What Makes CBD Legal to Ship Under U.S. Federal Law?
Under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the “2018 Farm Bill”), “hemp” is federally legal. That includes hemp-derived cannabinoids like CBD if:
- Delta-9 THC content is at or below 0.3% on a dry-weight basis
- The product is produced under a state or tribal hemp program approved by USDA
- The product is not marijuana (cannabis with >0.3% delta-9 THC)
Important FDA note: The FDA has stated CBD cannot be marketed as a dietary supplement or added to food in interstate commerce. While enforcement has been selective, brands should avoid disease claims and ensure labels are truthful and not misleading.
CBD Shipping Laws in the U.S.: The Big Picture
Federally, hemp-derived CBD can move across state lines. But state laws and product categories matter. Some states restrict ingestible CBD (gummies, beverages), require specific labeling or testing, or ban certain cannabinoids.
Practically, compliant brands can ship CBD domestically if they follow federal rules, honor stricter state requirements at the destination, and comply with the carrier’s service guide.
Carrier-by-Carrier Guide: CBD Courier Policies
Always check the latest carrier service guides before shipping. Policies can change without much notice.
USPS (United States Postal Service)
- Allows mailing hemp-derived CBD products that are federally legal (<=0.3% delta-9 THC).
- Mailers no longer need to present documentation at the counter, but should retain records (e.g., COA, licenses) in case of inquiry (Publication 52 guidance).
- All other postal rules apply (hazmat, packaging, age restrictions where relevant).
UPS
- Permits shipments of hemp-derived CBD products that comply with federal and applicable state laws.
- Prohibits marijuana and shipments in violation of state or local law.
- May require additional verification and reserves the right to refuse shipments from or to certain locations.
FedEx
- Historically has restricted hemp and CBD shipments in its Service Guide.
- Because FedEx policies evolve, verify the current stance directly before shipping CBD via FedEx.
DHL
- Has allowed certain domestic shipments of hemp-derived CBD that comply with federal and state law.
- Typically requires that packaging and labels do not identify the contents as CBD on the exterior.
Tip: Keep a “carrier compliance file” with current policy excerpts, your product COAs, and any licenses. This reduces delays if questions arise about courier policies.
State-Level Shipping Restrictions You Should Know
While many states broadly allow hemp-derived CBD, several maintain additional rules, especially for ingestibles and THC content. Examples include:
- Idaho: Historically strict; products must strictly comply with state definitions. Many brands avoid shipping ingestibles here without counsel.
- Hawaii, New York, and others: Specific labeling, testing, or registration rules for finished hemp products.
- Delta-8 and other intoxicating hemp cannabinoids: Widely restricted or banned in numerous states regardless of delta-9 THC level.
Action step: Maintain a destination “allow/avoid” list and update it quarterly. When in doubt, do not ship until you confirm local rules.
How to Ship CBD in the U.S. (Step-by-Step)
Follow this practical workflow for mailing CBD compliantly and efficiently:
- Confirm product legality
- Hemp-derived, <=0.3% delta-9 THC (COA from an ISO-accredited or state-approved lab).
- No disease or drug claims on labeling, website, or inserts.
- Check destination rules
- Confirm the product category (topical vs. ingestible) is allowed at the destination.
- Validate any special state requirements (labeling, age-gating, potency caps).
- Choose a carrier
- Verify the carrier’s latest CBD policy and service guide.
- Decide on adult signature if your risk policy requires age verification.
- Prepare documentation
- Retain COAs matching the lot in the box.
- Keep your hemp program registration/license and supplier attestations on file.
- Package and label
- Use robust packaging; avoid odor transfer and leaks.
- Include compliant product label and scannable link/QR to the COA.
- Do not mark the outer box as “CBD.”
- Ship and track
- Use trackable services and keep shipping records for at least two years.
- Document any carrier holds and your responses.
If you’re mailing cbd for the first time, ship a small test batch to friendly destinations to validate your SOP before scaling.
CBD Shipping Laws Abroad: International Rules at a Glance
International CBD shipping is complex. Many countries treat CBD as a controlled cannabis product, require import permits, or restrict ingestibles. Highlights:
- Canada: CBD is regulated as cannabis. Imports require Health Canada authorization; consumer shipments are not permitted.
- United Kingdom: CBD is permitted if compliant; ingestibles must meet FSA rules. Imports for resale require documentation.
- European Union: Varies by country; 0.2% THC is common, but “novel food” rules restrict ingestibles without authorization.
- Australia: Prescription-only pathways are common; imports need TGA permits.
- Japan: Only zero-THC CBD from permitted plant parts; strict documentation required.
- Mexico and others: Import permits often required; enforcement can be inconsistent.
Bottom line: Do not ship CBD internationally without local legal counsel and an import-compliant partner. Customs seizures, fines, and returns are common where shipping restrictions are unclear.
Experience: How One Brand Fixed Their Shipments
In 2023, “River & Root Botanicals,” a small U.S. CBD brand, saw repeated holds on two routes: to Hawaii and to a Midwest state with stricter ingestible rules.
They solved it by:
- Switching to topicals for those destinations while they validated ingestible rules.
- Adding QR codes that linked to batch COAs and hemp program numbers.
- Standardizing discreet outer packaging and enabling adult signature for higher-risk ZIP codes.
- Maintaining a single-page “CBD compliance packet” they could email to carrier reps on request.
Result: Hold rates dropped to near zero, and customer support tickets fell by 40% in those regions.
Documentation You Should Keep On File
- Certificates of Analysis (each lot, with lab accreditation noted)
- Supplier attestations and purchase records for hemp-derived inputs
- State program registration or licenses (yours or your manufacturer’s)
- Carrier policy snapshots (PDF/URL and date captured)
- Destination allow/avoid list, with rationale and last review date
Common Mistakes That Trigger Delays
- Shipping ingestible CBD into states that restrict it or require unique labels
- Missing or outdated COAs, or COAs that don’t match the lot in the box
- Outer packaging that calls out “CBD” or displays cannabis imagery
- Using a carrier whose current policy restricts CBD
- Making disease claims on marketing materials included in the package
CBD Shipping Laws: Quick Compliance Checklist
- Hemp-derived, <=0.3% delta-9 THC (verified by COA)
- Labels are truthful; no disease claims
- Destination rules checked for your product type
- Carrier policy verified this quarter
- COA and records retained; packaging is discreet and secure
Practical FAQs (Accordion)
Can I mail CBD with USPS?
Yes, if it’s hemp-derived and <=0.3% delta-9 THC, and complies with federal and state laws. You don’t need to present documentation at the counter, but retain COAs and program records in case USPS requests them.
Is it legal to ship CBD across state lines?
Federally, yes, for hemp-derived CBD. However, some states restrict ingestibles or certain cannabinoids. Always check destination rules before shipping.
Do I need special paperwork to ship CBD?
Keep COAs for each lot, any hemp program registrations, and supplier attestations. Carriers may ask for proof of compliance. Include compliant labels and match COAs to the shipped lot.
Can I ship CBD internationally?
Proceed with extreme caution. Many countries require import permits or prohibit CBD, especially ingestibles. Work with local counsel and an import-licensed distributor before attempting cross-border shipping.
Should I use adult signature on delivery?
Not always required, but it reduces misdelivery risk and supports age-gating policies. Many brands use adult signature for ingestibles or higher-value orders.
Conclusion
With the right SOPs, cbd shipping laws don’t have to be a roadblock. Verify product legality, respect state-level shipping restrictions, align with current courier policies, and keep airtight documentation. That’s how you ship steadily—and sleep better.