Leaves from the cannabis plant are bright green and have a distinctive shape with five or seven leaflets. The flowering tops and upper leaves are covered in a sticky resin.
On October 17, 2018, the lawful sale and consumption of cannabis for recreational use was adopted in Canada.
In B.C., this means that people 19 and over can now legally carry up to 30 grams of cannabis and can travel with it domestically within Canada, though laws may vary by province and territory.
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.
Here are the four key points that passengers should keep in mind:
- Crossing international borders with cannabis is illegal: If you are travelling internationally, including to the U.S., 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, which meaning that on most U.S. flights once you clear customs, you are in the U.S. even 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, laws may differ where you travel. This includes legal age, where you can smoke or vape, consume and buy cannabis.
- Cannabis smoking and vaping is permitted at YVR in designated areas only: If you wish to consume cannabis at YVR, smoking and vaping is permitted outside the terminal building in clearly marked areas. YVR continues to provide a smoke- and vape-free environment inside the airport.
- It is your responsibility to know the cannabis laws wherever you travel: YVR emphasizes that 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, visit yvr.ca/cannabis.
