#58: High Flying for the Holidays: Navigating Cannabis Travel in Canada

The holiday season is a cherished time for many Canadians, filled with joy, celebration, and the warmth of reuniting with friends and family. Since the legalization of cannabis in 2018, an increasing number of Canadians have added a new item to their holiday packing list - cannabis.

Whether used for relaxation or recreation, travelling with cannabis can be a bit tricky, especially when crossing international borders or even between provinces. Understanding the rules and regulations surrounding cannabis transportation and consumption is a must for any Canadian planning to travel with weed over the holidays. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

 

Tip 1: Know the laws of your destination

Before even thinking about packing cannabis, you're going to need to know the laws of your destination. Each country and province can have vastly different regulations, so it's crucial to do your research beforehand.

Travelling within Canada

If you're planning on staying within Canada, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the laws of the province that you'll be visiting. While recreational cannabis is legal nationwide, each province has its own set of regulations for possession, consumption, and transportation.

The legal age for cannabis consumption is 19+ in most provinces with the exceptions of Quebec (21+) and Alberta (18+). Furthermore, public consumption is prohibited in Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and the Yukon. Other provinces may allow consumption in designated outdoor areas or private residences.

Medical patients can possess up to 150 grams of dried flower equivalent or a 30-day supply (whichever is lower). Non-medical patients can possess up to 30 grams of dried flower equivalent. If you're a medical patient, make sure to keep a copy of your medical document with you if you're travelling with more than 30 grams.

Travelling to the United States or Internationally

Despite legalization in some US states and countries, cannabis is still illegal under US federal law and in many other countries. This means that if you're travelling to the US or internationally, you cannot bring cannabis with you, even if it's for medical purposes.

The mere admission of prior cannabis use or possession can lead to being denied entry into the US or other countries. And if caught bringing cannabis across the border, you could face serious legal consequences, including fines or imprisonment. So, leave your cannabis at home and find alternative ways to get your fix while on vacation.

 

Tip 2: Air travel with cannabis

Air travel within Canada is regulated by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), and their primary concern is passenger safety. When it comes to cannabis, CATSA follows the same rules as other liquids and gels. Here are some things to keep in mind when flying with cannabis:

• Cannabis products are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage, but it's recommended to pack them in your checked bag to avoid any issues at security.

• Tinctures and oils should be in original containers with a compliant label identifying the product. They must be in containers of 100ml or less and fit into a transparent, re-sealable bag if you plan to carry them on.

• Medical patients can bring up to 150 grams of dried flower equivalent or a 30-day supply (whichever is lower). Recreational users can bring up to 30 grams of dried flower equivalent. Make sure to bring your medical document if you'll be travelling with more than the 30 gram limit.

 

Tip 3: Road trips with cannabis

Plan on hitting the road for your holiday travels? If you're travelling within Canada, you can bring cannabis with you as long as it's legal in both your starting and destination provinces. Here are a few things to keep in mind when road-tripping with cannabis:

• In most provinces, cannabis must be sealed and secured in its original packaging and out of reach of anyone in the vehicle.

• If driving through the US, remember that it's illegal to bring cannabis across the border. Make sure you don't have any in your vehicle before crossing.

• Impairment, whether for medical or recreational purposes, is illegal while operating a vehicle in all provinces. Make sure to consume responsibly and designate a sober driver if needed.

Cannabis impairs people differently and there are no standard limits for impairment like there are with alcohol. So, err on the side of caution and avoid driving after consuming cannabis.

 

Tip 4: Respect the rules of your accommodation

Staying at a hotel or an Airbnb? When it comes to cannabis, each accommodation may have its own set of rules and regulations. Some may allow consumption in designated areas, while others may have a strict no-cannabis policy. Make sure to check beforehand to avoid any issues during your stay.

Additionally, if you're staying at someone's home or visiting relatives, discretion and respect are key. Always ask for permission before lighting up and be mindful of others who may not want to be around cannabis. Not everyone is comfortable with cannabis, so it's important to respect their boundaries.

It goes without saying, but make sure to properly dispose of any cannabis waste and never leave it behind for someone else to deal with. Being considerate and respectful goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable holiday for everyone involved.

 

Know before you go

As Canadians, we're fortunate that we can legally consume and travel with cannabis within our country. That alone is something to celebrate this holiday season. But with that privilege comes responsibility. Make sure to know the laws of your destination, whether you're travelling within Canada or internationally. So pack your bags, buckle up, and enjoy your holiday travels with peace of mind. Happy holidays from all of us at Herbal Dispatch!

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