So, you’ve got your suitcase packed, your favorite music is curated into the best playlist of your career, and accompanying you, the perfect 7g for you and your friends to embrace the chill beach vibes you’ve been craving all Winter. You look down at your plane tickets and stop, “wait can i even bring weed on the plane?” and you wouldn’t be alone in that confusion. Here’s the entire playbook of the do’s and don’ts of travelling with cannabis as a Canadian.
Where Can I Go With Cannabis?
The sky’s the limit! Unless it’s the border or any place outside the Great White North. You can travel anywhere in Canada with Cannabis! Carrying cannabis into any other country, legal or not, is strictly prohibited. You could face criminal charges and in some cases, be banned from that country altogether!
Visiting our friends in the south? Take extra precautions
With recent political events that we are not qualified to talk about here, it wouldn’t hurt to be extra careful while crossing the southern border. US law states that if you admit to or if evidence shows that you have ever consumed cannabis, you can be denied entry and even receive a lifetime ban.
In possession of any cannabis or not, they have every right to detain you and your belongings, search through your phone, and question you. If evidence is found that you have ever sold, purchased, consumed, or even visited a dispensary, you can be turned away and receive a lifetime ban.
With security being beefed up and these “random” searches becoming more and more frequent, some Canadians are opting to use a burner phone when visiting America. Instead of deleting every selfie of you enjoying a smoke on your morning walk or that pic memorializing your awesome rolling skills, this might be something to consider.
Can I Fly With Cannabis?
Yes! You can travel by air with cannabis anywhere in Canada. Canadian law states that you can fly with up to or the equivalence of 30g of dried cannabis in your carry-on or checked baggage. There’s a few things to note though; you have to be of legal age to possess in the province you plan on visiting, and it must be packaged and sealed.
Travelling Via the Pineapple Express?
Canada’s Via Rail allows you to carry cannabis in your carry on and checked baggage so you can really enhance and take in those scenic views. There is still no smoking or vaping allowed on the train, so maybe consider some yummy treats to bring along for the ride!
Cruising Down the Open Road More Your Style?
Feel free to keep your stash on you for that scenic road trip, just make sure it’s not in arms reach. All cannabis products must be kept sealed in its original packaging and unable to access by you or any backseat drivers while driving. This rule can vary from province to province so do your research! Some provinces require all cannabis to be kept sealed away in the trunk and you can face very hefty fines if caught lacking.
Pro Tips for a Chill Trip
- Leave it behind – If you’re headed somewhere where cannabis is already legal, just shop over there! I promise you, not even the best quads in the world are worth a lifetime ban and criminal charges.
Double-check your bag – We’ve all had those times when looking through our bags and we find a surprise spare joint. While usually a very pleasant surprise, TSA agents and border security will not share that joy with you.
Canada’s cannabis laws are among the friendliest in the world—but that doesn’t mean it’s a free-for-all. Staying informed is the best way to enjoy your travel plans and your cannabis safely and legally.
So go ahead, explore the Great White North, soak up the scenery, and enjoy your trip—just keep it legal, folks!