Escapees July-August 2023

Can you bring in marijuana with a medical permit?

Resources Do you have more questions about entering Canada? The resources below are links to follow to get your questions answered. If in doubt, contact the Canada Border Services Agency directly. Border Crossings: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/do-rb/services/hwyb-autof-eng.html Visitors to Canada: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ivc-rnc-eng.html Bringing food into Canada: https://inspection.canada.ca/food-safety-for-consumers/ bringing-food-into-canada-for-personal-use/eng/ 1389630031549/1389630282362?fbclid=IwAR0TE44BDcqLPle3GgKie 146ClGxjecvvOdnOOdtZaLeEpvYGMYIzhUX80o#tab1 Maximum quantity food limits: https://inspection.canada.ca/about-c fi a/acts-and-regulations/ list-of-acts-and regulations/documents-incorporated-by-reference/personal-use exemption/eng/1520439688578/1520439689098 Importing fi rearms and weapons into Canada: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/iefw-iefa-eng.html Health Canada: www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/cannabis-regulations licensed-producers/import-export.html Traveling with Children: www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/ minor-children-travelling-canada.html

It doesn’t matter whether marijuana is legal in Canada or whether you have a medical document authorizing the use of it. You must have a permit or exemption autho rized by Health Canada (see resources). Without the permit or exemption, it’s a serious criminal offense, subject to being arrested and prosecuted. Canada’s gun laws are strict. It’s well known that Canada has very rigid gun rules, but it’s not impossible to carry them with you. Declare all fi rearmsand guns at the border. If you don’t, there are severe penalties. Trying to avoid letting the border agent know you’re carrying a gun in your RV is not worth trying. Some fi rearms are prohibited, but some can be brought into Canada if you have proper documentation. The best advice is to be honest, do your research (see resources), and if in doubt, ask questions. It’s not worth the risk of not being truthful. Being prepared makes your border crossing less stressful. The goal is for you to feel more comfortable approaching the U.S./Canada border cross ing and have a positive relaxed experience. Many people recommend you don’t bring any food, fi rearms, alcohol or other restricted items, but sometimes, many RVers don’t have a choice. They may have health concerns or other reasons for travel ing with these items. No one wants you to haveadif fi cult border crossing. It’s all about being prepared and knowing what to expect when you arrive at the Canadian Border. Canada and the U.S. have many similarities, but they’re separate countries with their own laws and regula tions. Doing some research removes the fear of the unknown and makes your entry into Canada practically seamless. Once you cross that border, the opportunities for jaw-dropping experiences are limitless. Your adventure in Canada is about to start!

province determines its minimum age, and currently, Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec are 18 years, and the remaining provinces and territories are 19 years. There are limits as to the amount of alcohol you can bring into Canada, but if you do exceed that amount, you’ll need to pay duty and taxes on the overage. For exam ple, if bringing wine, your limit will equal two 750 ml bottles, while beer or ale will be approximately 24 cans or bottles of roughly 355 ml each. For Alcoholic beverages, the maximum amount is up to 40 fl uidounces or one large standard bottle of liquor. Tobacco products also have their limits, with 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, seven ounces of tobacco and 200 tobacco sticks being the maximum.

CAROLANN QUIBELL #38554, is a freelance writer, blogger and Canadian RVer. You can connect with her on her website www.rvingincanada.com

58

ESCAPEES Magazine July/August 2023