CBSA warns importation of marijuana remains illegal

CBSA warns importation of marijuana remains illegal

Recreational marijuana is to be legalised in Canada on October 17, making Canada the first G7 country to allow the drug nationwide and the second in the world after Uruguay.

However, shippers aiming to take advantage of the change in the law by airfreighting marijuana into the country are warned by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officials that under the Cannabis Act, laws around importing and exporting cannabis will not change.

CBSA spokesperson Jayden Robertson says: “It will remain illegal to import into Canada, or export from Canada, cannabis and cannabis products without a valid permit, issued by the Government of Canada. As is the case today, permits may only be issued for limited purposes: medical, scientific or industrial hemp. The unauthorised cross border movement of cannabis will remain a serious criminal offence.”

This will be the case even if cargo is being shipped from places that have legalised or decriminalised cannabis.

Robertson says: “Through its programs and services, the CBSA will continue to uphold laws governing the illegal cross-border movement of cannabis, while facilitating the free flow of legitimate goods.”

Picture of James Graham

James Graham

James Graham is an award-winning transport media journalist with a long background in the commercial freight sector, including commercial aviation and the aviation supply chain. He was the initial Air Cargo Week journalist and retuned later for a stint as editor. He continues his association as editor of the monthly supplements. He has reported for the newspaper from global locations as well as the UK.

Newsletter

Stay informed. Stay ahead. To get the latest air cargo news and industry trends delivered directly to your inbox, sign up now!

related articles

Partnerships and progress in Miami

Boeing: Air cargo traffic to double by 2043

Nova Post’s Supernova Airlines completes first Budapest – Chișinău cargo flight