Can You Fly With Weed In Canada?
17 Jul 2024
Did you know that cannabis has been legal in Canada since 2018? This has made it easier for cannabis users to access and use their preferred products. But what happens when you need to travel? Can you fly with weed in Canada?
In this blog, we’ll cover the rules and guidelines for flying with weed in Canada. We’ll explore what you need to know about the specifics of traveling with cannabis and how you can do it safely and legally. For more information, visit What Is a Vape Cart?
Legal Status of Cannabis in Canada
Cannabis legalization in Canada has a long and complex history. Cannabis became legal for recreational use on October 17, 2018, under Canada’s Cannabis Act. This made Canada the second country in the world to legalize cannabis prior to Uruguay.
Canada’s Cannabis Act creates a strict legal framework for the production, distribution, sale, and possession of cannabis across Canada. Here are some key points:
- Adults 18 and older can legally possess up to 30 grams of legal cannabis, dried or equivalent, in public.
- You can share up to 30 grams with other adults.
- Purchase options include dried or fresh cannabis and cannabis oil from provincially-licensed retailers. In areas without regulated retail, you can buy from federally-licensed producers online.
- You’re allowed to grow up to four cannabis plants per residence from licensed seeds or seedlings.
- Making cannabis products like food and drinks at home is legal, as long as you don’t use organic solvents to create concentrates.
As of October 17, 2019, the sale of cannabis edibles and concentrates also became legal. Check out the list of countries where weed is legal here.
Can You Fly With Weed In Canada?
Yes, but there are strict rules you must follow. When flying with weed in Canada on a domestic flight, you can carry cannabis if you adhere to specific guidelines. Cannabis is legal for personal use within Canada, and this extends to air travel within Canada. However, you need to understand the regulations to avoid any issues at security screening checkpoints or with airline employees.
Amount of Cannabis You Can Legally Carry
For domestic flights, you can carry up to 30 grams of dried recreational cannabis or its equivalent in other forms. This is the same limit set for public possession under the Cannabis Act. Here are the equivalents to keep in mind:
1 gram of dried cannabis equals:
- 1 cannabis plant seed
- 5 grams of fresh cannabis
- 70 grams of liquid products
- 15 grams of edible products
- 0.25 grams of concentrates
This means you can legally possess up to 150 grams of fresh cannabis or the equivalent in other forms when traveling with cannabis on a domestic flight.
Packaging and Storage Requirements
Proper packaging and storage of cannabis are crucial when you’re legally traveling with it. Here are some guidelines:
- Carry On Bags: You can place your cannabis in your carry on. Make sure it’s stored in a secure, odor-proof container. This prevents any smell from escaping and causing issues at security screening checkpoints.
- Checked Baggage: You can also place your cannabis in your checked baggage. Ensure it’s well-packaged to avoid any damage or leakage during transit.
- Labeling: Ensure that the cannabis is in its original packaging, which includes labeling from a licensed producer. This helps verify that the substance is not prohibited and is legally obtained.
Recreational Cannabis
Passengers are responsible for knowing the laws and regulations in effect at their destination within Canada. Liquid and topical forms are subject to liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) restrictions in carry-on baggage and must be placed with other LAGs in a 1-liter clear closed and re-sealable plastic bag.
Medical Marijuana
When traveling with cannabis for medical purposes, proper documentation is essential. Here’s what you need:
- Prescription: Carry a copy of your prescription from your healthcare provider. This document verifies that you are authorized to use medical marijuana.
- Medical Document: Have your medical document or registration certificate with you. This shows that you are registered under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations.
- ID: Bring a government-issued ID that matches the name on your medical documents. This helps verify your identity and authorization to carry medical marijuana.
The amount you carry must comply with the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations. Cannabis oil over 100 ml for medicinal use must be declared and presented to the screening officer. If the amount is 100 ml or less, place it in a 1-liter clear bag with other liquids.
Make sure to get your medical cannabis from licensed producers in Canada.
What To Expect At Airport Security Checks
When you’re flying with weed in Canada, it’s crucial to know what to expect at security screening checkpoints. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has specific guidelines for transporting cannabis on a domestic flight.
- Amount Limit: You can carry up to 30 grams of dried recreational cannabis or its equivalent. This aligns with public possession limits under the Cannabis Act.
- Proper Documentation: For medical purposes, ensure you have the necessary documents. This helps in verifying the legitimacy of your medical marijuana.
- Declaration at Checkpoints: Declare your cannabis to the screening officer if requested. This helps in smooth processing and avoids any misunderstandings.
- Respect the Rules: Follow all guidelines about cannabis use and transport cannabis. Disregarding rules can lead to serious criminal penalties or refusal service by the airline.
- Disposal Bins: If you inadvertently bring more cannabis than allowed, dispose of the excess in the provided bins at the airport.
