The Cannabis Act was passed in the Senate on October 17, 2018. With this amendment in the act, the production and consumption of marijuana are legal in Canada. It has a significant impact on the tourism industry of Canada and international travelers to Canada. You won’t believe the fact that only in the year 2019, Canada has hosted around 22.1 million foreigners across the world. It’s a record visit by the tourists, and the key reason was the legalization of Cannabis in the country.
Canada’s tourism industry counts around 2.0% of the country’s GDP. The primary source of buying marijuana in Canada is to buy through an online channel. One can easily buy marijuana online from anywhere and anytime.
If you’re visiting Canada frequently or for the very first time, you should understand the prime rules of the Cannabis Act 2018 to avoid any legal action against yourself. Here is the complete guide for international travelers in Canada.
Laws for Entrance
Although Cannabis is legal for adults in Canada, it’s still illegal to travel with Cannabis. You can’t even take Cannabis as a medicine. The Government also prohibits other forms like edible Cannabis, flowers, seeds, and Cannabis topical.
Furthermore, you can’t travel with Cannabis for medical purposes, no matter whether you’ve authorization or not. The amount of Cannabis has nothing to do with its legality during travel. Remember this, at the time of your entrance to Canadian borders, and you can declare to the Canada Border Services Agency how much Cannabis you’ve in your possession.
Laws for Exist
If you’re leaving the country, it’s illegal to take any Cannabis out of the country. If you tried to take it for even medical purposes, it’d be considered smuggling, and you can be charged with severe offenses. It implies to all nationals except the fact whether Cannabis is legal there or not.
Cannabis is illegal in almost every country; therefore, at the time of leaving Canada, don’t try to take any sort of marijuana with you. You could have faced legal prosecution not in Canada but to your home country as well.
It’s the traveler’s responsibility to learn about the Cannabis Act 2018 and the legal status of Cannabis to their home countries at the same time.
Permanent Residency
For permanent residency living in Canada, cannabis use and possession regulations remain similar to those for citizens and international travelers; however, they should take note of several special considerations as permanent residents. Any violation of Canadian law – specifically the Cannabis Act 2018 – could put their residency status at risk, just as with any resident; as any form or quantity of cannabis cannot enter or leave the country with them.
Travelers to the U.S.
There is no such law passed by the U.S. authorities at the federal level regarding the legal status of Cannabis up to this date. However, its possession is legal in some of the American states with strict rules and regulations.
Therefore, you can’t travel with any amount of Cannabis in any form (edible, seeds, flowers, and drinks) while crossing the Canada-U. S border. Don’t take Cannabis in your possession even if you’re traveling to the U.S state where Cannabis is legal.
Besides, you will not be welcomed at the Canada-U. S border even if you’re traveling for business dealings of Cannabis. If caught with any sort of Cannabis, you’ll be treated as per the laws of both sides.
