Can You Mail CBD Oil?

Considering that in today’s market a considerable portion of consumers prefers to shop online, as a seller of CBD oil, you’re likely either using or have considered e-commerce. If so, there’s no doubt you’ve asked yourself the question — Can you mail CBD oil? Can you use daily mail to send your CBD?

The cannabis laws In the United States are complex, which is why restrictions on what is safe and legal to ship can be confusing. If you’ve ever felt dumbfounded on sending concentrates in the mail, you’re not alone. While hemp CBD is fully legal under federal law, there is still confusion on what can be shipped across state lines.

For those buying and selling hemp CBD oil through the mail, complying with Postal Service regulations and U.S. laws is always crucial. Answering the question — Can you mail CBD oil? — is even more so today, as the U.S. and the world continue to watch confirmed cases of the pandemic grow. Those who use hemp CBD oil for self-care and wellness want to know they can still have access to the products they need.

CBD Oil Law in the U.S.

Before diving into whether sending concentrates in the mail is okay, first, a few facts to know about hemp CBD in the U.S.

Cannabidiol or CBD is legal to purchase online as long as it is hemp-derived, which means it comes from cannabis plants that contain less than 0.3 percent of THC. That’s the compound that offers the euphoric feeling. Hemp-derived CBD oil has little to no amounts of THC and therefore it is a non-intoxicating substance.

Hemp was made legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Which removed its designation as a Schedule I federally controlled substance and instead deemed hemp an agricultural commodity. This new designation allows for the domestic commercial production of hemp and placed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in charge of regulating hemp-derived products.

Guidelines to Mail Hemp CBD Oil in the U.S.

So since hemp-derived CBD oil is legal, is it okay to send CBD oil in the mail?

In short, yes — it is arguably legal to ship CBD oil and fly with CBD oil.

The U.S. Postal Service updated its policy related to mailing hemp CBD in June 2019. After receiving numerous inquiries from both businesses and consumers looking to use its services to ship CBD across state lines, they updated their “Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail” policy.

According to the Postal Service’s updated hemp CBD guidelines, individuals and businesses that want to ship hemp CBD concentrates in the mail are allowed to do so provided they follow a handful of guidelines.

If you want to legally mail CBD oil in the U.S.:

• The hemp-based CBD products that are shipped must not exceed a THC concentration of more than 0.3 percent.
• Whether you’re an individual or business, you must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws related to hemp production, processing, distribution, and sales. Some states have decided to pass their own hemp CBD policies, so it’s important to review the laws in your state and the laws of the state you’re shipping to.
• You need to retain any records that show that you’re in compliance with such laws. This can laboratory test results of the CBD products you’re mailing, licenses, or compliance reports. Hold onto these records for at least 2 years after the date of mailing.
• You should have a signed self-certification statement, subject to the False Statements Act. The statement needs to be printed on your own letterhead, signed by the mailer, and must include the following text: “I certify that all information furnished in this letter and supporting documents are accurate, truthful, and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information or omits information relating to this certification may be subject to criminal and/or civil penalties, including fines or imprisonment.”

You’re not going to be asked to show any type of laboratory or licensing documentation when you go to mail a package containing CBD oil. However, down the road, the government may request them so you want to be sure you’ve held on to anything that demonstrates that it’s legal to ship the CBD products you’re mailing and they’re going to a place that allows CBD delivery.

Private couriers like UPS, FedEx, and DHL can also ship CBD oil to your customers across the U.S. DHL requires that any hemp-related shipments be mailed in a box free of branding or labeling. Just as when using the USPS, you need to make sure that you’re abiding by state and federal regulations.

Considerations When Shipping CBD Across State Lines

Even with the federal legalization of hemp and hemp CBD products, when it comes to shipping CBD products across state lines, there are some considerations to keep in mind.

First, the FDA has yet to solidify guidelines for packaging and shipping CBD products. So whether local or state officials can prohibit or restrict the delivery of CBD oil and whether special parcel packaging or shipping protocols are needed has yet to be officially determined.

Second, while the 2018 Farm Bill now permits hemp and hemp CBD products nationwide. It does not supersede state or local laws. Much like some local municipalities have laws prohibiting alcohol sales, cities and states can restrict the sale of hemp and hemp products like CBD oil within their borders.

There have also been some cases of what U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell has referred to as “glitches” in the hemp provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill. For example, Idaho state police confiscated a truckload of hemp being transported across state lines in 2019. In response, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reiterated that states cannot interfere with the interstate transportation of hemp, even if their respective state government has yet to legalize it.

Once the 2018 Farm Bill is fully implemented and the FDA releases its CBD guidelines, the USPS plans to further amend its policy on the transport of hemp and hemp-based products, according to the June 2019 bulletin. The requirements and rules for shipping CBD oil across state lines are expected to change.

Guidelines to Mail CBD Oil Internationally

International hemp CBD shipping rules are often more restrictive than U.S. policy. If you do plan to send hemp CBD oil out of the U.S., do some research on the country you are shipping it to. Some countries have evolving laws, varying in different restrictions and allowances. Check out the USPS individual country listing for guidelines on the spot you are shipping the CBD oil.

Have you ever wondered, “can I ship to Canada?” If you are curious about whether you can mail hemp CBD oil to Canada there is a clear answer. No, unless you have been permitted to do so. Even though Canada became the second country in the world to legalize recreational cannabis, they have strict rules on importing any cannabis.

According to the  Canada Border Services Agency, “transporting cannabis across the border in any form – including any oils containing THC or cannabidiol (CBD) – without a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada remains a serious criminal offence subject to arrest and prosecution, despite the legalization of cannabis in Canada.”

Find more about gaining authorization from Health Canada.

Finding a Source of Quality CBD Oil

The best way to ensure the hemp CBD oil you are sending is going to meet the U.S. restrictions is by knowing your CBD source. Whether you are looking for wholesale CBD for your business or purchasing hemp CBD oil for personal use, HempMeds® has become one of the most well-known and trusted CBD hemp companies in the world.

By specializing in the distribution of an extensive range of cutting-edge hemp-derived CBD products, and applying a rigorous safety-tested standard to each hemp product. You can feel safe that HempMeds® CBD products meet the less than 0.3% THC requirements needed for legally shipping CBD oil across state lines.

With a track record of excellence, HempMeds® has earned its reputation as the undisputed leader in manufacturing and distributing hemp-derived CBD products. All this paired with unmatched service and a dedicated support team is what makes HempMeds® the best choice for your business.

More on Hemp and CBD

Visit our education page to get more guidance on CBD for business and to learn more about hemp-derived CBD and the benefits of CBD products.

 

Disclaimer: The information in this guide is for educational purposes only and is based on our personal opinions and interpretation of the law. If you have questions regarding your specific situation with shipping CBD oil, we recommend that you reach out to your own legal counsel.