Travelling with cannabis can be a tricky topic for many travellers. While the recreational use of cannabis has been legalized in a few countries, there are still various rules and regulations to keep in mind while flying with weed in Canada.

 

The Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (THiA) recently studied Canadians aged 18–60 about travelling with marijuana. According to the organization, your age plays a large part in the level of awareness you may have when travelling with marijuana:

 

  • 20% of Canadians going on vacation don’t know about what marijuana products they can carry, their quantities, and consumption locations.

 

  • 13% of baby boomers believe they won’t face any issues when travelling from one legal province to another jurisdiction outside of Canada.

 

  • 21% of millennials think they won’t face any problems.

 

  • 22% of medical marijuana prescription holders think they can carry it in carry-ons like other prescriptions, regardless of where they are travelling

 

  • 77% of baby boomers and 60% of millennials advise against packing marijuana when travelling, even with a prescription, to avoid legal issues.

 

As you can see, there is a lot of confusion and varying opinions. If you plan to travel to, from, or within Canada with weed, here’s what you need to know about the legalities.

 

Travelling Across Borders

 

While marijuana is legal within Canada, many Canadians are unaware that it’s strictly prohibited to carry it and other marijuana-related products, including edibles, extracts, topicals and seeds, across the Canadian border. Doesn’t matter how much product you have; you will be fined and punished, even those with medical marijuana prescriptions. 

 

These restrictions also apply to travellers flying to their destination as well. Flying internationally with any cannabis-related product is illegal, even if your county legalizes weed. Bringing any amount puts you at risk of difficult consequences, including criminal charges.

 

Flying with Weed in Canada

It is legal to both buy weed online in Canada and consume it. However, each province has its own specific regulations.

 

Here’s what you need to know:

 

  • Provincial Patchwork: Unlike a universal law, marijuana regulations differ by province. Age restrictions, smoking zones, and consumption methods all vary. Do your research! Understanding the specific laws of your destination is important to avoid legal troubles.

 

  • Carry-On Cannabis: Nationally, you’re allowed to carry up to 30 grams of dried weed or its equivalent (roughly 150 grams of fresh product). Exceeding this limit is illegal and can lead to penalties.

 

Travelling to USA

When travelling to the United States, it’s important to know that being a Canadian citizen doesn’t give you special treatment or protection from their laws. While some states like California, Colorado, and Oregon allow the use of cannabis, it’s still against federal law to possess it in any form or amount. 

 

Therefore, it’s not allowed to bring cannabis with you when travelling to the US or any state where it’s legal. If you do, you may face legal charges, fines, and even jail time.

 

Travelling with Medical Marijuana

 

Travelling with any form of cannabis should be done carefully. Consult your doctor and ask airlines and state authorities for guidance before you travel.

 

If you need cannabis for medical reasons and have proper documentation, you can carry either your prescribed 30-day supply or 150 grams, whichever is less. Carrying more than the limit can have it confiscated, so be mindful of the quantity.

 

When flying within Canada, you need to keep cannabis oils or tinctures under 100 ml in your carry-on to comply with liquid restrictions.

 

If your prescription includes cannabis edibles, follow standard food travel restrictions. Check your airline’s list of restricted items to ensure compliance.

 

In many popular tourist destinations like Florida, Hawaii, and New York, cannabis is only legal for medical use. Canadian prescriptions may not be valid there, so research before travelling. Some states may require you to be a resident for medical cannabis purchases, limiting access for Canadian patients.

 

Conclusion

 

When flying with weed in Canada or internationally, knowing the law and planning is important. Whether flying domestically, crossing borders, or using medical marijuana, research the specific regulations for your destination. Remember that national borders and provincial lines create legal boundaries for cannabis possession, so pack smart and enjoy your travels responsibly!