Can I bring cannabis from Canada into the United States?

No. It is illegal to take cannabis across Canada’s border in either direction, in any amount, including CBD products, even to places where cannabis is legal.

Can I fly with cannabis within Canada?

CATSA says recreational cannabis is permitted in carry-on and checked baggage on flights within Canada, within the 30 gram public possession limit, and that you are responsible for knowing the laws at your destination. Flying outside Canada with cannabis is illegal.

Do I have to declare cannabis at the Canadian border?

Yes. You must declare any cannabis to the CBSA. Not declaring it is a serious criminal offence.

Travelling with cannabis: within Canada and at the border

Last reviewed October 25, 2026 · Based on official government sources

Cannabis is legal for adults in Canada, but that does not make it legal to take it everywhere. Rules change when you cross into another province, and taking cannabis across Canada’s international border is illegal in both directions, in any amount. This guide explains the official position. It does not suggest or help with crossing a border with cannabis.

International borders: do not take cannabis across

The Government of Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are clear:

It is illegal to take cannabis across Canada’s border, whether you are leaving or entering, in any amount and in any form. This includes products containing CBD.
This applies even if you are travelling to or from a place where cannabis is legal, such as some U.S. states.
It applies to medical cannabis too, unless you have a permit or exemption from Health Canada.
If you have cannabis with you when you arrive in Canada, you must declare it to the CBSA. Not declaring it is a serious criminal offence.
Sending cannabis into or out of Canada by mail or courier is also illegal.

Travel.gc.ca also warns that previous cannabis use, or working in the cannabis industry, could lead to being denied entry to other countries, including the United States. If you have questions about another country’s rules, contact that country’s embassy or consulate before you travel.

Travelling between provinces and territories

Within Canada, adults can carry up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or the equivalent in public. When you travel to another province or territory, its rules apply to you, including its minimum age, where you can use cannabis and how cannabis must be carried in a vehicle. For example:

The legal age is 18 in Alberta, 21 in Quebec and 19 everywhere else.
Quebec limits possession at home to 150 grams per residence and bans home growing.
Rules for carrying cannabis in a vehicle differ. Ontario requires it to be in its original, unopened package or packed in baggage and not readily available. B.C. requires it to be in its original, unopened package or out of reach of everyone in the vehicle.

Read the guide for where you are going: Ontario, B.C., Alberta, Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Atlantic Canada or the territories.

Flying within Canada

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) says recreational cannabis is permitted in carry-on and checked baggage on flights within Canada, and that passengers are responsible for knowing the laws in effect at their destination. The 30 gram public possession limit and the destination’s minimum age still apply. Liquid and topical forms count as liquids in carry-on baggage and must go in the 1-litre clear, resealable bag with your other liquids.

CATSA also states plainly that flying outside Canada with cannabis is illegal. Airlines and airports may have their own policies, so check before you fly.

Cruise ships, ferries and trains

Routes that leave Canadian waters or cross into another country are international travel, so the border rules above apply. For domestic ferries and trains, check the operator’s policy and the rules of the province you are in. In B.C., for example, consuming cannabis is not allowed within 6 metres of ferry docks.

Buying when you arrive

If you are visiting from abroad and are of legal age where you are, you can buy from a legal store once you are in Canada. Use the official provincial lists, or browse the licensed stores in our directory. Do not take any cannabis with you when you leave. See the first-time visitor FAQ.

A quick travel checklist

Do not pack cannabis, including CBD products, for any trip that crosses an international border.
If you arrive in Canada with cannabis, declare it to the CBSA.
Within Canada, carry no more than 30 grams in public, and check the legal age where you are going.
On domestic flights, follow CATSA’s rules for carry-on liquids.
In a vehicle, keep cannabis sealed or out of reach, and never use it in the vehicle.
Check the rules on where you can use cannabis at your destination; they may be much stricter than at home.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring cannabis from Canada into the United States?: No. It is illegal to take cannabis across Canada’s border in either direction, in any amount, including CBD products, even to places where cannabis is legal.
Can I fly with cannabis within Canada?: CATSA says recreational cannabis is permitted in carry-on and checked baggage on flights within Canada, within the 30 gram public possession limit, and that you are responsible for knowing the laws at your destination. Flying outside Canada with cannabis is illegal.
Do I have to declare cannabis at the Canadian border?: Yes. You must declare any cannabis to the CBSA. Not declaring it is a serious criminal offence.

In our directory

All provinces and territories

Sources

Facts in this guide were taken from these official sources, checked October 25, 2026.

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