Tourists often assume marijuana rules “travel” with them. They don’t. Fines and penalties for marijuana possession can range from a small civil ticket to arrest, jail time, deportation, and long-term travel consequences. What happens depends on the country (and often the city or state), the amount, where it’s carried, and whether authorities suspect public use, resale, or impaired driving.
In the United States, the biggest surprise is the gap between state legalization and federal law. Many states allow adult-use or medical cannabis, but federal law still prohibits possession. Under federal “simple possession” rules, penalties can include jail time and fines, even for small amounts. This matters because tourists routinely pass through federally controlled spaces—airports, aircraft, some federal buildings, and many national park areas. TSA’s public guidance also reminds travelers that marijuana and certain cannabis-infused products remain illegal under federal law (with limited exceptions for certain hemp-derived items and specific FDA-approved products). In practice, that means a “legal state” vacation can still become a legal problem if cannabis ends up in the wrong jurisdiction.
Even inside a legal state, tourists can still be penalized because legalization usually comes with strict conditions. Common vacation pitfalls include possessing more than the state limit; sharing or “gifting” in ways that can be treated as unlawful distribution; using cannabis in public (often enforced similarly to open-container alcohol rules); consuming where smoking is prohibited; or bringing products into private venues that ban them (stadiums, theme parks, hotels, cruise terminals). Another frequent mistake is transporting cannabis carelessly in a rental car—such as leaving it open in the passenger area—where it can turn a routine traffic stop into a possession case. And while edibles may feel discreet, they can still violate venue rules or trigger law enforcement attention if used in public.
Border crossings are where consequences spike dramatically. Canada is a clear example: the Government of Canada warns it is illegal to take cannabis across the Canadian border, whether entering or leaving, including products containing CBD. So a tourist who legally bought cannabis in a U.S. state can still face seizure and potential criminal consequences by trying to bring it into Canada (or take Canadian cannabis out). “I forgot it was in my bag” is common, but it does not change border enforcement.
Internationally, “zero-tolerance” jurisdictions can be unforgiving, and tourists are not treated as special cases. Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau states that cannabis possession and consumption are serious offenses, with penalties that can include up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine, and that trafficking above specified thresholds can carry the death penalty. In places like this, even a small amount can trigger detention and a lengthy legal process.
Some destinations sit in the middle: possession may be tolerated only under narrow limits and contexts. In the Netherlands, the government explains that possession of small quantities (defined as no more than 5 grams) is generally not prosecuted under its toleration policy, while coffeeshop sales are tolerated only under specific rules. Tourists who treat that as “fully legal everywhere” can still be ticketed if they carry more than allowed, buy from unlicensed sellers, or cause a public nuisance.
Finally, plan for the hidden penalties. A drug stop can mean missed flights, non-refundable hotels, towing and impound fees, and legal bills. A conviction can affect future visas and border entries. The safest approach is boring but effective: don’t travel with cannabis, don’t cross borders with it, don’t bring it to airports, and don’t assume “legal in one place” means “safe everywhere.”