CANNABIS AND INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

In April 2017, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act, to legalize, strictly regulate and restrict access to cannabis. On June 21, 2018, the Cannabis Act received Royal Assent

Royal Assent does not equal legalization.Until October 17, 2018, it remains illegal to buy, possess or use cannabis in Canada for anything other than authorized medical or research purposes.

ENTERING AND LEAVING CANADA 

Under the Cannabis Act, the legalization of cannabis in Canada will not change Canada’s border rules. Taking cannabis or any product containing cannabis into Canada will remain illegal and can result in serious criminal penalties both at home and abroad.

It is illegal to bring cannabis into Canada. If you do not declare cannabis products when you enter Canada, you can face enforcement action, including arrest and prosecution.

Taking cannabis across the border is and will remain illegal.

Travellers to the United States

Although the possession of cannabis is legal in some U.S. states, it remains illegal under U.S. federal laws in any form and quantity, making it illegal to bring across the Canada-U.S. border.

Even after cannabis is legalized in Canada, 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.