Pot industry players weigh benefits of cross-border travel after latest U.S. statement
TORONTO — Shifting statements from U.S. border officials have prompted some Canadian cannabis industry players to think twice about travelling south of the border, just weeks before a significant pot industry conference in Las Vegas.
A spokeswoman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection said that even if a Canadian traveller’s business does not operate in the U.S., they could be denied entry if their travel activities are cannabis-related.
“If the purpose of travel is unrelated to the marijuana industry such as a vacation, shopping trip, visit to relatives, they will generally be admissible to the U.S. however if they are coming for reasons related to the industry, such as the conference… they may be found inadmissible,” said Stephanie Malin, U.S. CBP’s branch chief for northern/coastal regions in an email.
On Oct. 17, Canada became the second country in the world after Uruguay to legalize cannabis for recreational use.