Travelling with Weed in Canada: What You Need to Know

Since the legalization of cannabis in Canada in 2018, many Canadians and tourists alike wonder: Can I travel with weed? The answer depends heavily on where you’re going, how you’re getting there, and how much you’re carrying.

Let’s break it down by mode of transport and type of travel — domestic (within Canada) and international (across borders).

Domestic Travel (Within Canada)

By Car

• Legal to carry cannabis in your car if:

  • You’re over 18 or 19 (depending on the province)

  • It’s in its original packaging or stored out of reach (e.g., trunk or locked glove compartment)

  • You’re not consuming while driving

• Penalties for open cannabis or impaired driving are similar to alcohol, and vary by province.

• Provincial limits still apply: You may carry up to 30 grams of dried cannabis (or equivalent in other forms) in public¹.

Important: Some provinces (e.g., Quebec and Manitoba) prohibit homegrown weed, so check local laws if you’re carrying cannabis plants.

By Bus (e.g., Greyhound, Megabus)

• Permitted, but:

  • Must follow personal possession limits (30g)

  • Must not consume onboard

  • Carried cannabis should be sealed and secure

  • Company policies may vary — some carriers prohibit cannabis altogether regardless of legality

Always check the carrier’s specific terms before boarding.

By Train (e.g., VIA Rail)

• Cannabis is allowed on VIA Rail trains for personal use, within federal limits:

  • Up to 30 grams per person

  • No consumption onboard

  • Must be securely packed

• Medical cannabis users can carry more if they have proper documentation².

By Plane (Domestic Flights)

• Allowed in checked and carry-on luggage when flying within Canada:

  • Up to 30 grams of dried cannabis

  • Cannabis oils, edibles, and vapes are also allowed in accordance with Transport Canada rules and liquid limits (Transport Canada).

• Medical cannabis is allowed in larger quantities with medical documentation.

TSA-style screening at Canadian airports does allow cannabis, but cannabis must be declared if asked.

International Travel (Leaving or Entering Canada)

It’s illegal — even if cannabis is legal in your destination.

• You cannot bring cannabis across any international border — this includes the U.S. and countries where weed is legal (like Uruguay or the Netherlands).

• Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) makes it clear:

  “Taking cannabis across Canada’s international borders, whether leaving or entering the country, is illegal and can result in serious criminal penalties.” (CBSA)

Plane (International Flights)

• Do not attempt to fly internationally with cannabis — this includes:

  • Edibles

  • Oils

  • Vape pens

  • Even medicinal cannabis

Even a trace amount in your luggage could lead to arrest, deportation, or a ban from entering another country (especially the U.S.)³.

A Note on Medical Cannabis

• Patients with prescriptions can carry more than 30 grams for personal medical use within Canada.

• You must carry:

  • Government-issued prescription or registration

  • Your cannabis in clearly labelled containers from a licensed producer

• International travel with medical cannabis is still prohibited, even with documentation.

Summary Table

Wrap-Up

Cannabis is legal in Canada, but that doesn’t mean you can take it everywhere — especially not abroad. Always travel with cannabis safely stored, within legal limits, and only within Canada. When in doubt, check the latest regulations with your province, carrier, or border agency.