🇺🇸 United States · Editorial Q&A

Can I bring cannabis from a legal US state into Canada (or vice versa)?

Question

Cannabis is legal in Washington and Canada. I am driving from Seattle to Vancouver. Can I bring some across?

Answer · Drive This World Editorial · reviewed 2026-05-02

No, in either direction, regardless of legalization on either side.

  • Entering Canada: importing cannabis is a federal offence under the Cannabis Act, with penalties up to 14 years imprisonment.
  • Entering the US: cannabis is a federal Schedule I controlled substance regardless of state law. CBP enforces federal law at every border crossing. Possession at the border can result in seizure, denial of entry for the trip, and a permanent refusal record affecting future US travel.

The border is federal in both countries. Provincial / state legalization simply does not apply at customs. Don't risk it — even small amounts have led to multi-year denials of entry for travellers who declared honestly assuming legal protection.

Citations

  1. [1]CBSA — Cannabis at the BorderCBSA
  2. [2]CBP — Marijuana Still Illegal Under Federal LawUS CBP