Can You Bring Delta 8 on a Cruise? Sailing With Serenity
Delta 8 has become a welcome addition to the cannabis industry over the past few years, especially since its status as a hemp-derived product has made it widely accessible and legal across the country - regardless of state marijuana laws.
This is due to a bit of a legal loophole: the 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC, meaning that Delta 8 and other cannabinoid products derived from hemp became legal pretty much everywhere. Since then, some states have reeled it in with more regulations, but Delta 8 still remains highly accessible across most states.
If you’re planning a maritime excursion, you may be wondering if Delta 8 can reserve a spot in your suitcase. Because of the complex legal situation surrounding Delta 8 in certain states (and in international waters), we suggest kicking back and getting all the information you need before embarking on an ocean adventure.
Key Takeaways
- The legal accessibility of Delta 8 varies by state, with some states specifically outlawing it, so be cautious before bringing it on a cruise.
- Cruise lines generally have strict policies against cannabis, including Delta 8, and consequences for passengers caught with these substances can range from fines to disembarkation and legal repercussions.
- Different cruise lines, such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line, explicitly prohibit any illegal substances, including medical marijuana and Delta 8.
- The risks associated with bringing Delta 8 on a cruise depend on the cruise line's rules, departure location, ports visited, and whether the cruise enters international waters, where legal complexities may escalate.
Can You Bring Delta 8 on a Cruise?
While Delta 8 is technically legal on a federal level, it becomes a little tricky when considering entering international waters.
Not only do most cruise lines have strict guidelines that prohibit any cannabis, including Delta 8, but you could run into some real trouble if you were to cross into international waters where laws are even murkier.
Even if you stayed within federal borders, several states have specifically outlawed Delta 8 THC. You wouldn’t want to port in Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, New York, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Utah, or Washington.
Delta 8 and Cruise Line Policies
The risks involved in bringing Delta 8 can vary, as every cruise line has different rules.
Some may offer a slap on the wrist, while others could be forced to call law enforcement officers. It may also depend on where your cruise leaves from and ports throughout the trip, and whether you delve into international waters.
If you’re caught with Delta 8 or any other cannabinoid product on board, you may be disembarked, denied boarding, given fines and penalties, and, in the worst-case scenario, face serious legal repercussions on land.
Here are some of the best cruise lines’ policies surrounding cannabis:
Carnival Cruises
Here’s Carnival Cruises' official cannabis policy statement.
“Carnival recognizes that some states in the U.S. have fully legalized the use of recreational and/or medical marijuana. However, cruise lines are required to follow U.S. federal law, which strictly prohibits the possession and use of marijuana and other illegal, controlled substances. Since all cruise terminals in the U.S. are federal facilities, the terminals and our ships are drug-free zones.”
Norwegian Cruise Line
Here’s Norwegian Cruise Line’s official cannabis policy statement.
"No illegal drugs or other illegal substances including but not limited to medical marijuana are allowed onboard or may be utilized during a Norwegian Cruise Line holiday, including during transfers to and from ships, inside terminals, during shore excursions, or at our private island."
Royal Caribbean
Here’s Royal Caribbean’s official cannabis policy statement.
“In no event shall any Passenger bring on board the Vessel any illegal controlled substances (including medical marijuana). Marijuana possession and/or use, including medical marijuana, and possession or use of any illegal drugs, is strictly prohibited in many jurisdictions visited and on the Vessel at all times, as well as in terminals, during shore excursions, or any other part of the cruise, regardless of any local, state, or other laws which might permit use or possession of marijuana.”
Can You Take Delta 8 on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?
While Royal Caribbean does commit to wanting all their guests to have fun, they have strict guidelines concerning cannabis and other restricted substances. In policies and guest guidelines, Royal Caribbean takes a firm stance against any illegal substances, which includes cannabis in any form.
While you might not be able to bring Delta 8 onto your next cruise, there are alternatives that we’ll get into further below.
Navigating Through International Waters
Before setting sail on your cruise, remember that the legal waters get murkier once you escape the safety of domestic shores. In international waters, maritime law may play against you, putting you at risk for more serious consequences.
