Marijuana is now legal in Canada since the Cannabis Act came into effect on October 17, 2018. However, there are certain important things you should know when crossing the border from the U.S. to Canada with regard to possession and traveling with marijuana. Despite cannabis being legal in Canada, it is a criminal offence to take marijuana or related products across the border without a permit from the relevant authorities, and contravening this prohibition could result in serious legal ramifications.
The prohibition applies in spite of:
- The amount of marijuana in possession.
- Whether you’re traveling from a state where marijuana is legalized.
- Whether you are using marijuana for medical or recreation purposes.
However, visitors are allowed to possess and consume cannabis while in Canada, provided they don’t violate any laws. Canadian laws allow individuals of the legal age to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis in public, and one can smoke it in public on the designated areas.
If you’re taking any form of cannabis into Canada from the U.S, you’re required to declare it to the Canada Border Services Agency. Failure to do so could lead to arrest and prosecution. Also, it’s illegal to leave Canada with any amount of cannabis.
Individuals who violate laws governing traveling with marijuana into and out of Canada may face arrest, hefty fines, seizure, and denial of admission into Canada. Every province in Canada has its own cannabis laws and regulations; hence it’s important for visitors to do good research before traveling to Canada.
Generally, traveling with marijuana across the border into Canada poses a significant risk especially for persons who are not well informed about the laws and regulations governing the drug in the country. Therefore, it is advisable not to take weed with you when crossing the border from the U.S. to Canada. It’s a good idea to buy cannabis in Canada as opposed to bringing it in. However, if you must take any form of cannabis into Canada for some reasons, be sure to do comprehensive research and understand the country’s marijuana laws.
