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Ever since the Cannabis Act was passed in Canada, more people have been using the substance than ever before. Unfortunately, the relative newness of weed legality leads to a lot of grey areas for the people who use it. Nowhere is this more apparent than travel laws concerning flying with cannabis in Canada.
While it’s technically legal, some experts recommend against it. So, should you be worried about flying with weed in Canada? And is there anything you can do to protect yourself while you do it? In this article, we’ll be answering these questions and more. That way you’ll learn everything you need to know about traveling with cannabis. Let’s get started!
And drive, and float, and train… or anything else you like! If it’s for recreational usage, then you are allowed to bring up to thirty grams. Possession under 30 grams is the maximum legal limit in most areas. You can either keep the cannabis in checked luggage or your carry-on.
In general, there are no rules as to how your transport the weed (it doesn’t need to be in a clear plastic bag). However, there’s an important caveat to all of this. Flying with weed in Canada needs to be within Canadian borders. It’s illegal to bring cannabis products from different countries into Canada.
Additionally, leaving Canada with cannabis products isn’t allowed. This might sound easy enough. After all, how hard is it to book a domestic flight? However, there can be unforeseen consequences. One of the most serious ones is possible diversions.
In some cases, this might require the plane to land in a United States airport. If you’re rerouted to a U.S. airport and you have cannabis, then you’re committing a criminal act — however, unintentionally. As such, you’ll need to contact the Canadian embassy immediately. Otherwise, you could be subject to arrest or fines.
There are a variety of different travel insurance options available when you’re flying with cannabis in Canada. These types of insurance options cover everything from medical emergencies while flying to unexpected cancellations and interruptions. In some cases, this can benefit you greatly. For example, let’s say there’s awful weather when you fly.
You might be worried that the weather could cause an emergency diversion. This would put you in an unfortunate legal situation if you had cannabis. Luckily, certain travel insurance plans will cover some or all of your cancelled expenses if you need to put off the trip. But, does travel insurance protect you from all of the potential consequences that arise when you fly with weed?
Unfortunately, the answer is likely no. As we mentioned before, the worst-case scenario when flying domestically in Canada with weed is a flight diversion. While weed is legal in Canadian borders, it’s illegal the second you cross over to the United States (or most other countries). The legality of the substance is determined by the authorities of the country you're in. As such, they have the right to refuse entry to you. In these cases, you will need to pay out-of-pocket for a ticket home.
Air Canada makes it clear that “you alone will be responsible for the consequences” if you are refused entry for possession of cannabis. This is true even if you had no intention of entering the country. So, your travel insurance provider isn’t responsible, and neither is the airline you fly. Unfortunately, that’s simply the risk of flying with cannabis — regardless of whether it’s recreational or medicinal.
In this section, we’ll be going more into the travel laws surrounding different territories and provinces. However, keep in mind that these laws mean travelling with cannabis — not using it. It should go without saying, but operating machinery while high is against the law. As such, you’ll be subject to criminal charges if you’re caught doing it.
In Ontario, you’re allowed to travel with under 30 grams of cannabis if you’re nineteen years of age. Unfortunately, you can’t consume it in some public spaces. This includes areas like playgrounds, skate parks, sports fields, or any other places where children are likely to gather.
In Alberta, you’re allowed to travel with under 30 grams of cannabis if you’re eighteen years of age. Unfortunately, you can’t consume it in some public spaces. As such, you should check local laws to find out if it’s allowed.
In British Columbia, you’re allowed to travel with under 30 grams of cannabis if you’re nineteen years of age. You can’t use it in public spaces like a playground, skate park, sports field, or any other places where children are likely to gather. You also can’t use it in vehicles or at school.
In Manitoba, you’re allowed to travel with under 30 grams of cannabis if you’re nineteen years of age. Unfortunately, you can’t consume weed in any public places within Manitoba. This includes indoor and outdoor public facilities.
In New Brunswick, you’re allowed to travel with under 30 grams of cannabis if you’re nineteen years of age. Unfortunately, you can’t consume weed in any public places within New Brunswick. This includes indoor and outdoor public facilities.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, you’re allowed to travel with under 30 grams of cannabis if you’re nineteen years of age. Unfortunately, you can’t consume weed in any public places within Newfoundland and Labrador. This includes locations like a parked car.
