The government of Canada is gearing up for the official day of recreational marijuana legalization; releasing all kinds of educational media regarding cannabis use.
READ ALSO: These 36 Quebec Towns Want To Ban Smoking Marijuana In Public
TL;DR Despite impending recreational marijuana legalization in Canada, popular Canadian vacation destinations still have mixed attitudes about the drug. Here's an assessment of marijuana laws in each of those countries.
Like this Tweet from the Government of Canada's travel and tourism bureau warning Canadians that cannabis is still "illegal in most countries."
When you travel abroad, you are subject to the laws of the country you are visiting. Your Canadian citizenship does not give you immunity or preferential treatment in other countries. https://t.co/4I8ALOx6y4 #CannabisAct #Marijuana pic.twitter.com/PhnQGYd6hp
Although this is common sense to most, it's an important reminder to research marijuana laws before you decide to travel if you plan on smoking during vacation.
So – where are Canadians travelling?
According to newest insights from KAYAK, one of the worlds largest flight aggregator and travel metasearch engine, these are the top trending destinations among Canadian travellers in 2018, and the statuses and penalties for cannabis use for each of them.
1. Colombia
Official status: Decriminalized
Stereotypically Colombia is associated with cocaine, not marijuana. However, that is slowly changing. In 2016, the country passed a landmark law legalizing medical marijuana for both domestic use and export. Colombia is now looking to become the world's largest supplier of legal marijuana. When it comes to actually smoking in Colombia, possession of small amounts of marijuana are decriminalized, so this is the country with the laxest marijuana policies on this whole list.
2. Morocco
Official status: illegal
A few years ago I travelled toMorocco. Barely 20 minutes off our flight and our guide started whispering something about hash, before I know it, we're smoking a joint on a roof. Morocco's climate is ideal for cultivating marijuana. Officially speaking, though, the cultivation, sale, and possession of cannabis for recreational purposes is illegal and can land you up to 10 years in jail. However, officials in Morocco are known to be lax and never bother smoking tourists too much.
3. Thailand
Official status: illegal
Classified as a Category 5 narcotic, marijuana use is considered a serious crime and penalties can be severe, even for tourists. Even possession of small amounts of marijuana can lead to prison time, between 3 months and 5 years. So unless you want to spend a night in jail, think twice about smoking in Thailand.
4. Japan
Official status: illegal
Japan is not a bud-friendly place. Cops are known to be strict, especially when it comes to marijuana. If you are caught smoking weed on the streets, you will go to jail. And unlike places like Morroco where cannabis is illegal, but cops often turn a blind eye, in Japan, police are even harsher on tourists caught smoking.
5. Indonesia
Official status: illegal
Bali, Indonesia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. However, don't look forward to smoking a joint after a long day at the beach, marijuana is 100% illegal here and any possession of it, even in small amount, carries some hefty penalties, like imprisonment for up to 10 years.
6. Portugal
Official status: decriminalized
All drugs have been technically decriminalized in Portugal since 2001, and this includes cannabis. As a result, you can carry small amounts of marijuana for personal use in Portugal, and no one will bother you about it, not even the cops, who are generally not interested in marijuana smokers.
7. Aruba
Official status: illegal
The Dutch-Caribbean island and tropical paradise of Aruba is not a premier destination for marijuana smokers. The country’s laws against cannabis are severe and violating any of its rules may result in arrest or imprisonment.
8. Hawaii
Official status: illegal (medical marijuana is legal)
@officialmauijimMarijuana has been a big part of Hawaii's culture for a long time. As a result, the culture surrounding smoking is quite lax. It's not decriminalized yet, but medical marijuana is legal. Possession and use of small amounts of marijuana, although technically illegal, is common. As long as you use common sense and don't drive under the influence, authorities will likely not bother you.