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At least two major Canadian airports have released their policies for cannabis use and possession ahead of the legalization of recreational marijuana on Oct. 17, 2018.
Both Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Edmonton International Airport (YEG) have issued news releases noting anyone over the age of 19 will be able to legally carry up to 30 grams and can travel with it within Canada.
Passengers will be allowed to have cannabis in carry-on or checked luggage while travelling domestically.
But YEG is banning all consumption of recreational cannabis on airport-managed property.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will monitor and enforce passenger and employee compliance, according to the YEG release.
YVR will permit smoking and vaping cannabis in designated areas only, outside the terminal building in clearly marked areas.
“We will continue to provide a smoke- and vape-free environment inside our airport,” said the YVR release.
YVR also issued the following guidelines:
- Crossing international borders with cannabis is illegal: If you are travelling internationally, including to the United States, it is illegal to cross the border with cannabis. It doesn’t matter whether you’re leaving or entering Canada, or what the laws of your destination are. Keep in mind that YVR is also a pre-clearance airport, meaning on most U.S. flights, you clear customs and are considered to be in the U.S. before boarding your flight;
- If travelling with cannabis in Canada, be aware that laws may vary by province and territory: While it is legal for adults to travel in Canada with cannabis, you should know that laws may differ where you travel. This includes legal age, where you can smoke or vape, consume and buy cannabis.
- It is your responsibility to know the cannabis laws wherever you travel: It is the responsibility of those passing through YVR to understand and adhere to all applicable local, provincial, federal and international regulations regarding the carriage and possession of cannabis.
For more information on YEG’s cannabis policies, click here.
For more information on YVR’s cannabis policies, click here.
