Beta-caryophyllene (BCP) is a compound found naturally in a wide range of plants and is consistently present in our daily diet. It’s already showing great potential for treating conditions like pain, chronic inflammation, and anxiety.
So, if you’re using Beta-caryophyllene, you may have questions about its legal status, both at home and abroad (if you’re planning to travel with it).
This question comes up a lot because BCP is often compared to CBD due to its many similarities. And here’s the good news—BCP is generally legal worldwide and safe to travel with. This is in contrast to CBD, which is widely regulated and completely illegal in some parts of the world.
Let’s get into the details for a complete picture of relevant regulations associated with BCP products.
The Legal Status of Beta-Caryophyllene
Natural Health Products
Products containing BCP, whether in an extract (e.g. black pepper) or in a purified (but natural) form, are classified as “Natural Health Products”. Natural Health Products are regulated in most countries; however, because of the ‘Traditional Medicine’ history, natural products carry a presumption of being safe. That being said, our traditional use of these products has also led to a substantial list that are poison in nature. We know these are to be avoided, and a few that must be used with utmost care.
Natural Health Product regulations apply strictly at the manufacturing and selling stages. In Canada, that also means the product must have a Natural Product Number (NPN) on the label, reflecting that the product is approved for sale in Canada.
FDA Status
In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given beta-caryophyllene the status of Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS), which regulators worldwide recognize and reference. This presumption of safety is based on the fact that the natural product, in some form or other, has been a part of the human food chain dating back into antiquity.
How Sourcing Affects Legality
Even though BCP itself is legal, how it is sourced can also determine its legality in some places. While it’s always safest to get naturally sourced BCP products, that may not always be the easiest option, so here are details on how sourcing affects the legality of BCP products:
Naturally Sourced Beta-Caryophyllene
BCP products—derived from natural sources like cloves, black pepper, basil, rosemary, oregano, cinnamon, etc.—are considered legal across the US and in most other countries. That’s a big win, making them a lot less complicated to use and carry around, especially when traveling.
Hemp-Derived Beta-Caryophyllene
Beta-caryophyllene can also be derived from hemp (the same species as marijuana) which contains very low levels of THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis). In most places, products derived from hemp, including those containing beta-caryophyllene, are legal as long as they comply with relevant regulations regarding the maximum THC content allowed. Each US state’s laws vary, but for the most part, products with a THC level under 0.3% are legal to purchase and use, while in other states, there are no restrictions at all. It’s best to check your local state’s regulations, though, because they can vary and are constantly changing.
Cannabis-Derived Beta-Caryophyllene
At the federal level, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. If the beta-caryophyllene in a product is derived from cannabis, its legality would depend on the cannabis laws of the specific jurisdiction. If you want to avoid any connection to cannabis, it’s best not to purchase a product that states on the label anything about THC content.
Currently, 24 U.S. states have legalized adult-use (recreational) cannabis in some form, with 38 states legalizing the use of cannabis for medical purposes.
If you want to avoid any connection to cannabis and possible legal issues, it’s best to purchase BCP products that are naturally sourced and hence legal instead.
Guidelines for Traveling with Beta-Caryophyllene
Ok, so can you travel with BCP? This is a common question mostly because we know that CBD can be heavily regulated in many places, and so it’s not always safe to travel with. The good news is that BCP is legal in most places, so it’s safe to take on your travels!
Since beta-caryophyllene is on the FDA’s nice list as GRAS, you have nothing to worry about when traveling with naturally sourced BCP in the United States—even Canada. But what about when you’re crossing borders beyond these countries?
Here are a couple of tips to guide you through:
- Terpenes do not generally attract any attention or regulations unless they’re extracted from cannabis, so it’s best to travel with naturally sourced BCP products. Definitely avoid bringing cannabis-derived BCP to countries where cannabis-derived products are banned.
- Always carry BCP products in its original packaging. This helps customs officials understand exactly what you’re bringing into their country.
- BCP isn’t a red flag, but it’s best to only carry as much as you need so that it clearly looks like it’s for personal use.
- If you’re unsure, consult legal experts or relevant authorities to avoid potential legal issues.
Takeaway
In conclusion, the legality of traveling with beta-caryophyllene or products containing it really comes down to various factors including its source, concentration, and the laws of the country you’re traveling to.
If you’re carrying BCP in its isolated form (without CBD or THC), you’re in the clear, provided you’re following the guidelines highlighted above. If not, always check the laws of the state/country you’re traveling to.