Cannabis enthusiasts need to be extra careful crossing the border, whether they’re from the United States, or Canada.
Taking cannabis across international borders can result in long detentions at the border, fines, and jail time. With Canada Day and Independence Day coming up, this will be a busy time for the Border Patrols of both nations. Let’s save everyone some time, and review the legal landscape surrounding our favourite herb.
Now that weed is legal in Canada, it can be easy to forget how heavily criminalized it is in most other countries in the world. Our variety and abundance of cannabis products have lulled us into normalizing weed consumption. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good thing, but we must consider our less-evolved neighbours. In some states, marijuana is approved for recreational use, but that doesn’t matter at the border. All forms of cannabis, including edibles, topicals and oils are prohibited, even if they’re medically prescribed. As the Canada Border Services Agency says in their press release, “Don’t bring it in, don’t take it out.” Bringing weed from the US into Canada is like bringing a blanket into a sauna, but I digress.
Crossing the border, especially close to holidays, can be an arduous experience.
It’s a good idea to check the border crossing wait time website, and to use ArriveCan, if that option is available to you. Nevertheless, you should prepare for long wait times and interrogation by Border Patrol Officers. It’s their job to make sure things move smoothly and safely for everyone moving between the Home of the Free and the Great White North. Be patient, and prepare to declare!
The consequences for crossing international borders with cannabis products can be severe. Penalties can be as high as $2000 dollars for failing to declare your cannabis. There is no minimum amount of cannabis required to be penalized; any amount of cannabis is illegal to move from one country to another. Nor does wealth, fame or power change this condition. Celebrities like Afroman and Rihanna have had their tours delayed and their support staff fined for cannabis possession.
While it’s highly unlikely that there will be any major changes to the law before July, it’s still a good idea to stay informed. Make sure you consult official government websites, or reputable cannabis news sources for updates and advice. One day, the world will be a weed-friendly utopia, and the only question officers will ask regarding cannabis will be “can I have a drag?” But we’re just not there yet, I’m sorry to say.
To recap, just don’t bring cannabis across the damn border.
Don’t bring oils, or your vape, or topicals or edibles or creams. If it gets you high, that’s a no. Even if it’s just for pain relief and it has cannabis in it, that’s a no. Under no circumstances bring weed across the border, and you’ll be alright. Once you're back on the northern side of the border, safe in your backyard, feel free to enjoy responsibly.
