Whether it’s for work or leisure, travel is a reoccurring aspect of many Canadian’s lives. Our warm summers, fall foliage, and upcoming Thanksgiving holidays mean that many Canadians may be visiting friends and family in the coming weeks and months. Legalization of cannabis in October 2018 resulted in new rules and regulations under the Cannabis Act, making it a good time for a refresher on traveling with cannabis.
To help you prepare for your trip, we’ve collected important information needed to safely take your medical cannabis with you.
The legalization of cannabis did not change Canada’s border rules which applies to all ports of entry (airports, border crossings etc.).
It’s important to remember:
Travelling within Canada with prescribed medical cannabis is permitted under the Cannabis Act. We recommend researching the cannabis laws of the province you will be visiting, as the restrictions regarding possession limits and where cannabis may be consumed in public do vary and you will be subject to following the law of the province you are in. Each province’s laws can be found here.
The Canadian Air Transport Security permits cannabis to be transported in both carry-on baggage as well as checked baggage for domestic flights. If the amount of cannabis you’re bringing appears to be more than the legal limit for recreational purposes (30G), be prepared to show medical documentation, such as your registration certificate from Health Canada. Aphria patients may request this from the Patient Care Team (contact information listed below).
It is important to remember that flight diversions are possible. For example, according to Air Canada:
“In the case of a domestic flight, please be advised that unforeseen situations may and do arise that require a domestic flight to divert to a U.S. airport, where arriving in possession of cannabis is not legal. If you are refused entry into a country because you have cannabis in your possession, you alone will be responsible for the consequences, including for payment of your return trip home.”
Each province and territory is responsible for outlining the restrictions placed on transporting cannabis in a motor vehicle. You are responsible for knowing what will be legal in the province or territory where you live or visit. Links to your provincial or territorial website can be found here.
Many provinces regulate the transportation of cannabis with rules similar to those for alcohol. For example, in Ontario cannabis in a motorized vehicle (such as a car or boat), must be either unopened and in its original packaging, or packed in a bag that isn’t readily available to anyone in the vehicle (for example, in the trunk).
Driving while impaired by cannabis is illegal and dangerous.
Public possession limits remain the same for medical cannabis patients registered with a federally licensed producer or Health Canada.
If you have any additional questions regarding cannabis and travel, please contact our dedicated Patient Care Team at 1-844-427-4742 or info@aphria.com.
References
https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/cannabis-and-international-travel
https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/item/cannabis-marijuana
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/drugs-health-products/understanding-new-access-to-cannabis-for-medical-purposes-regulations.html#a5
https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/travel-news-and-updates/2018/cannabis-travel.html
https://www.ontario.ca/page/cannabis-and-driving#section-2
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/police/community-safety-policing/impaired-driving.html