Holidays to certain countries require careful packing as items could be illegal there that are acceptable in the UK. One such article that can cause complications is CBD (cannabidiol) oil. An estimated 300,000 people use it in the UK but it’s advisable to think twice before travelling with it in your hand luggage, even if it does help settle pre-flight nerves. CBD oil is banned in some countries so it’s best to check restrictions ahead of travel.
“While CBD is legal here – as opposed to cannabis or its main psychoactive component, THC – rules around the world differ and are constantly changing,” Rich Quelch, Global Head of Marketing at Lifestyle Packaging, told Express.co.uk.
“For example, in New Zealand and Australia, you can’t buy CBD products over the counter.
“Officials will only let you through if you can show you have been prescribed CBD by a doctor and don’t have more than three month’s supply.”
Quelch added: “Some CBD oil contains higher amounts of THC than others.
“Before you travel, review its ingredients (it should be below 0.3 per cent) and print out its lab report, in case you need to show officials.”
To play it safe and avoid running into trouble it may be worth leaving the CBD oil at home.
Some countries are changing their rules, however. The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced last month that passengers can now fly with some forms of CBD oil and one hemp-derived medication approved by the FDA.
Other items people might pack in their hand luggage can cause confusion under the liquid restrictions.
Some foodstuffs might not strike you as counting as a liquid but they actually do.
For instance, soft cheese can melt and therefore turn into a liquid – so airport security counts it as such.
Such soft cheeses include brie, camembert, goat’s cheese, cream cheese and more.
Holidaymakers are much better off packing any soft cheeses in their hold luggage to avoid confiscation.
Fortunately, hard cheese is not a problem and can travel in your hand luggage if necessary.
Spreads such as peanut butter, marmite and Nutella also count as liquids – so you can only pack under 100ml of the stuff in hand luggage or it will be taken off you.
In fact, London City Airport security has revealed Marmite is their most confiscated branded food item.
There was a 50 per cent uplift in passengers trying to take marmite through in the first three months of 2019. If this trend continues, London City Airport is set to seize over 2,000 jars this year alone.
