on board in your carry-on luggage or personal bag, but they need to adhere to the requirements for other foods and liquids. Vape oil may be allowed on a plane in most cases, but batteries are prohibited by TSA.

In general, keeping Delta-8-THC in a sealed, airtight container can help keep it fresh for the duration of your trip. For more information, you may want to read “Storing Delta-8-THC.”

Tips for Travelling with Delta-8-THC

Here are some tips to help you successfully and safely travel with your Delta-8 products of choice:

Have Delta-8-THC shipped to you.

If there are implications that prevent you from safely travelling with Delta-8 (like it being illegal in one or more states that you'll drive through), you may consider having Delta-8-THC sent directly to your destination.

If Delta-8-THC is legal in your vacation destination, you can order it online and have it sent right to your vacation home, friend's house, or other secure location. Many hotels allow you to have packages shipped in, too. You'll just need to contact the hotel staff to make sure they can receive your package and make arrangements to pick it up. Consider ordering Delta-8-THC a few days in advance if you choose this option.

Keep Delta-8-THC in its original packaging.

If you choose a trustworthy distributor, this packaging has all the information necessary for law enforcement to identify the product as a legal hemp product if a situation arises.

Just take what you need.

Take what you need to get through your trip. There's no need to carry a bunch of excess products back home with you unless you purchase them while on vacation. Then, just leave them in their original containers and store them out of reach while driving a vehicle.

Make safe transportation arrangements during your trip.

If you're planning to take Delta-8-THC while you're out and about, make sure you arrange for another member in your party to drive or find a local ride-sharing service. Remember, travelling with Delta-8 is usually okay, but driving under the influence is still illegal and unsafe.

A selection of Delta-8-THC Gummies shaped as hemp leaves, a portable Delta-8 dosing style.

Best Delta-8-THC Products for Travelling

If you plan to travel with Delta-8, you'll want to choose travel-friendly products. In the end, it totally depends on your preference, but some products (like tinctures) are a bit messy and hard to transport.

One suitable option is aDelta-8-THC vape cart. They offer a fast-acting, portable dose that's generally discreet. Since you can find Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid varieties, you can find a vaporizer that's perfect for daytime or nighttime use.

Of course, if you plan to travel by plane, you may have some trouble transporting vaporizer batteries. You can always buy a new battery when you arrive, but if you want to avoid the trouble, try opting for another portable dosing option: Delta-8-THC edibles.

Some edibles are individually packaged, which makes them the perfect option for travel. Even a bottle of Delta-8-THC gummies offers the convenience of pre-measured doses, so there's no need to measure any sticky tinctures or worry about leaks or messes.

Vida Optima Indica Delta-8-THC vape cart, a portable dosing product that's great for travelling.

Keep in mind that edibles can take an hour or more to take effect and can last 4 hours or more, so you'll need to make sure you time your doses appropriately.

At Vida Optima, we have a wide selection of products that are 100% Farm Bill compliant, so they are legal in any state where Delta-8 is legal. Whether you want to carry Delta-8 with you or have it shipped directly to your vacation destination, you'll likely find something that meets your needs in our Delta-8-THC collection.

Conclusion: Can You Travel with Delta-8-THC?

The overall consensus is that it is generally okay to travel with Delta-8, provided the hemp-derivative is legal in every area you'll visit or pass through.

You may need to do extra research if you plan to use public transportation, and you'll need to be mindful of TSA regulations and the specific rules set by your airline if you plan to take Delta-8 on a plane.

Ultimately, Delta-8-THC may provide the vacation boost you seek, and there are a variety of product types that may fit the bill.


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