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Cannabis Legalization in Canada

November 8, 2018

Cannabis is now legal in Canada.  Here are some things you may want to consider before traveling.

Canada

  • Taking cannabis or any product containing cannabis into Canada is illegal and can result in serious criminal penalties both at home and abroad. This is the case even if you are traveling from places that have legalized or decriminalized cannabis.
  • Transporting cannabis used for medical purposes is also illegal.
  • If you do have cannabis or products containing cannabis with you when you enter Canada, you must declare them to the Canada Border Services Agency. If you do not declare cannabis products when you enter Canada, you can face enforcement action, including arrest and prosecution.
  • You may not take cannabis out of the country either. You may be subject to criminal charges if you attempt to travel to other countries with any amount of cannabis in your possession.

United States

  • Although medical and recreational marijuana may be legal in some U.S. States and Canada, the sale, possession, production and distribution of marijuana or the facilitation of the aforementioned remain illegal under U.S. Federal Law.
  • Consequently, crossing the border or arriving at a U.S. port of entry in violation of this law may result in denied admission, seizure, fines, and apprehension.
  • Do not attempt to cross the Canada-U.S. border with any amount of cannabis in any form, even if you are traveling to a U.S. state that has legalized possession of cannabis. If you do so, you can expect legal prosecution and fines, and possibly jail time.

 General advice

  • Make sure your prescription or over the counter medication is not considered an illegal drug at your destination or illegal to transport through borders. Check with the foreign country’s embassy here in the U.S.
  • Carry a doctor’s prescription for any medication you are taking with you.
  • Don’t import, purchase, use, or have drugs in your possession. Drug charges can carry severe consequences, including imprisonment without bail for up to a year before a case is tried, and sentences ranging from fines and jail time to years of hard labor. Some crimes even carry the penalty of death. Contraband or paraphernalia associated with illegal drugs can also get you in trouble.
  • Say no to anyone asking you to carry a package. If the package contains illegal drugs or substances, the fact that you didn’t know that will not reduce the consequences.
  • Pack your luggage yourself, and keep it with you at all times before check-in.

Sources:

The risk information in this report is retrieved from the listed sources. It provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Please note the publication date of this post, and go to the direct sources listed above for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this post may change without prior notice.