In 2021, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) made 22,779 cannabis seizures totaling 36,371 pounds of cannabis, the agency said in a press release on Monday. The agency also reminded travelers that bringing – or taking – cannabis across its border remains prohibited, warning that CBD products could also violate agency policies.
“Avoid seizures, fines or arrest: Don’t bring it into Canada. Don’t take it out of Canada.” – CBSA, “CBSA reminds Canadians of cannabis border laws,” May 9, 2022
The agency reiterated that consumers should make sure they are buying cannabis through government-approved retailers when buying online “to avoid potential delays, an enforcement action, and even criminal prosecution.”
The CBSA is also responsible for screening all goods that enter and exit Canada, including those by mail, and those packages may be subject to more in-depth examination. Under the nation’s cannabis laws, it is illegal to import or export cannabis to or from Canada.
“Personal, mail, courier, and commercial shipments are subject to the Customs Act,” the agency said in a press release, “and may be examined for prohibited goods, including cannabis and cannabis products.”
Individuals who do not declare their cannabis when entering Canada could face enforcement action by the CBSA, including seizure, arrest, and fines which would be applied “based on the type, severity, and frequency of the contravention,” the agency said.
Canada legalized cannabis for adult use in 2018 and shares a border with several U.S. states that have passed the reforms, including Alaska, Maine, Michigan, Montana, New York, Vermont, and Washington.
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