Cannabis — Canada

Recreational cannabis is legal inside Canada, but taking it across the border in either direction is a serious criminal offence. The prohibition applies whatever the amount, in any form including THC and CBD oils, whether or not you hold a medical document, and whether or not you are travelling from somewhere cannabis is legal. You must declare cannabis at the border. The only exceptions come from Health Canada: market-approved prescription medicines such as Epidiolex or Sativex may be carried subject to conditions, while any other medical cannabis needs an individual Health Canada exemption, issued only in rare and exceptional circumstances.

Taking cannabis across the border without a Health Canada permit or exemption is a serious criminal offence subject to arrest and prosecution, and the cannabis can be confiscated. Since 29 March 2021 failing to declare it can also bring a monetary penalty of up to 2,000 Canadian dollars, and a penalty can cost you a NEXUS or other trusted-traveller membership. The Government of Canada warns separately that travelling to any country with cannabis in your possession could see you charged with a criminal offence and denied entry to other countries in the future. Declaring it does not make it lawful to carry, but failing to declare adds a penalty on top.

Verified Aug 29, 2026

Recreational cannabis is legal in Canada for adults, and you may carry up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or the equivalent in public. Two rules catch visitors out. The minimum age is set by each province -- 18 in Alberta, 19 in most provinces and territories, and 21 in Quebec -- so an age that is legal in one province is an offence in the next. And you must buy from a retailer licensed by the province you are in: possessing cannabis that you know came from an unlicensed source is itself a criminal offence, whatever the amount. Never take cannabis across the Canadian border in either direction: that is a serious criminal offence regardless of the amount, of any medical document, and of whether it is legal where you are going.

Possessing more than 30 g in a public place, or possessing cannabis you know is illicit: up to 5 years less a day on indictment, or on summary conviction a fine of up to 5,000 Canadian dollars or 6 months imprisonment, or both (Cannabis Act s. 8(2)). Importing or exporting cannabis without authorisation: up to 14 years on indictment (s. 11(3)). Growing more than four plants in a dwelling-house, or growing anywhere that is not your own dwelling-house: up to 14 years on indictment (s. 12(9)). Driving while impaired by cannabis is a criminal offence, and Quebec additionally prohibits driving with any detectable presence of cannabis in your saliva.

Verified Sep 5, 2026