I am going to Canada – Can I bring my cannabis?

Can I cross Canadian Border with my Cannabis

Borders and Cannabis and Money

Ferengi Rule of Acquisition #41. Profit is its own reward.

If you bring your own cannabis to Canada. How does the Canadian government profit?

They don’t so they will punish you if you get caught.

It’s simple. It’s about the money. That is the only reason it is now legal.

Cannabis Legalization in Canada

On October 17, 2018, Canada made a significant policy shift by legalizing marijuana for recreational use. The Cannabis Act came into effect, allowing Canadians to possess and use cannabis for non-medical purposes. However, there are still some important considerations:

Possession and Use: Canadians can legally possess and consume weed, subject to restrictions on the amount and how it was purchased. This includes various forms of cannabis, such as dried flower, edibles, extracts, and topicals.

Transportation Across the Border: Despite legalization within Canada, it remains strictly prohibited to transport cannabis across the Canadian border. This applies whether you’re entering Canada from another country or leaving Canada for another destination.

The ban includes all forms of cannabis products, even if you’re authorized to use it for medical purposes.

It’s essential to understand that this law applies even if cannabis is legal in both the source and destination countries.

You’re Not Welcome Here in Canada

Inadmissibility Due to Cannabis Conviction: If you ever find a reason to go to Canada and there aren’t that many. If you have a prior arrest or cannabis conviction, there’s a chance you may be turned away at the Canadian border. A DUI? Just stay home.

If you really must go. Seeking legal advice from an immigration expert is advisable in such cases.

Cannabis Legalization in Michigan

Michigan, too, has embraced cannabis legalization. However, there are nuances to be aware of:

Legalization Status: As of now, it’s no longer against the law to own or grow marijuana in Michigan. However, retail stores didn’t open until 2021. Michigan citizens can legally cultivate up to 12 cannabis plants, compared to the limit of four in Ontario, Canada.
Crossing the Border: Despite both Michigan and Canada legalizing cannabis, it’s still illegal for those in Michigan to buy cannabis in Canada and cross the border with marijuana. This issue affects Americans living near the border who might be tempted to take advantage of Canada’s nationwide legalization.

Conclusion

While cannabis enthusiasts can enjoy legal weed in both Canada and Michigan, crossing the border with it remains a complex matter. Whether you’re traveling north or south, leave your cannabis behind to avoid legal complications. Remember, the laws differ between countries, and what’s permissible in one place might not be in another. Stay informed and enjoy responsibly!

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Always consult legal professionals for specific guidance.

Learn more

Attorney Michael Komorn

State / Federal Legal Defense

With extensive experience in criminal legal defense since 1993 from pre-arrest, District, Circuit, Appeals, Supreme and the Federal court systems.

KOMORN LAW (248) 357-2550

Michigan Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Cases – Murder

Case Summary In People v Jones, the Michigan Court of Appeals addressed whether a single act of abuse can support convictions for both first‑degree child abuse and felony murder. The defendant argued that using the same conduct to support both charges violated...

Michigan Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Cases – Neglect of Duty

Case Summary In People v Harper, a Wayne County Sheriff’s deputy was charged with neglect of duty after witnessing an inmate escape during his smoke break and taking no action to stop or pursue the prisoner. The prosecution relied on the Sheriff’s Department policy...

Adverse Possession in Michigan – Can Someone Claim Your Property?

From Canada.ca The official website of the Government of Canada

Drugs, alcohol and travel

It is illegal to take cannabis – including products containing cannabis, such as edible cannabis, cannabis extracts and cannabis topicals, and all products containing CBD – across the Canadian border, whether you are entering or leaving the country:

No matter how much cannabis you have with you.
Even if you use cannabis for medical purposes in any form, including cannabidiol (CBD), unless authorized by Health Canada.
Even if you are travelling to or from a municipality, state or country where cannabis has been legalized or decriminalized.

At your destination

If you travel to other countries, including the United States, with any amount of cannabis in your possession, you could:

be charged with a criminal offence (This applies to all countries, whether cannabis is legal there or not.)
be denied entry at your destination if you have previously used cannabis or any substance prohibited by local laws
be denied entry to other countries in the future

It is your responsibility to learn about the laws, including the legal status of cannabis use and possession, in your destination country.

