FAQ
Can I smoke or vape cannabis at YVR?
YVR provides a smoke-free environment inside our terminal buildings—at all times and for all substances. Those who wish to smoke or vape cannabis may do so at designated smoking areas only—outside the terminal buildings, in clearly marked areas.
Can I purchase cannabis at YVR?
No. YVR does not sell cannabis or cannabis products.
Can I take cannabis with me if I am travelling through YVR on a domestic flight?
If travelling with cannabis in Canada, be aware that laws may vary by province and territory. It is your responsibility to know the cannabis laws wherever you travel.
Can I take cannabis with me if I am travelling through YVR on a flight outside of Canada?
Crossing international borders with cannabis is illegal.
Can I bring my cannabis paraphernalia with me?
It is the responsibility of those passing through YVR to understand and adhere to all applicable local, provincial, federal and international regulations regarding the carriage and possession of cannabis and cannabis paraphernalia.
I have been prescribed cannabis as medication. Can I bring it with me on my flight?
This is a complex answer. Please refer to the CBSA website on cannabis legalization here.
Can I smoke or vape cannabis between flights?
YVR’s terminals are smoke- and vape-free zones for all substances. Smoking or vaping of any kind is only permitted in the designated smoking and vaping areas outside of our terminal buildings. Please be advised that travelers who leave secured areas are asked to undergo standard security and customs checks prior to re-entering secured areas.
Can I consume cannabis before I fly?
Cannabis and cannabis consumption is illegal in many countries that YVR flies to. It is your responsibility to know the cannabis laws wherever you travel. Please keep in mind, YVR is a U.S. preclearance airport. If you are flying to the United States, in most instances you clear customs with U.S. Customs Border Protection (CBP) at YVR before boarding your flight. It is illegal to carry or be under the influence of cannabis according to U.S. law.
Where can I dispose of my cannabis at YVR?
Travelers who are flying to destinations in the United States or internationally are encouraged to leave their cannabis at home. Crossing international borders with cannabis is illegal.
Are amnesty boxes available at YVR?
No. Providing and maintaining amnesty boxes would be in violation of possession limits as set out in the current federal and provincial legislation. YVR is working with other airports across the country in exploring the possibility of an exemption under the legislation to permit amnesty boxes and YVR may choose to install amnesty boxes pending the outcome. It is illegal to cross international borders with cannabis and passengers travelling internationally are advised to leave their cannabis at home or to dispose of it prior to coming to the airport.
How will YVR monitor for intoxication?
Monitoring and enforcement related to cannabis consumption and possession is under the mandate of law enforcement agencies. It is the responsibility of those passing through YVR to understand and adhere to all applicable local, provincial, federal and international regulations regarding the carriage and possession of cannabis, at all times.
Will I be denied boarding if I'm intoxicated or impaired by cannabis? How will you determine intoxication?
We recommend passengers check with their airlines to ensure a clear understanding of their rules and policies.
Will I be denied entry into the United States if I am involved in the cannabis industry?
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a Canadian citizen working in or facilitating the proliferation of the legal marijuana industry in Canada, coming to the U.S. for reasons unrelated to the marijuana industry, will generally be admissible to the U.S. However, if a traveler is found to be coming to the U.S. for a reason related to the marijuana industry, they may be deemed inadmissible. More information is available here.
What happens if I'm travelling with cannabis on a domestic flight and we're diverted to the U.S.?
Passengers should be aware that unforeseen situations may and do arise that require domestic flights to divert to a U.S. airport, where arriving in possession of cannabis is not legal. In this case, U.S. laws would apply. U.S. Customs and Border Protection states that passengers "arriving at a U.S. port of entry in violation of this law may result in denied admission, seizure, fines, and apprehension." It is recommended that passengers understand their airline policies as you may be responsible for the consequences, including for payment of your return trip home.
Is vaping cannabis permitted at YVR?
You can vape cannabis in designated smoking areas, provided you are doing so in accordance with applicable laws.
Isn’t vaping cannabis illegal?
There is no blanket prohibition on all vaping of dried cannabis. Whether your vaping is lawful may depend on the type of cannabis product you are consuming, among other things. If you choose to vape cannabis at YVR, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are doing so in compliance with applicable laws.