Canada
Country · North America
Canada has legalized recreational cannabis nationwide for adults, but transporting cannabis across the international border — in either direction — remains a serious federal crime. Most prescription medicines are permitted for personal use with proper documentation.
Traveler warnings
Do not bring cannabis across the Canadian border in either direction, even from a legal U.S. state. Legal age and possession limits differ by province.
Legal status by substance category
11 categories documented for Canada.
ADHD Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse)
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Limit: Up to a single course of treatment / ~90 days
Amphetamine and methylphenidate ADHD medicines are controlled under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Permitted for personal use with a valid prescription; declare at the border.
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin)
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Limit: ~90-day personal supply
Benzodiazepines are controlled. Carry only a personal supply with documentation.
CBD Products (hemp-derived)
CBD Products
CBD is regulated as cannabis under the Cannabis Act. Legal to buy/possess domestically through legal channels, but it cannot be carried across the border without a federal permit.
General Prescription Medications
General Prescription Medications
Limit: Single course of treatment / 90 days
Most prescription medicines may be brought for personal use in original packaging with a prescription or doctor's letter.
Penalty: Controlled medicines without documentation may be seized.
Kratom
Kratom
Limit: Personal use
Kratom is not approved by Health Canada for human consumption and cannot be sold as a consumable, though personal possession is not specifically criminalized.
Penalty: Selling kratom for ingestion is prohibited.
Medical Cannabis / THC
Cannabis / Marijuana
Limit: 30 g in public (federal)
Recreational cannabis is legal for adults within Canada (limits vary by province), BUT taking cannabis across the Canadian border in EITHER direction is a serious federal crime — even to/from a legal U.S. state.
Opioids / Pain Medications (oxycodone, tramadol, codeine)
Opioids / Pain Medications
Limit: ~90-day personal supply
Opioid pain medicines are controlled. A personal supply is allowed with a valid prescription; declare to CBSA on arrival.
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Limit: None
Psilocybin is a controlled substance. Limited exemptions exist for specific medical or research purposes.
Penalty: Possession and supply are criminal offenses.
Psychiatric Medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics)
Psychiatric Medications
Limit: ~90-day personal supply
Antidepressants and antipsychotics are permitted for personal use with a prescription.
THC Vapes / Concentrates
THC Vapes / Concentrates
Limit: Equivalent to 30 g cannabis
Legal for adults through licensed retailers, with possession measured as a cannabis equivalent. Cannot cross the border.
Penalty: Crossing the border or exceeding equivalency limits carries penalties.
Testosterone / TRT (Schedule III)
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Limit: Personal supply
Testosterone is a controlled substance (Schedule). Permitted for personal medical use with a prescription.
Prescription policy
Travelers may bring a personal supply (generally up to 90 days, or a single course of treatment) of prescription medication. Keep medicines in original packaging and carry the prescription or a doctor's letter. Declare controlled medicines on arrival.
Controlled substances
Controlled substances are regulated under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Opioids, stimulants and benzodiazepines require a valid prescription. Cannabis is legal within Canada for adults subject to provincial rules but cannot cross the border.
Customs & border guidance
Declare all medications and any cannabis-related questions honestly to the Canada Border Services Agency. Never carry cannabis across the border even to/from U.S. states where it is legal.
Penalties
Crossing the border with cannabis can result in arrest, seizure, fines and prosecution. Trafficking controlled substances carries significant prison terms. Within Canada, cannabis rules (age, quantity) vary by province.
Live Alerts
Canada: Never cross the border with cannabis in either direction
WarningCannabis is legal for adults within Canada, but transporting it across the international border — into or out of Canada — is a serious criminal offense, even when travelling to or from a legalized U.S. state. Declare honestly and leave all cannabis behind when crossing the border.
Documentation required
Prescription or doctor's letter, medication in original labeled packaging, proof of personal medical need for controlled drugs.
For informational purposes only. This profile is not legal or medical advice. Laws change frequently; always verify with the official government, embassy, customs, or health authority before you travel.