Area of Law: Cannabis Law
Answer # 2582
Is it legal to travel to the U.S. with cannabis in your system?
Region: Ontario Answer # 2582It is illegal to travel to the U.S. with cannabis in your system. If you appear to be under the influence of drugs, such as having bloodshot eyes, or you or your vehicle smell of cannabis, or even if you wear clothing that might suggest you are a cannabis user (e.g., a shirt with a cannabis leaf on it), U.S. Customs and Border Control (CBP) Officers probably will ask questions and search you. However, the CBP cannot legally test you for having drugs in your system.
If you are questioned and admit to a CBP officer that you have used marijuana you could face a lifetime ban from the United States, even if you have never been charged with a drug-related crime.
If you are caught attempting to cross the border with cannabis or cannabis products, you will face severe penalties, both in Canada and in the U.S. This applies even if it is medical cannabis, or if you are travelling to a U.S. State where cannabis use is legal. Penalties may include a lifetime ban. For more information, refer to answer 2584 Can you be banned from travel to the U.S. if you admit to having consumed cannabis?
What if you are found inadmissible?
If you have been denied entry and received a ban from entering the U.S., you will have to apply for a U.S. Entry Waiver in order to visit the U.S. in future. For more information about U.S. Entry Waivers, refer to the USA Travel and Immigration section of Legal Line.
Get help
To erase your criminal record for simple cannabis possession or any other criminal charges, call toll-free 1-888-808-3628 or learn more at Pardon Partners. It’s easier than you think.
If you have been charged with a criminal offence, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible. Contact our preferred criminal defence expert, Calvin Barry Criminal Lawyers for a free consultation at 1-866-961-4963 .
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