Don’t bring it in. Don’t take it out.
That is the slogan for the Canada Border Services Agency as recreational cannabis is legalized on Wednesday, October 17th, 2018.
Even though recreational cannabis is now legal in Canada, it is still illegal to bring it into Canada, as the Cannabis Act does not change our country’s border rules.
In an emailed statement to Acadia News, CBSA says travellers will be asked if they are in possession of cannabis, similar to what they already ask in relation to other prohibited goods or controlled substances.
In cases where cannabis is declared, CBSA officers will use their own discretion on whether regulatory or criminal enforcement is appropriate, and take into consideration the circumstances of each case.
CBSA says their officers are trained to take into account all factors available to them when making a decision.
If you do not declare your cannabis at the border, CBSA says it remains a serious criminal offence, and will be subject to enforcement, which could include a criminal investigation and prosecution.
Health Canada is the only authority that can issue grant exemptions or permits to import or export cannabis.
CBSA says Health Canada will only issue those under very limited circumstances, as well as for limited purposes, such as medical cannabis, scientific, or industrial hemp.
If you would like further details, you can go to the CBSA website.