In Novia Scotia, you’re allowed to travel with under 30 grams of cannabis if you’re nineteen years of age. Unfortunately, you can’t consume weed in any public places within Novia Scotia. This includes locations like a parked car.
In Nunavut, you’re allowed to travel with under 30 grams of cannabis if you’re nineteen years of age. Unfortunately, you can’t consume weed in any public places within Nunavut. This includes indoor and outdoor public facilities.
In Prince Edward Island you’re allowed to travel with under 30 grams of cannabis if you’re nineteen years of age. Consumption of the substance is restricted to private settings. However, the introduction into public spheres is expected to begin soon.
In Saskatchewan, you’re allowed to travel with under 30 grams of cannabis if you’re nineteen years of age. Unfortunately, you can’t consume weed in any public places within Saskatchewan. This includes indoor and outdoor public facilities.
In Quebec, you’re allowed to travel with under 30 grams of cannabis if you’re twenty-one years of age. Unfortunately, you can’t consume weed in any public places within Quebec. This includes indoor and outdoor public facilities.
In Yukon, you’re allowed to travel with under 30 grams of cannabis if you’re nineteen years of age. Unfortunately, you can’t consume it in some public spaces. If you want to consume it, then you need a permit.
We now know a little bit more about the travel laws surrounding cannabis. But what about the specific marijuana laws in each province or territory. In this section, we’ll give you a summary of each area. If you want more information on the different territory and province laws, then make sure to check out our guide.
In Ontario, you’re only allowed to purchase through private stores with an appropriate license. You can also purchase from the government-run website. When you transport it, then it must be in a sealed package.
In Quebec, you’re only allowed to purchase from government-run stores. This includes in-person and online options. Though federal law allows for people to recreationally grow up to four plants, that isn’t allowed in Quebec. People in the area can’t grow it at all. There are no restrictions when transporting
In Alberta, you’re only allowed to purchase through private stores with an appropriate license. You can also purchase from the government-run website. When you transport it, then it must be in a sealed package.
In Saskatchewan, you’re only allowed to purchase through private stores with an appropriate license. You can also purchase from the government-run website. It’s allowed in vehicles as long as no one uses it.
In Yukon, you’re only allowed to purchase through private stores with an appropriate license. You can also purchase from the government-run website. When you transport it, then it must be in a sealed package.
In Prince Edward Island you’re only allowed to purchase from government-run stores. This includes in-person and online options. When you transport it, then it must be secured.
In Nunavut, you’re only allowed to purchase from government-run stores. This includes phone and online options. When you transport it, then it must be out of reach of anyone in the vehicle.
In Novia Scotia, you’re only allowed to purchase from government-run stores. This includes in-person and online options. When you transport it, then it must be in a sealed package.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, you’re only allowed to purchase through private stores with an appropriate license. You can also purchase from the government-run website. When you transport it, then it must be in a sealed package.
In Manitoba, you’re only allowed to purchase through private stores with an appropriate license. You can also purchase from the government-run website. If you transport it, then it must be in a secure compartment.
In British Columbia, you’re only allowed to purchase through private stores with an appropriate license. You can also purchase from the government-run website. When you transport it, then it must be in a sealed package.
As we mentioned, as long as you travel with under 30 grams of cannabis, then you’re in the clear. Similarly, you can only grow up to four plants for recreational use. If you need help translating extracts or edibles, then you can use this calculator tool. Also, keep in mind that this only applies to recreational use. Public possession for medical cannabis works a bit differently.
In some cases, medical users can carry a month’s supply — up to 150 grams — in addition to the 30 grams for recreational use. In some cases, guaranteed issue health insurance plans even covering the cost of medicinal marijuana.
But what about traveling with this amount? As long as you act following the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations, then you should be fine. However, if you travel with it, then you should bring along all the necessary documents and certificates. Otherwise, authorities might try and stop you.
If you are travelling with cannabis in Canada, then you should also be packing your travellers insurance. Insurdinary is a top rated financial comparison platform and we will source the best and lowest quote on the market for you - bottom line.
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