O’Cannabis - Legalization of marijuana across Canada

As the national anthem of Canada, O Canada, notes, the citizens “stand on guard for thee” and today, cannabis was legalized from coast to coast for not only medicinal use, but also recreational use. While the citizens of Canada no doubt are lighting up the dewbies and chomping on the edibles today, the issue of cannabis and borders is one where visitors to and from Canada need to pay attention.

In the United States, the border state of Washington has legalized cannabis which is in direct conflict with the nation’s law surrounding cannabis. Marijuana is illegal in the United States.

Don’t cross the border with Cannabis

Just don’t (unless you have a permit from Health Canada)

Travelers heading in or out of Canada and the United States will find that both countries say the importation or exportation of cannabis illegal.

The Government of Canada issued the following warning:

Canada: Don’t bring it in. Don’t take it out.

If you are entering Canada from another country, remember: if you have cannabis with you in any form, you must declare it to the Canada Border Services Agency. Not declaring cannabis in your possession at the Canadian border could also lead to arrest and prosecution. If you are leaving Canada, remember: 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.

Non-US citizens crossing into the United States, should take the guidance issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection at face value:

United States: Don’t bring cannabis/marijuana into the U.S.

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. Generally, any arriving alien who is determined to be a drug abuser or addict, or who is convicted of, admits having committed, or admits committing, acts which constitute the essential elements of a violation of (or an attempt or conspiracy to violate) any law or regulation of a State, the United States, or a foreign country relating to a controlled substance, is inadmissible to the United States.

For those traveling from Washington into British Columbia … you will have to go to Kamloops to find the legalized store for marijuana. For those traveling into the U.S. at the Peace Arch in the opposite direction, you’ll find a pot retailer within about 15 mins of the border.

Toke in peace.