Import, Export and Travel Questions

Laws change; this is not legal advice

Travel is where a "legal where I live" product can meet a different rule. This page reports what official agencies said on pages we read on 2026-10-22. It does not tell anyone how to carry, ship or move cannabis, and it does not cover every country. Before traveling with any cannabinoid product or medicine, check the official rules for every place on your route, and talk with a pharmacist or lawyer where it matters.

Why state or local legality is not enough

Border and airport rules are set by national governments. For the United States, CBP says the sale, possession, production and distribution of both medical and recreational marijuana remain illegal under U.S. federal law, and that although they may be legal in some U.S. states and Canada, the federal rule applies. [1] For the legal categories themselves, see medical vs adult-use cannabis law.

United States airports (TSA)

The TSA page for medical marijuana (last updated April 27, 2026) says TSA security officers do not search for illegal drugs. If one is found during screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer. [2] The page also says the final decision on whether an item goes through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer. [2] We did not extract further instructions from that page, so we make no claim about specific products such as hemp CBD or an FDA-approved medicine; check the TSA "What can I bring?" tool and the airline.

United States borders (CBP)

CBP states that because federal law prohibits importing and exporting marijuana, crossing the international border or arriving at a U.S. port of entry with marijuana may result in seizure, fines, and/or arrest, and may affect admissibility. [1] That statement was last modified on August 23, 2023; we did not find newer CBP guidance on hemp or CBD for travelers.

How the import and export rule is written

• The FDA says the DEA enforces controlled substance rules on import or export of cannabis products and should be consulted. [3]
• The FDA also says an article that appears adulterated, misbranded or in violation of its drug and food rules will be refused admission. [3]
• The Justice Department's 2026 rule says that drug products containing marijuana in Schedule III are added to the list of substances that may only be imported or exported with a permit. [4]

Canada

Health Canada's cannabis laws page (dated December 12, 2025) says taking cannabis across the border is illegal, including cannabis used for medical purposes. [5] This page was read through a web fetch tool, not directly. We did not read Canadian guidance on hemp or CBD at the border.

Other countries

Not verified on this page. Many countries have their own import controls and penalties. Use the destination government's official page; see cannabis and CBD laws by country.

Related safety topics

Drug testing and impairment rules at a destination are separate: see cannabis, CBD and drug testing and cannabis impairment and driving.