Flying with CBD Oil to Mexico
CBD (short for cannabidiol) derived from the hemp plant is legal in the United States. In May 2019, it became legal to fly domestically in the USA with with hemp-derived CBD oil and CBD oil products containing no more than 0.3% THC (short for tetrahydrocannabinol) under TSA’s medical marijuana policy.
Since hemp-derived CBD products are legal in the United States and TSA allows you to travel with hemp-derived CBD products, can you bring your hemp-derived CBD products purchased in the United States into Mexico? The short answer is no. Below, we share why.
TSA's Policy + Mexico
TSA’s policy only applies when you are traveling with CBD oil and other CBD products across states lines within the United States, not across country borders. This means TSA’s policy does not apply to international travel (when you cross a country border), such as traveling from the United States to Mexico or to any other country.
Mexico's Travel Rules + CBD
CBD products containing less than 1% THC are legal to purchase in Mexico. Even though CBD, including CBD oil, is legal in Mexico, traveling with CBD products purchased outside of Mexico into Mexico is not allowed.
According to the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico, “it is illegal to bring into Mexico some over-the-counter medicines commonly used in the United States, including inhalers and some allergy and sinus medications…” including cannabis, cannabis extracts and tinctures, cannabis oil and cannabis resin.
Airports in Mexico likewise have rules that restrict cannabis products including CBD-only products. For example, customs security for Los Cabos airport has a list of permitted and not permitted items in Mexico, and “cannabis products including CBD-Only products are not permitted.“
Does Mexico's Travel Restriction for Cannabis Include Hemp?
It sure does. While the Mexico travel restrictions on cannabis do not mention hemp and refer only to cannabis and CBD-only products, the hemp plant is technically a cannabis plant and is likewise restricted.
Summing It Up
While you can’t travel with your CBD product purchased in the United States into Mexico, the upside is that you can purchase CBD with less than 1% THC while you’re in Mexico.
If you’re planning a trip to Mexico, do some research in advance to learn if your specific destination in Mexico has CBD for sale and where. Depending where in Mexico you’re going, CBD or your particular type of CBD product may or may not be available or as easily accessible.
The information provided in this post is for general, information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided is current as of the time this post was written, but the laws and regulations of Mexico may change in the future. You should always do your own independent research, including, but not limited to, contacting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Customs and Border Control, customs services for Mexico and/or the airline in Mexico to learn if they have up-to-date information on traveling with hemp-derived CBD from the United States to Mexico.
