HighWays Travel spoke with the U.S. Department of State about international travel and cannabis. Here’s what they want you to know.
There are plenty of details to think about before an international trip: Is your passport valid? Do you need a visa? Did you remember an adapter? And for cannabis travelers, what are the laws in the place where you’re going?
HighWays Travel recently connected with the U.S. Department of State about what Americans need to know before traveling internationally, particularly when it comes to cannabis. And if there’s one overarching takeaway, it’s this: What’s legal at home may be very illegal once you leave the United States.
Depending on where you’re traveling, CBD, gummies, vape cartridges, concentrates, and even certain prescription medications can create serious legal problems. Laws and regulations also change often and quickly, which means it’s vital to do your research before every international trip, even if you’ve visited the destination before.
With all of this in mind, here are six things the State Department wants cannabis travelers to know before going abroad.
1. Your State’s Cannabis Laws Stop at the Border.
U.S. citizens traveling abroad are subject to the laws of the country they’re visiting, so a product you purchased completely legally at home can be prohibited at your destination.
A U.S. medical cannabis recommendation or card doesn’t necessarily change that, either. Some countries specifically prohibit medical cannabis, including products that were legally prescribed or recommended elsewhere.
The same caution applies before you’ve even left the country. U.S. airports and commercial aircraft are under federal jurisdiction, and cannabis remains federally controlled.
2. Research the Laws Before Every International Trip.
Cannabis laws around the world are complicated, and they’re changing all the time. Make researching current cannabis laws part of your regular pre-trip routine, just like checking passport requirements and entry rules.
Travel.state.gov maintains a page for every country in the world, with information supplied directly by U.S. embassies and consulates on the ground. Before traveling internationally, the State Department recommends checking the “Local Laws and Customs” and “Tips from the U.S. Embassy” sections of the Destination Information Page for the country you’re visiting. Just enter the country name in the search bar, and you’ll be taken to a site with all of the details you need.
Don’t assume information from your last trip is still accurate. Don’t rely exclusively on an old article, social media post, advice from someone who visited six months ago, or even this article, either. Always defer to the U.S. State Department’s official resources for the most up-to-date rules.
Thailand offers a particularly good example of why current information matters. Its cannabis policies have undergone major changes in recent years, going from criminalized to recreationally legal to available only with a medical prescription in a matter of a few years.
3. Just Because Cannabis Is Legal Where You’re Going Doesn’t Mean You Can Bring It There.
A destination may allow cannabis possession or consumption under certain circumstances while still prohibiting travelers from carrying it across its border. If the plant is legally available at your destination, obey the rules and support the local economy by buying it when you get there.
Take Canada, for example. Recreational cannabis is legal for adults, but bringing cannabis across the Canadian border remains highly illegal.
The same basic principle applies in other destinations with notably permissive cannabis policies. The Netherlands prohibits taking controlled substances such as marijuana into or out of the country. Portugal has decriminalized possession of limited amounts of drugs, but bringing cannabis or CBD products into the country remains illegal.
4. Don’t Forget About CBD, Topicals, Edibles, and Vapes.
CBD oil. An edible you forgot was in your backpack. A vape cartridge hiding at the bottom of your carry-on. All of these products, which can be perfectly legal in the United States, can get you into serious trouble elsewhere. Some countries even have specific restrictions on vaping products independent of their cannabis laws.
Prescription medications can present their own issues. A medication legally prescribed in the United States can contain an ingredient that’s controlled or prohibited in another country. Research the rules for the specific products and medications you use, not just cannabis.
5. Start Packing With a Completely Empty Bag.
This might be the easiest piece of State Department advice to follow—and one of the most important. Before packing for an international trip, completely empty your suitcase, backpack, purse, and carry-on.
Then check them, and check them again. Look through every pocket and compartment, particularly if you regularly use the same bags for domestic trips or in your everyday life. Something you barely notice at home can become a major problem at an international border.
According to the State Department, Americans have been arrested in other countries after accidentally traveling with cannabis products, including edibles, vape cartridges, and concentrates. And while “I forgot it was there” may explain what happened, it won’t necessarily protect you from arrest or prosecution under another country’s laws.
6. Understand What the U.S. Government Can and Can’t Do If You’re Arrested.
Nobody plans an international trip expecting to get arrested, but understanding what happens if something goes wrong is part of responsible travel. If you’re detained outside of the U.S., being an American citizen doesn’t exempt you from the country’s laws or legal system.
U.S. embassies and consulates may be able to provide certain forms of assistance to Americans who are detained, but their ability to intervene in another country’s legal system is limited. That’s another reason prevention matters so much.
The State Department maintains a Help Abroad section with information for Americans facing emergencies overseas, including arrest and detention. Research the laws before you go, follow them while you’re there, and know where to find official assistance if you need it.
Related Articles:
Cannabis and Boating: 10 Ways to Make Sure You Stay Safe and Legal on the High Seas
Cannabis Laws by State: Official Resources for Travelers
