Cannabis remains illegal under international law (1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs). International import or export of cannabis across any international border is a serious criminal offence in virtually all jurisdictions — including between countries where cannabis is legal domestically. This guide is for informational and research purposes only. Consult a qualified international trade attorney before taking any action.
Select a Jurisdiction
Browse detailed import and export regulations by country or territory
Cannabis is federally illegal in the US. Import and export is banned under the Controlled Substances Act. DEA, CBP, and FDA are key enforcement agencies. Hemp/CBD rules differ.
As a US territory, Puerto Rico is subject to federal cannabis law. Medical cannabis is legal locally under Law 42-2017 but cross-border movement is federally prohibited.
Canada has federally legalized cannabis but international trade is extremely restricted under the Cannabis Act 2018. Only licensed export for medical/scientific purposes to eligible countries.
Mexico's Supreme Court ruling decriminalized personal use. Medical cannabis is legal and export of approved medical products is possible under COFEPRIS permits. Tight controls apply.
Cuba maintains a strict zero-tolerance prohibition on cannabis in all forms. There is no import, export, medical, or decriminalized framework. Severe criminal penalties apply.
At-a-Glance Comparison
Quick reference — cannabis import/export status across covered jurisdictions
| Jurisdiction | Import Status | Export Status | Medical Trade | Key Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA (Federal) | ❌ Prohibited | ❌ Prohibited | No | Schedule I CSA — federal ban |
| 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico | ❌ Prohibited | ❌ Prohibited | No | US federal territory — same as USA |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | ⚠️ Highly Restricted | ⚠️ Medical/Scientific Only | Licensed only | Health Canada dealer's licence required |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | ⚠️ Restricted | ⚠️ Medical with Permit | COFEPRIS permit | Commercial adult-use trade framework pending |
| 🇨🇺 Cuba | ❌ Prohibited | ❌ Prohibited | No | Zero-tolerance prohibition, severe penalties |
⚡ Universal Rules — Apply to ALL Jurisdictions
- International border crossing with cannabis is illegal in virtually all scenarios — even between two jurisdictions where cannabis is legal domestically.
- The 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs obliges signatory nations (including all jurisdictions covered here) to prohibit international cannabis trade except for strictly licensed medical/scientific purposes.
- Airports and seaports fall under international jurisdiction — possession of cannabis at any international point of entry or departure is a criminal offence regardless of local laws.
- Hemp and CBD products have separate and varied rules — they are not automatically exempt from import/export restrictions. THC content thresholds, labeling, and licensing requirements vary widely.
- Penalties can be severe — up to decades in prison and asset forfeiture in many jurisdictions for trafficking offences.
📋 Legal Disclaimer
This guide is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Cannabis trade regulations change frequently and vary significantly by jurisdiction. Always consult a qualified attorney specializing in international trade law and cannabis regulations before taking any action. CannBus.org assumes no liability for actions taken based on information presented here.
📚 Key Reference Sources
- UN Office on Drugs and Crime — 1961 Single Convention: unodc.org
- US DEA — Drug Scheduling: dea.gov
- Health Canada — Cannabis Act: canada.ca
- COFEPRIS Mexico: gob.mx/cofepris
- Puerto Rico ORC (Dept. of Health): salud.gov.pr