Planning a trip to Canada for legal pot? They’ll be watching at the border

Emily Allen

With Canada legalizing recreational marijuana this week, officials there and in the United States are reminding travelers that cannabis is still not legal while crossing the border.

The Canadian Border Service Agency said its agents will ask border crossers if they’re carrying cannabis before leaving or entering the country and they will apprehend anyone breaking the law.
Meanwhile, US Customs and Border Protection is reminding travelers that cannabis is still under federal prohibition here, despite several states having legalized and decriminalized it.

“Requirements for international travelers wishing to enter the United States are governed by and conducted in accordance with U.S. federal law, which supersedes state laws,” a Customs statement said. “Although medical and recreational marijuana may be legal in some U.S. states and Canada, the sale, possession, production and distribution of marijuana or the facilitation of the aforementioned remain illegal under U.S. federal law.”

People check out the sample counter at a cannabis store in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018. Canada became the largest country with a legal national marijuana marketplace as sales began early Wednesday. (John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP)

U.S. border agents will still retain the authority to deny admission, seize belongings, fine or apprehend border crossers caught with cannabis, the statement added.

Canada’s prohibition on recreational marijuana began in 1923. Canadians have been able to use medical marijuana legally since 2001.

In the U.S., marijuana is still not legal in the eyes of the federal government, although use is permitted recreationally in nine states and the District of Columbia. North Dakota voters will decide whether the state should legalize recreational marijuana Nov. 6.


According to the government of Canada, the country began educating the public as early as March 2017 with a campaign to prepare parents on the dangers of underage marijuana use. By November 2017 the country launched a campaign to prevent drug-impaired driving, and in March of this year the government launched a campaign to answer constituent questions on cannabis, called “Your Cannabis Questions Answered”.