People who use CBD products to treat conditions like chronic pain, depression, Alzheminer’s, anxiety and epilepsy can now bring certain hemp-based substances onto airplanes. 

The Transportation Security Administration recently changed its previously policy, which banned passengers carrying any form of cannabidiol from boarding commercial flights.

“Products/medications that contain hemp-derived CBD are approved by the FDA are legal as long as it is produced within the regulations defined by the law under the Agriculture Improvement Act of  2018,” the policy says.

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the 2018 Farm Bill, legalized the selling of consumer products that stem from hemp. This means that any extract of the plant, such as the leaf or flowering top, can be legally used as long as the THC content remains at 0.3 percent or less.

Though the change is promising, the law remains somewhat murky, since some cannabidiol-based products containing certain levels of THC still won’t be allowed on airplanes. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main active ingredient of cannabis. 

The substance produces the high that is often associated with recreational marijuana.

The TSA didn’t specify how exactly it would test for THC levels, but it remained firm on its stance regarding the recreational form of the drug. 

“Possession of marijuana and certain cannabis infused products, including some Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, remain illegal under federal law,” the law states.

The federal agency also said its employees won’t specifically search passengers for the possession of marijuana or other illegal drugs, but anyone caught carrying them could face some legal trouble. 

“TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but if any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, the TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer,” the agency says.

The policy change is great news for CBD supporters who say the substance provides relief for various ailments. 

CBD, or cannabidiol, comes from the cannabis sativa plant. The naturally-occurring chemical is used in products like topical creams, oils and edibles. Though it comes from the same source as recreational marijuana, CBD is non-psychoactive and non-addictive. CBD is just one of many phytocannabinoids derived by the cannabis plant, and it’s been shown to help people suffering with anxiety, inflammation, depression, chronic pain and more.

Cannabis sativa has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of ailments. Mounting scientific research patient testimonials are drawing attention to CBD for its beneficial properties.