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Thanks to its uplifting, relaxing effects, it's no wonder that traveling with Delta-8-THC is enticing. If you’re gearing up for a luxury float on the waters, you may be wondering “Can I bring Delta-8 on a cruise?”
You’re right to be concerned–the rules on traveling with Delta-8 are nuanced. In the case of taking Delta-8 on a cruise ship, you have to consider both the laws on international waters, as well as the cruise line’s Delta-8 policies.
Before you load your suitcase with your favorite D8 products, let’s dig into the nuances to help answer an important question–is Delta-8 legal on cruises or not?
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Table of Contents
Why Would I Want to Travel With Delta-8?
Is It Legal to Take Delta-8 on a Cruise?
Clarifying Cruise Line Policy
What Happens if I Take Delta-8 on a Cruise Ship Anyway?
Why Cruise Lines Prohibit Delta-8
Other Laws for Traveling with Delta-8
Tips for Traveling with Delta-8
Best Delta-8-THC Products for Travel
Conclusion: Can You Take Delta-8 on a Cruise?
FAQ
There are plenty of reasons why you may consider taking Delta-8-THC on a cruise. 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 a legal and accessible option.
That's especially true if you come from an area where Delta-9 is legal, since there are sometimes serious penalties for traveling 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.)
However, Delta-8 isn’t right for every situation, and taking it on a cruise is one area where the laws and regulations get sticky. Let’s take a look:
Taking Delta-8-THC on a cruise ship is a tricky 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.
Let’s take a closer look at different cruise lines and their specific policies:
It's a common misconception that because Delta-8 THC is federally legal, it can be brought on cruise ships. However, most cruise lines have strict policies that prohibit Delta-8 and other cannabis-derived products on board, regardless of their legal status on land.
Carnival enforces a strict no-cannabis policy. If passengers are found with Delta-8 THC, they may face fines up to $500, be removed from the ship, and be responsible for their own transportation home.
Royal Caribbean adheres to U.S. federal law, which bans recreational and medicinal marijuana, including Delta-8 THC. Passengers caught with these substances can incur fines, be disembarked, and face a lifetime ban from the cruise line.
Norwegian Cruise Line also follows federal guidelines, banning all forms of cannabis products, including Delta-8 THC. Violators can expect fines, removal from the ship, and a ban on future cruises.
Celebrity Cruises prohibits all cannabis products. Passengers who violate this policy can be fined, removed from the ship, and permanently banned from sailing with the company again.
Disney Cruise Line maintains a zero-tolerance policy for cannabis products, including Delta-8 THC. Passengers found with such items may face fines, be disembarked, and banned from future cruises.
Overlooking these policies can lead to serious consequences, including disciplinary action and permanent bans from the cruise line. Always check the specific rules of your cruise line before traveling with Delta-8 THC. If you're unsure, it’s safest to leave Delta-8 at home.
Taking Delta-8 THC on a cruise ship against the cruise line's policies can result in severe consequences. Each cruise line has specific regulations and penalties for passengers caught with prohibited substances, including Delta-8 THC.
Here’s what you might face:
Cruise lines take these matters very seriously, and the best course of action is to adhere to their policies. If you are unsure about the regulations regarding Delta-8 THC or other substances, it’s always best to contact the cruise line directly for clarification before your trip.
It might be surprising that cruise lines prohibit Delta-8 THC even though it’s legal in many U.S. states. However, the rationale is clear: cruise ships navigate international waters and must comply with a complex web of international regulations, ensuring all passengers adhere to these diverse legal standards.
Federally, Delta-8 THC occupies a gray area in U.S. law. The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp-derived Delta-8 THC from the list of controlled substances, provided it contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.
However, this federal leniency doesn’t extend to international waters or override private company policies. Cruise lines must prioritize international laws and their own stringent policies over U.S. federal regulations.
Cruise lines prohibit substances like Delta-8 THC onboard due to significant safety and legal risks. Key reasons for their strict policies include:
As you consider whether you should take Delta-8 on a cruise, you also need to consider the Delta-8-THC laws that will affect your entire trip.
(For a full list of Delta-8-THC laws by state, read "Where is Delta-8-THC Legal?")
You’ll have to transport Delta-8 by car or plane to reach your cruise destination. Keep in mind that the laws may apply differently depending on your method of travel:
If you're traveling 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.
When traveling 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?"
Public Transportation laws may be different than the general laws for the states you're traveling 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 traveling through 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.
Here are some tips to help you successfully and safely travel with your Delta-8 products of choice:
If there are implications that prevent you from safely traveling 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 a Delta-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.
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.
In short, taking Delta-8 THC on a cruise is not allowed. Despite its legal status in many U.S. states, cruise lines enforce strict no-cannabis policies due to international regulations, safety concerns, and the need for consistent enforcement.
Violating these policies can result in fines, confiscation, removal from the ship, and even permanent bans. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience, it's best to leave Delta-8 THC at home.
The legality of taking Delta-8 on a cruise ship depends on the laws of the departure and arrival ports, as well as the cruise line's policies. Most cruise lines prohibit substances that are not federally legal, and Delta-8's legal status varies by location.
Royal Caribbean's policy generally prohibits substances that are not federally legal in the United States. Since Delta-8's legality varies by state and country, it is likely not permitted on Royal Caribbean ships.
Traveling with Delta-8 internationally is risky and often illegal. Many countries have strict regulations regarding cannabis and its derivatives, including Delta-8. It is important to check the specific laws of your destination country.
Flying with Delta-8 can be problematic due to varying state and federal laws. While some states in the U.S. allow Delta-8, it is not federally legal, and airport security adheres to federal regulations. It's best to avoid carrying Delta-8 when flying.
Yes, dogs can smell Delta-8. Trained drug-sniffing dogs can detect cannabis and its derivatives, including Delta-8 THC.
The legality of Delta-8 in international waters is ambiguous and generally depends on the flag state of the vessel. However, most cruise lines and shipping companies adhere to international regulations and the laws of the countries they visit, which often prohibit Delta-8.
The legality of Delta-8 varies widely by country. Some countries have legalized cannabis and its derivatives, while others strictly prohibit them. It is essential to research the specific laws of each country regarding Delta-8.
Delta-8's legal status in Mexico is unclear and can be risky for tourists. While Mexico has decriminalized small amounts of cannabis for personal use, the regulations around Delta-8 are not well-defined. It is advisable to avoid bringing Delta-8 to Mexico.
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