Marijuana legalization means you can get high — really high — with your cannabis.
Once the target of drug-sniffing dogs, cannabis is now allowed in both checked and carry-on luggage for air travellers.
But, as with many other allowed items, there are limits.
Christine Langlois, spokesperson for Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), was in Regina on Wednesday to provide a reminder about security rules, given the upcoming school break often leads to increased air travel.
tems not allowed on airplanes found by security at the Regina International Airport sit in a display cabinet near the security area.
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Regina Leader-Post
“Keep in mind that it remains illegal to cross international borders with cannabis,” she said. “Whether you go out of Canada or you come in, it’s illegal to cross international borders. If you want to fly domestically, it’s allowed. You’re allowed to have up to 30 grams of recreational cannabis. It’s roughly the size of a sandwich bag, a clear sandwich bag. And if it’s medical, then you’re allowed to have up to 150 (grams), however make sure you have your medical documentation with you.”
Langlois reminded would-be travellers that it’s up to them to ensure they are obeying provincial legislation in relation to cannabis prior to reaching the airport.
Items not allowed on airplanes found by security at the Regina International Airport sit on a table near the security area.
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Regina Leader-Post
“I think it’s the responsibility of people to know what are the rules exactly in the province they’re in,” she said. “For us, what we’re concerned about is that when you come (to) the airport, those are the limits, the legal limits. But what we really want people to remember about cannabis is to not cross international borders with it.”
As cannabis is considered an allowed item, there is no specific way to pack it. Langlois said it does not need to be in its original packaging; a sandwich bag will suffice.
And while security officials are unlikely to weigh each bag of cannabis, travellers are advised to ensure they are at or under the allowed amount.
Items not allowed on airplanes found by security at the Regina International Airport sit on a table near the security area.
BRANDON HARDER /
Regina Leader-Post
“If it looks to be possibly more than the legal limit then, yes, we would call the police as per procedure,” she said.
So far, she said CATSA has not noted a significant impact on operations since the legalization of cannabis in October.
Regulations on other items remain in place. While larger amounts are allowed in checked baggage, liquids, gels and inorganic powders (salts, bath salts, and even hand warmers) must be within specified limits to be taken in carry-on bags. For liquids and gels, that’s 100 millilitres or less per container, with all fitting together inside a small, clear plastic bag. For inorganic powders, the limit is 350 ml, the approximate equivalent of a soda can.
Items not allowed on airplanes found by security at the Regina International Airport sit on a table near the security area.
BRANDON HARDER /
Regina Leader-Post
CATSA has additional information available on its website or on its app. Langlois said the app also contains information about wait times at security checkpoints at 14 Canadian airports, including Regina.
Despite all its best efforts at educating the public on what not to bring, some travellers continue to push the limits. Just last week in Regina, security seized numerous items, including what’s known as a credit card knife (a blade concealed within a credit card-sized case) and a trio of throwing stars. Langlois said the throwing stars will be handed over to police.
hpolischuk@postmedia.com