In the last week, a few countries (including Portugal) were added to the ‘green list’ meaning that Brits were able to travel there for a holiday, without quarantining on your return. 

But, can your CBD come on holiday with you?

After what feels like more than a year, some holidays abroad are back on and we can now travel to sunnier climes again. From the list of around a dozen countries and territories where travel won’t involve quarantine, either on arrival there, or upon return to the UK,  One of these destinations is Portugal and it looks like Portugal is going to be the top choice for a beach break in the sun.

Already a popular with British tourists, bookings for Portugal and its other regions like the Azores and Madeira have skyrocketed by 1,300% since the government announced the new travel rules.

But before you have to choose between dinner "al fresco" or a bbq on the beach, you need to know whether or not you can take your trusty CBD along with you.

Can I take any CBD to Portugal?

It is understandable that once you've started to enjoy the benefits of taking your CBD, that being on holiday does not want you to stop using it - no matter where you are.

From the UK, you’ll be able to fly with CBD oils, CBD capsules, etc. in your hand luggage as long as you follow the rules for taking liquids onboard (maximum 100ml, in a clear plastic bag etc.)

When it comes to cannabis, Portugal has been one of the most progressive countries in the world. In 2001, it became the first country in the world to decriminalise the possession of small amounts of drugs, any type of drug - (according to statistics, it was an overwhelming success).

Whoa There! That doesn’t mean you should throw your CBD oil in your carry-on just yet.

Portuguese law states that CBD products can be used freely without a prescription as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC and is labelled as a food supplement. Anything with a higher concentration of the psychoactive compound will need to be medicinal and require a prescription.

Hemprove's CBD oils are sold as food supplements and certified to contain less than 0.2% THC, so on paper, you should be safe… but there’s still a chance you’ll be asked for a doctor’s prescription.

So, what do we advise? If you’re not prepared to potentially lose your CBD, leave it at home whilst on holiday. If you want to take the risk, make sure you take the item’s packaging with you - the extra information may be enough to save you from a grilling by local customs officers, or border control.

Can you buy CBD in Portugal?

Like in the UK, you can buy CBD products (with less than 0.2% THC) from shops without a prescription. 

If you don’t finish the product, legally, you shouldn't have a problem bringing it home with you. But again, if the prospect of being interrogated in broken English terrifies you, then best leave it in the bin in the hotel, or apartment.

What about Gibraltar, Iceland and other green list destinations?

The rules, for traveling to these destinations are...

• Gibraltar - CBD can be used and bought from health stores and pharmacies as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC. Verdict: See Portugal above.
• Iceland - The Icelandic Medicines Agency considers CBD illegal (except when used as a prescribed medicine or the product is certified to contain zero THC). Verdict: Not worth the risk.
• Israel - Bit of a grey area this one. CBD is functionally legal in the country but can only be bought from trained pharmacists. Verdict: Not worth the risk.
• Australia - CBD is classified under prescription-only medicines and is only available through the Medical Cannabis Program. Verdict: Not worth the risk.

In reality, it's probably not worth the risk, not every border or custom's officer will be up to speed on CBD, you may find your arrival in warmer climes starts with a sniffer dog paying close attention to you and a burley customs officer snapping on the rubber gloves and inviting you into a side room for closer inspection!