Remember: You can legally smoke weed in Canada, but don't leave the country with it

Remember: You can legally smoke weed in Canada, but don't leave the country with it
Christine Hogg

Christine Hogg is the Associate Digital Editor at PAX Global Media. Prior to joining PAX, she obtained her Honours BA in Journalism from the University of Toronto. Upon graduating, she went on to write for several travel publications while travelling the world. Her longest trip was a three-week stint in Europe, and the shortest was a 16-hour adventure in Iceland. Get in touch: christine@paxglobalmedia.com.

As of today, recreational marijuana use has been legalized nationwide in Canada, making it the second nation to do so, after Uruguay.

From coast to coast, thanks to The Cannabis Act, also referred to as Bill C-45, Canadians can smoke up, regardless of whether or not they possess a valid medical marijuana license. 

READ MORE: Canada's cannabis laws might ruin your trip to the U.S.

                       It's true: Canadians can pack 30g of weed in a carry-on

Across the country, federal, provincial and territorial governments, alongside municipalities, Indigenous communities, and the regulated industry and law enforcement officials have been working together on strategies that will ensure Canadians partake responsibly, and abide by the laws, when it comes to cannabis use.

Over the last few weeks leading up to today's legalization date, PAX investigated some of the do's and don't of travelling with cannabis, and debunked a few myths that seemed (ahem) hazy.

Travelling in Canada with marijuana

As of today, Canadians travelling domestically can pack up to 30 grams of cannabis in a carry-on, without facing legal ramifications. Here's an overview of what's okay in Canada, and what isn't:

  • Up to 30 grams of cannabis can be brought onto a domestic flight, regardless of the airline.
  • Residents of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Yukon, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Northwest Territories must be 19 years of age or older to buy cannabis. Only Alberta and Quebec allow residents aged 18 and older to purchase cannabis.
  • The legal limit in all Canadian provinces and territories is 30 grams.
  • Canadians may enter and exit various provinces and territories via land with no more than 30 grams of cannabis without facing legal ramifications.
  • Taking cannabis across Canada's borders can result in up to 14 years in jail.

Travelling to the U.S. with marijuana

Despite Canada's Cannabis Act, bringing marijuana into the U.S. remains a federal offence. U.S. Customs and Border Protection enforces the laws of the United States and officers will continue to monitor all land and air traffic into the country from Canada in light of Canada's new laws.

  • Only some states permit medical marijuana use; possessing marijuana in the United States remains a federal crime.
  • Canadians flying on a transborder flight may not bring marijuana on their person, regardless of citizenship.
  • It remains illegal to bring cannabis into Canada from international destinations. If you do have cannabis or products containing cannabis with you when you enter Canada, you must declare them to the Canada Border Services Agency, or you can face enforcement action, including arrest and prosecution.

For the most up-to-date rules and regulations, visit the Government of Canada's official page on the legalization of marijuana.

Processing... Wait please
Please don't refresh or leave this page