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