Cannabis

October 18, 2018

 

Cannabis Policy at J.A. Douglas Mccurdy Sydney Airport

Due to the legalization of cannabis occurring on October 17, 2018, the Sydney Airport Authority has made changes to its policies and procedures to ensure that we will continue to deliver a safe and exceptional airport experience for everyone. 

Cannabis Use at the J.A. Douglas Mccurdy Sydney Airport

Cannabis use is strictly prohibited on airport property. This includes the areas outside the terminal building designated for tobacco smoking.

Travelling with Cannabis

As of Wednesday October 17, 2018, travelers are permitted to transport (within Canada) up to 30 grams of cannabis in their carry on or check baggage. It will still continue to remain illegal to take cannabis across Canada's national boarders regardless of if you are entering or leaving Canada. This is a serious criminal offence and is subject to arrest and prosecution.

Current regulations around travelling while impaired do not change. Airline employees have the authority to refuse service to a passenger they believe to be impaired.

Travelling with Cannabis within Canada

With the new legislation, passengers will be permitted to travel within Canada with up to 30 grams of cannabis in their possession. You will have to be of legal age, which is 18 or 19 years of age, depending on the province or territory. It is illegal to travel with any more than this amount for non-medicinal purposes.

Passengers travelling with medical marijuana will be asked to present medical documentation when the amount declared or discovered during screening appears to be more than the legal limit for recreational cannabis.

Cannabis oil is subject to the 100 ml limit at security screening and must be placed with other liquids, aerosols and gels in a clear, resealable plastic bag no more than 1-litre in capacity.

If you are legally travelling within Canada with cannabis, and your flight is diverted into the United States, you may be required to disembark from the aircraft and go through U.S. Cust om s. You should be aware that in these circumstances you will be subject to applicable United States law regarding cannabis possession.

Current regulations around travelling while impaired will not change. Airline employees have the authority to refuse service to a passenger they believe to be impaired.

Travelling Across International Borders

Despite the fact that cannabis will be legal and regulated in Canada, it will remain illegal to take cannabis across Canada's national borders, whether you are entering or leaving Canada. This remains a serious criminal offence subject to arrest and prosecution, despite the legalization of cannabis within Canada. We will be installing disposal bins at security screening checkpoints where passengers can dispose of any cannabis prior to travelling.

More information is available on the Canada Boarder Security website.

Travelling to the United States

Although the possession of cannabis is legal in some U.S. states, it remains illegal under U.S. federal laws in any form and quantity, and it is illegal to bring it across the Canada-U.S. border.

Previous use of cannabis, or any substance prohibited by U.S. federal laws, could mean that you are denied entry to the U.S. Concerned travelers should check with immigration authorities to determine the impact of U.S. laws on their particular situation.

Important: Although cannabis will be legal in Canada, travelers should not attempt to cross the Canada-U.S. border with any amount of cannabis in any form, even if you are travelling to a U.S. state that has legalized possession of cannabis. If you do so, you can expect legal prosecution and fines, and possibly jail time.