If you are travelling for business related to the cannabis industry, contact the foreign government office in Canada of the country you plan to visit.

For more information, consult our Travel Advice and Advisories.

Returning to Canada

It is illegal to enter Canada with cannabis, unless you have a prescription for a medication containing cannabis authorized by Health Canada.

If you are entering Canada and have cannabis with you in any form, you must declare it to the Canada Border Services Agency.

Not declaring cannabis in your possession at the Canadian border is a serious criminal offence. You could be arrested and prosecuted.

This information is taken directly from the Canadian Gov website section Drugs, alcohol and travel.

The Law

750.553 Occupancy of building without consent; violation; penalty; exception.

Sec. 553.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), an individual who occupies a building that is a single-family dwelling or 1 or both units in a building that is a 2-family dwelling and has not, at any time during that period of occupancy, occupied the property with the owner’s consent for an agreed-upon consideration is guilty of a crime as follows:

(a) For a first offense, a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 per dwelling unit occupied or imprisonment for not more than 180 days, or both.

(b) For a second or subsequent offense, a felony punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000.00 per dwelling unit occupied or imprisonment for not more than 2 years, or both.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a guest or a family member of the owner of the dwelling or of a tenant.

Other Articles

Update on Michigan’s Sick Time Act (Small Business Compliance)

Small Business Compliance Accrual Method: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick time forevery 30 hours worked, and unused paid sick time rolls over upto 72 hours, or 40 for a small business. Employers may limit theuse of earned sick time to 72 hours, or 40 for a small...

What Are Your Rights Before And After Arrest?

What are your rights before and after arrest?Generally, police require a search warrant to lawfully enter any private premises or to search electronic devices such as your phone or computer. If the police do not possess a search warrant, you are under no obligation to...

A secured and safe vote thanks to new laws in Michigan

Governor Whitmer Signs Historic Election Bills Package to Ensure Every Vote Can be Cast and CountedIn Case You Missed It November 30, 2023 “Today, we are expanding voting rights and strengthening our democracy,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michiganders spoke clearly last...

MI Court of Appeals – MRTMA defense denied dismissal

Does the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act protect you in all Marijuana scenarios?The Conflict The central issue in this interlocutory appeal is whether the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA), MCL 333.27951 et seq., prevents a...

Michigan Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Cases – Home Invasion

Case Summary In People v Berry, the defendant co‑owned a home with his former partner. After moving out and negotiating a buyout, he re‑entered the home with another...

Cannabis Regulators Association-Briefing on Marijuana Schedule Change

Overview of the President’s December 18th Executive Order and the Implications When Marijuana is Rescheduled to Schedule III under the U.S. Controlled Substances...

Trump’s Marijuana Reclassification 2025

Donald Trump’s Actions On December 18, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled...

Michigan Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Cases – Felon in Possession

Case Summary In People v Hughes, the defendant challenged Michigan’s felon‑in‑possession statute on Second Amendment grounds. He argued the law was unconstitutional...

Michigan Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Cases – Controlled Substances

Case Summary In People v Soto (COA) the defendant faced a felony charge after an 85‑pound shipment of marijuana was delivered to her home. She argued that the Michigan...

Michigan Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Cases – Confessions

Case Summary Michigan courts issued several important decisions clarifying when confessions are admissible, how Miranda applies in nontraditional settings, and what...

Fourth Amendment Search & Seizure — A Quick Summary

Fourth Amendment Search & Seizure — Quick Summary The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, limiting when and how the...

Marijuana Under Fire in Michigan

Marijuana in Michigan is facing renewed challenges as lawmakers push for higher taxes and regulatory changes that critics argue undermine the voter-approved...

The New Federal Definition of Hemp

The New Federal Definition of Hemp: Legal and Regulatory ImplicationsCongress has enacted a sweeping revision to the federal definition of hemp through the Continuing...

Should courts allow prosecutors to refer to complainants as victims

Labeling before adjudication. Kedero Treasvant was convicted of multiple firearm-related offenses in Michigan, and his appeal raises a key issue about courtroom...