You may dock in a country with strict drug laws, and although Delta 8 is a breeze in many corners of the U.S., other legal systems might not be so forgiving, with consequences ranging from confiscation and penalties to arrests or disembarkment. At best, your wallet might see some damage, but at worst, you could even be facing jail time.
We suggest doing research ahead of your cruise, investigating the drug laws of the countries you’ll be visiting, and leaving your Delta 8 behind if you’re unsure about the legality at home or abroad.
Alternatives and Considerations to Taking Delta 8 on a Cruise
If embarking onto a cruise without your Delta 8 is a pain too great to bear, some alternatives offer relaxation without stepping too far into the boundaries of the confusing legal grey area. CBD is a starstudded option, being a widely legal cannabinoid that offers relaxing effects without psychoactive implications.
CBD oils, edibles, creams, and even vapes are widely available and accessible in dispensaries and online, making this the cannabinoid that’s the ticket to smooth sailing. Before embarking, make sure to double-check with your cruise line’s guidelines and make sure CBD is allowed.
If you’re taking the risk and bringing Delta 8 on board, there are precautionary measures to keep in mind. To get it on, you might want to discreetly pack it in with similar things, like toiletries or snacks. Keeping it air-tight helps ward off any potential smell, too.
Just in case, make sure to carry lab reports or Certificates of Analysis from your product. If you get caught (knock on wood), it might help prove your case surrounding the legality of Delta 8 products in federal waters. If you’re a medicinal consumer, having the proper certification is crucial.
If you’re on board with Delta 8, you’ll want to respect cruise line etiquette by familiarizing yourself with its policies, consuming discreetly and in designated areas, and avoiding it in public spaces, around children, or at inappropriate times. It might be best to keep and consume the stash in your room.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the legal complexities surrounding Delta 8 can be difficult between federal laws, international waters, and cruise line policies.
Most cruise lines prohibit the use of any cannabis product or other illegal substance, so your best choice might be to leave it at home. Alternatives like CBD may offer relaxation without breaching any laws or rules.
To make sure that your cruise is the best it can be, we suggest sticking to local and federal guidelines and respecting cruise line policies. If you do bring Delta 8 on a cruise, take precautionary measures and perform on-board etiquette to keep the risk factor down.
Where to Find Delta 8 products
If you’re looking for discreet and effective Delta 8 products, Mellow Fellow is the place.
The team behind Mellow Fellow is made of passionate intellects, Ph.D. chemists, pharmacists, and entrepreneurs who have joined hands to create some of the best hemp-derived cannabinoid products money can buy.
If you’re looking for discreet and delicious edibles that pack a punch, Mellow Fellow fills the craving with Delta 8 Strawberry Rings or Delta 8 Sour Worms, which seamlessly blend into your stash of non-cannabic cravings.
If the vape wave caught you, Mellow Fellow’s line of carts is top of the line. With strain options like Blueberry OG, Purple Punch, and such classics as Pineapple Express, you’re sure to find a terpene profile that works for you.
Delta 8 on a Cruise: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Legal Status of Delta 8 THC, and How Does it Differ from Delta 9 THC?
Delta 8 THC is federally legal due to its status as a hemp-derived cannabinoid under the 2018 Farm Bill. However, some states have implemented regulations and restrictions.
How Do Cruise Lines Generally React to Passengers Carrying Delta 8 THC?
Most cruise line policies prohibit the use of cannabis or any other controlled or restricted substance.
What are the Implications of Carrying Delta 8 THC While Sailing Through International Waters?
The potential consequences of being caught with Delta 8 in international waters can range from confiscation and fines to disembarkation and arrest.
What Alternatives Exist for Individuals Looking to Bring Delta 8 THC on a Cruise?
Non-restricted cannabis products, such as CBD, may be allowed on some cruise lines. However, it’s always best to check individual policies before embarking with a CBD product.
How Can Individuals Ensure They are Complying With All Laws and Regulations Regarding Delta 8 THC on Cruises?
Individuals can ensure they are complying with laws and regulations by informing themselves about local and federal laws, researching cruise line policies, and asking questions about any doubts surrounding Delta 8 THC to cruise line customer support agents.
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