U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Releases Statement on Canada's Legalization of Marijuan

In accordance to the legalization of marijuana in Canada, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will continue to enforce the United States laws and will not be altering them to abide by Canada’s new ruling. The U.S Federal Law governs the rules of entry for individuals wishing to travel into the United States and will remain consistent. The law currently states that the import of marijuana into the United States is illegal, even from states or countries where it is legal.

The sale, possession, production and distribution of marijuana or the facilitation of the aforementioned remains illegal under U.S Federal Law. Crossing the border into the United States with the possession of marijuana may lead to denial of entry, fines, or apprehension.

A CBP officers job is to prevent illegal import of narcotics as well as marijuana. CBP officers are trained in the Immigration and Nationality Act which focuses on entry into the United States. If an individual is stopped in regards to criminal behavior, the CBP officer will use their discretion on a case by case basis to make a decision on the outcome of the situation in regards to entry. If an individual is found to violate the US Federal Laws, they usually are denied entry into the United States. If an individual is entering the United States for marijuana related business, they may be denied entry as well.

If you have any questions regarding the U.S Federal Laws and the importing of marijuana across borders, please contact Attorney Nicholas J. Mireles, Esq. at Attorney@loonjm.com.