420 friendly guide: Traveling with cannabis
Traveling with cannabis can be a daunting task, especially if you're not familiar with the laws and regulations in different states, provinces and countries. Here's everything you need to know when it comes to traveling with cannabis, whether you're planning a trip within North America or abroad:
Research the laws and regulations:
It's important to familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations regarding marijuana in the places you're planning to visit. In the United States, cannabis is legal for recreational use in some states and for medical use in others, but it's still illegal at the federal level.
In Canada, cannabis is legal for recreational and medical use, but there are still some restrictions in place. Be sure to research the specific laws and regulations in the places you're planning to visit to avoid any legal issues. In Canada, any person over 18+ has the right to possess and consume cannabis, but there are still some restrictions on where you can use it. It's key to know some basics about smoking weed in public before you take a toke, for example some provinces in Canada do not allow smoking pot on the sidewalk while other provinces like Ontario allow people to smoke weed on the sidewalks. Although it is legal, its best to store your weed, blunts, concentrates or vaporizers in the trunk while driving.
6 FACTS ABOUT TRAVELLING WITH CANNABIS
1. Travelling with cannabis in Canada is legal
Within Canada, you can travel with up to 30 grams of dried bud or the equivalent.
2. Crossing the border with cannabis is illegal
It is illegal to cross the border with any cannabis product.
3. Crossing the border with CBD is illegal
It's illegal to transport cannabis and products containing cannabis (including products containing CBD) across the Canadian border.
4. Crossing the border with medical cannabis is illegal
The Government of Canada cannot authorize you to import or export cannabis or use it for medical purposes abroad. The prohibition to travelling with cannabis applies even if you hold a medical document authorizing the use of cannabis for medical purposes. Find out more by consulting Canadian Travel Advice (travel.gc.ca/advice) and contacting the embassy or consulate of your destination country before leaving Canada.
5. It is still illegal to cross borders with cannabis even if you're travelling to a destination where cannabis is legal
Even if you are travelling to or from a region (e.g California) where cannabis has been legalized or decriminalized. If you do so you can expect legal prosecution and fines, and possibly jail time.
6. You can not consumer edibles on the plane
Similar to laws that state, you cannot consume your own alcohol on planes, you cannot consume edibles on the plane.
How do the rules differ when you are travelling by car or airplane ?
1. Travelling by airplane
Travelling Internationally
Crossing the border with cannabis is illegal, even if you are travelling to or from a region (e.g California) where cannabis has been legalized or decriminalized.
Travelling within Canada
Cannabis has been legalized nationally in Canada. If you are travelling within Canada by an airplane, you can carry up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent with you, in your carry-on, or checked luggage.
Please note, if your airplane needs to be diverted for any reason and land outside of Canada, you will face penalties for cannabis possession by the local government.
Travelling within United States
In United States, although cannabis has been decriminalized or legalized in some states, it remains federally illegal. Therefore, transporting cannabis across state lines is illegal.
2. While driving or operating any motorized vehicle
United States:
- Although cannabis has been decriminalized or legalized in some states, it remains federally illegal.
- Transporting cannabis across state lines is illegal.
- Each state has different public possession limits, and transporting laws within the state. It is important to know the local laws.
- Smoking cannabis in your car is illegal, even if stopped.
Canada:
- If you are travelling within Canada, you can carry up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent with you.
- Although it is legal, its best to store your weed, edibles, blunts, concentrates or vaporizers in the trunk while driving.
- Smoking cannabis in your car is illegal, even if stopped.
- Provinces have various rules around transporting cannabis in your car.
- Unless you know the local laws, it is safe to keep your cannabis in the trunk and out of reach.
3. Hotels and Airbnb
Some hotels may have designated smoking rooms where it is allowed to smoke weed and tobacco. Please ensure to ask when you check into your hotel or ask your airbnb host.
It's best to look for hotels or airbnb that are 420 friendly so your vibes are not interrupted during you vacation. Have you found a 420 airbnb that you love ? Take a photo and share with us @itsyourstori
Overall, these are just a few tips to keep in mind when traveling with cannabis. Whether you're planning a trip within North America or abroad, it's important to research the laws and regulations, know your rights.
Knowing the laws not only applies to cannabis but can apply to cigarettes as well. For example, in January 2023 Mexico enacted one of the world’s strictest anti-tobacco laws, completely banning smoking tobacco in all public places, including hotels, parks and beaches. Mexico is not the first country to implement such a strict ban on smoking. Ireland, Greece, Bulgaria, Malta, Spain and Hungary also have complete bans on smoking in all enclosed public spaces and workplaces. Tourists who smoke could face fines of between $50 and $300 for lighting up in public, according to Reuters. Those who refuse to cooperate with the ban could also face up to 36 hours in jail.
Regulations around electronic cigarettes and vapes have also been tightened. These devices can’t be imported, sold or used in public spaces in Mexico.
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