Flying Outside of Canada with Cannabis
Cannabis is legal for adults in Canada, but it is illegal to transport cannabis and all products containing cannabis across the Canadian border. This includes all forms of cannabis, such as edibles, topicals, and extracts, as well as products with CBD.
If you have cannabis when entering Canada, declare it to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Failing to declare cannabis at the border is a serious criminal penalty.
Cannabis is illegal in most countries, and traveling internationally with it can result in severe consequences, including being denied entry or facing criminal charges abroad. Canadians traveling to the U.S. for reasons related to the cannabis industry may also be denied entry.
If you are leaving Canada, read here for more information about traveling with weed.
Suggestions for Alternative Options if Traveling with Weed
You can fly with weed in Canada, but taking cannabis outside of Canada is a different story. Crossing the border with edibles or any form of cannabis is illegal and can lead to serious criminal offenses. Here are some alternatives if you need to travel internationally:
- Leave Cannabis at Home: The safest option is to leave your cannabis, may it be edibles or vape carts, at home when traveling internationally. This avoids any risk of criminal penalties or being denied entry to another country.
- Research Local Laws: If you need cannabis for medical purposes at your destination, research the local laws regarding cannabis use. Some countries have legal frameworks for medical marijuana. Ensure you comply with their regulations to avoid any legal issues.
- Look for Legal Alternatives: Some destinations have legal alternatives to cannabis, such as CBD products that comply with local laws. Research and consider these options if you require cannabis-related products while abroad.
- Consult Your Healthcare Provider: If you rely on cannabis for medical purposes, talk to your healthcare provider before traveling. They may suggest alternative medications or treatments that are legal in your destination country.
- Use Trusted Sources: If you need to purchase cannabis or related products at your destination, use trusted and legal sources to ensure the products are safe and comply with local laws.
Remember, cannabis is legal in Canada, but international laws vary. By following these tips and alternatives, you can ensure a safe and legal travel experience. Always stay informed and plan ahead to enjoy a hassle-free journey.
Conclusion
When traveling with cannabis within Canada, you must meet the minimum age requirement of the province or territory you are in and possess no more than 30 grams of dried cannabis or its equivalent. Learn the local laws of your destination to ensure compliance.
Remember, flying with weed in Canada is allowed, but understanding and following the rules will help you avoid any serious criminal penalties or issues with airline employees. If you’re unsure about anything, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek more information before you travel. Safe travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fly with a weed vape in Canada?
Yes, you can fly with a weed vape in Canada on domestic flights. Ensure it is within the legal possession limit of 30 grams of dried recreational cannabis or its equivalent. The vape should be stored in your carry on bags and follow airline guidelines for electronic devices. Always check the specific rules of the airline you’re flying with and research everything to know about vaporizers.
How much weed can you legally fly with in Canada?
You can legally fly with up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or its equivalent on domestic flights within Canada. This includes various forms such as fresh cannabis, edibles, concentrates, and cannabis seeds. Ensure your cannabis is in its original packaging and meets the legal limits to avoid any issues at security screening checkpoints.
Can you fly with a weed pen in Canada?
Yes, you can fly with a weed pen on domestic flights in Canada. The pen must be part of your allowed 30 grams of cannabis and should be stored in your carry on bags. Follow the airline’s rules for transporting electronic devices and ensure the cannabis disposable vape is securely packaged.
Can you fly in Canada with weed gummies?
Yes, you can fly with weed gummies in Canada on domestic flights. Weed gummies fall under the category of edibles and must be within the 30-gram limit of dried cannabis or its equivalent. Ensure they are stored properly and comply with security screening requirements.
Can you fly with weed in Canada on domestic flights?
Yes, you can fly with weed in Canada on domestic flights. You are allowed to carry up to 30 grams of dried recreational cannabis or its equivalent. Make sure your cannabis is in its original packaging and stored correctly in your carry on bags or checked baggage.
Can you fly with weed in your carry on Canada?
Yes, you can fly with weed in your carry on bags in Canada. Ensure the amount does not exceed 30 grams of dried cannabis or its equivalent. Store your cannabis securely to prevent odors and comply with security screening procedures.
How much edibles can you carry in Canada?
In Canada, you can carry up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or its equivalent in edibles, which is about 450 grams of edible products. This limit applies to both domestic flights and general possession. Ensure your edibles are packaged correctly and comply with legal limits.
Can drug dogs smell edibles?
Yes, drug dogs can smell edibles. These trained dogs can detect the presence of cannabis compounds even in food products. When travelling with cannabis, always follow legal guidelines and store your products properly to avoid detection and criminal penalties.
Can you fly with weed on Air Canada flight?
Yes, you can fly with weed on an Air Canada flight as long as it is a domestic flight. You are allowed to carry up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or its equivalent. Ensure you follow Air Canada’s specific guidelines for traveling with cannabis and store it properly in your carry on or checked baggage.