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Cannabis at the border
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The Cannabis Act, legalizing and regulating cannabis (marijuana), creates a strict legal framework for controlling the production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis in Canada.
Transporting cannabis across the border in any form – including any oils containing THC or cannabidiol (CBD) - without a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada remains a serious criminal offence subject to arrest and prosecution, despite the legalization of cannabis in Canada. The prohibition applies regardless of:
- The amount of cannabis you have with you,
- Whether you hold a medical document authorizing the use of cannabis for medical purposes,
- Whether you are travelling from an area with legalized or decriminalized cannabis.
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.
Only Health Canada retains the authority to issue permits or grant exemptions to import or export cannabis. They do so under very limited circumstances and for limited purposes: medical, scientific or industrial hemp. For importers with the Health Canada granted authority, please refer to Customs Notice 18-19 on calculating cannabis duty.
Videos
Laws for cannabis at the Canadian border
2019-02-13
An explanation about the laws for cannabis at the Canadian border.
Don’t cross the Canadian border with cannabis
2019-02-13
An explanation about the laws for cannabis at the Canadian border.
Cannabis and the border – Don't travel with it
2018-10-17
It remains illegal to take cannabis across the border. Don’t bring it in. Don’t take it out.
Cannabis and the border – Keep it in Canada
2018-10-17
Keep cannabis in Canada. Do not try to ship it or take it out of the country. Don’t bring it in. Don’t take it out.
Cannabis and the border – Declare it!
2018-10-17
If you do have cannabis when coming into Canada, you must declare it to the CBSA. Don’t bring it in. Don’t take it out.
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