Possessing Cannabis in a Vehicle & Public Spaces
Are you planning a road trip within Canada and are not clear on cannabis transportation, possession limits or what to show law enforcement if you get pulled over? Here are some tools to ensure you are familiar with your responsibilities while travelling.
When travelling in Canada, you are responsible for learning the laws of the province or territory you are going to visit. If you use cannabis, follow the laws in that jurisdiction.
Transportation of Cannabis in Motor Vehicles
Minors and adults, with a valid driver’s license, can operate a vehicle with cannabis in it, provided the cannabis:
Possession Limits in Motor Vehicles & in Public Spaces
Calculate public possession limits for cannabis with the possession limit calculator.
Law Enforcement
Those authorized to use medical cannabis must be prepared to show they are legally allowed to possess more than 30 grams (or equivalent) in public spaces if requested by law enforcement. This can be done by showing one of the following:
- Registration document issued by a federally licensed seller
- Health Canada registration form for personal production
- Health Canada registration form for designated production
- Health Canada registration form for possession only
Cannabis at the Border
Although cannabis is legal in Canada, transporting products containing cannabis (THC and CBD) across the border in any form is illegal without a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada. It does not matter whether you are leaving or entering Canada or what the laws of your destination are; transporting cannabis products across the border is illegal.
THE BOTTOM LINE: DON’T BRING IT IN. DON’T TAKE IT OUT.
Here is a short video with clear messaging from the Government of Canada / Canada Border Service Agency.
Whether you are a Canadian resident planning a trip within Canada or travelling abroad, we can provide you with an individualized cannabis travel plan. If you want to schedule an appointment with a cannabis expert to discuss cannabis travelling plan options, complete the contact form below.
**Please note there will be a $75 service fee for travel plan appointments.
Sources:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/public-safety/cannabis/health-info
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/cannabis-eng.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/campaigns/cannabis/border.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/medical-use-cannabis.html
https://stepstojustice.ca/steps/criminal-law/5-carry-proof-youre-medicinal-cannabis-user/