On June 26, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) publicized an advisory for individuals planning to travel during the forthcoming Canada Day (July 1) or U.S. Independence Day (July 4) celebrations. The key takeaway is clear—cannabis is prohibited across the border.
For people intending to cross the U.S.-Canada border, CBSA has provided some advice including preparing for potential border wait times, using an Advance Declaration to save time, and keeping travel documents accessible. Importantly, the agency highlighted the issue of cannabis, which is a critical part of this advisory.
The segment “Cannabis: Don’t bring it in. Don’t take it out.” outlines the restrictions on transporting cannabis across the border. “It’s a serious criminal offence subject to arrest and prosecution to move cannabis, including oils containing THC or CBD, across the border without a permit or exemption granted by Health Canada. The legalization of cannabis in Canada or having a medical prescription doesn’t constitute this authorization.”
Essentially, no quantity of cannabis, whether for recreational or medicinal purposes, is permitted. This isn’t a new regulation, as Canada has forbidden the transit of cannabis across its borders for several years.
“If you are entering Canada from another country, keep in mind: if you have any form of cannabis, it must be declared to the CBSA. Failing to declare cannabis in your possession at the Canadian border could result in arrest and prosecution,” the CBSA states on its website. “If you’re exiting Canada, remember: it’s illegal to carry cannabis outside the country too. Attempting to travel to other countries with any amount of cannabis could lead to criminal charges.”
Technically, Health Canada has the power to allow exceptions for importing or exporting cannabis, but these situations are limited to purposes such as “medical, scientific, or industrial hemp.”
Despite the clarity of the rules, a number of individuals are often caught at the border due to cannabis possession. A recent example occurred last week when musician Afroman was detained at the border. As reported by TMZ, despite having given away all of his surplus cannabis product at his hotel, he inadvertently kept a bottle of cannabis lotion and infused gummies, leading to his detention for five hours and a fine of $500 for the lotion. His DJ was also fined $500 for the gummies.
Earlier this month, an American motorist carrying almost 400 pounds of cannabis and $602,985 in cash unintentionally navigated his way through the Rainbow Bridge border crossing in Niagara Falls, Canada, claiming a GPS error. “Our government prioritizes the safety and security of Canadians,” stated Marco Mendicino, Canadian MP and Minister of Public Safety. “This seizure showcases the vital role played by the CBSA and the RCMP in preventing illegal contraband from entering our communities. Excellent work by both organizations.” Notably, an identical amount of cannabis was intercepted and confiscated at the Ohio/Canada border by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in September 2022.
Back in March 2023, a total of 10 tour buses carrying Rihanna were halted while en route from Canada to Detroit, Michigan. U.S. Border Patrol officers detected a strong scent of cannabis, found a minor amount in the possession of one person, who was given a “civil penalty.”
In September 2017, musician Todd Rundgren was apprehended at the border while journeying from Canada to Fargo, North Dakota. Even though drug-sniffing dogs didn’t pick up on the smell of cannabis, border patrol officers discovered various joints, glass containers with THC, and two vape devices.
Just a couple of months later in November 2017, musician Melissa Etheridge also admitted to possessing cannabis as she crossed the border from Canada to North Dakota. She was required to pay a fine of $750 and served a one-month period of “unsupervised probation.”
