Although cannabis is legal and regulated in Canada, there are strict rules and legal requirements for travelling with cannabis within Canada, as well as internationally.

Cannabis Use at Halifax Stanfield

Cannabis use is prohibited on airport property. This includes the areas outside the terminal building designated for tobacco smoking.

Passengers can dispose of any cannabis prior to travelling using the disposal bins at security screening checkpoints.

Travelling within Canada

Passengers are permitted to travel within Canada with up to 30 grams of cannabis in their possession. Passengers must be of legal age, which is 19 in Nova Scotia, depending on the province or territory. It is illegal to travel with any more than this amount for non-medicinal purposes.

Passengers travelling with medical marijuana could be asked to present medical documentation when the amount declared or discovered during screening appears to be more than the legal limit for recreational cannabis.

Cannabis oil is subject to the 100 ml limit at security screening and must be placed with other liquids, aerosols and gels in a clear, resealable plastic bag no more than 1-litre in capacity.

Disposal bins are available at security screening checkpoints where passengers can dispose of any cannabis prior to travelling.

Important: If you are legally travelling within Canada with cannabis, and your flight is diverted into the United States, you may be required to disembark from the aircraft and go through U.S. Customs. You should be aware that in these circumstances you will be subject to applicable United States law regarding cannabis possession.

Current regulations around travelling while impaired will not change. Airline employees have the authority to refuse service to a passenger they believe to be impaired.

Travelling Across International Borders

Despite the fact that cannabis is legal and regulated in Canada, it is illegal to take cannabis across Canada’s national borders, whether you are entering or leaving Canada. This remains a serious criminal offence subject to arrest and prosecution, despite the legalization of cannabis within Canada. Disposal bins have been installed at security screening checkpoints where passengers can dispose of any cannabis prior to travelling.

To find out more, visit the Canada Border Services Agency website.

Travelling to the United States

Although the possession of cannabis is legal in some U.S. states, it remains illegal under U.S. federal laws in any form and quantity, and it is illegal to bring it across the Canada-U.S. border.

Previous use of cannabis, or any substance prohibited by U.S. federal laws, could mean that you are denied entry to the U.S. Concerned travellers should check with immigration authorities to determine the impact of U.S. laws on their particular situation.

Despite the fact that cannabis is legal and regulated in Canada, it is still illegal to take cannabis across Canada’s national borders, whether you are entering or leaving Canada. This remains a serious criminal offence subject to arrest and prosecution, despite the legalization of cannabis within Canada. To find out more, visit the Canada Border Services Agency website.