Traveling with cannabis is one of the most confusing topics for modern travelers

Laws vary wildly from country to country and even within regions of the same country

An activity that’s harmless in one nation could result in arrest, fines, or imprisonment elsewhere

Always research destination-specific cannabis regulations before you travel

In the United States, cannabis is legal for recreational or medical use in many states, but it remains illegal under federal law

You’re breaking federal law whenever you transport cannabis between states, regardless of local legality

Security checkpoints fall under federal jurisdiction, making cannabis possession there a crime

Your home country’s policies mean nothing when entering or leaving American soil

Since 2018, Canadian adults have been permitted to legally possess and use cannabis

Residents and visitors may possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent in public

Exporting or importing cannabis from Canada is prohibited—even if your destination has legalized it

Canadian customs strictly enforces this rule, and penalties can include fines or imprisonment

There is no unified European policy on cannabis possession or use

Though coffee shops openly sell cannabis, Dutch law technically prohibits its production and wholesale

Enjoying cannabis in Amsterdam doesn’t mean you can take it to Belgium or the UK

While possession is decriminalized, smoking in public or carrying it across regions is still illegal

In contrast, countries like Poland, Hungary, and Russia maintain strict bans with severe penalties, including jail time

Virtually every Asian country treats cannabis as a controlled, prohibited substance

While Thailand allows limited personal use, foreigners risk arrest for possession or public consumption

Possession in public, even in small amounts, can lead to arrest

In places like Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and China, penalties for cannabis possession can include long prison sentences or even the death penalty in extreme cases

Latin America has a patchwork of laws

Homegrown cannabis is tolerated, but the market remains unlicensed

Since 2013, Cannabis-Reiseführer Uruguay has allowed residents and tourists to buy cannabis through regulated pharmacies

But taking it out of the country remains illegal

Decriminalization ≠ legalization in Brazil

In Australia, medical cannabis is legal with a prescription, but recreational use is only permitted in the Australian Capital Territory under limited conditions

Australian border force treats international cannabis as a major drug offense

Your home country’s laws don’t protect you abroad

Every country controls its own borders, and cannabis is rarely permitted entry

Domestic travel within countries with multiple legal jurisdictions should also be approached with caution

Research regulations thoroughly and err on the side of caution

Buy locally, use locally, and avoid carrying anything across jurisdictions

Arrest, deportation, fines, or prison are not acceptable trade-offs for portability

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Pub: 30 Jan 2026 15:09 UTC

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