As more U.S. states make weed legal and it becomes part of everyday life, a weed travel legality guide is more relevant than ever. With 4/20 coming up—a big holiday for marijuana fans in the U.S. and worldwide—there’s a lot to consider.
Stacker took a deep dive into how recreational weed laws and travel rules stack up across the U.S. and abroad. They used data from the Defense Information Systems Agency (the folks doing background checks), the Marijuana Policy Project, and the World Population Review.
Cannabis is still a Schedule I drug at the federal level in the U.S., but half the states have given it the green light, while only six states still say no way. The DEA might even bump weed down to a less dangerous category, though it’ll still be regulated.
Traveling with weed? That’s a bit of a tightrope. Even in states where it’s legal, moving it across state lines can get you in trouble, thanks to federal law. And at the airport, TSA agents are more about safety than sniffing out pot, but they have to report anything they do find.
On the global stage, things are even trickier. Only six countries have given recreational weed the green light, according to the World Population Review. Some places are kind of like the U.S., with a mix of rules for medical use and decriminalization, but most countries say a big no to cannabis, and the penalties can be steep.
Half of US states allow recreational cannabis use
Americans love to travel, but they’re more likely to explore their own backyard than jet off overseas. Good news for weed enthusiasts hitting the road: cannabis is legal and available in some form across most of the U.S.
In states like Washington and Colorado, where recreational cannabis use for adults got the green light back in 2012, dispensaries are as common as coffee shops. Colorado cities even rank high for weed-friendly vacation rentals, thanks to sites like Airbnb and Bud and Breakfast. And if you’re into festivals, cities like San Francisco, Oakland, Denver, Seattle, and Washington D.C. host some fun cannabis celebrations.
But hold up—cannabis isn’t a free-for-all everywhere. Some states are still catching up on setting up cannabis businesses. Take Delaware, which legalized recreational cannabis in April 2023, but we won’t see the first weed stores until 2026 unless a new law lets medical dispensaries start selling recreationally. With travel restrictions between states, this means getting your hands on cannabis in Delaware can be tricky.
In 13 states, only medical cannabis gets the thumbs up. In Florida, folks with certain medical conditions like cancer, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis can snag an ID card to buy and use cannabis. Without it, possessing or selling weed is a no-go, with penalties ranging from a slap on the wrist to more serious charges. But hey, Florida’s considering legalization, and many tourist hotspots have already decriminalized it, swapping jail time for small fines.
Other states, like Texas, Georgia, and Kentucky, stick to CBD oils with low THC levels, the stuff that gives cannabis its mind-bending effects. People use CBD oils for pain relief, relaxation, and easing symptoms of some health issues.
Six states are still saying a big “nope” to cannabis—including Idaho, which is kind of funny because it’s surrounded by states that are cool with it. If you get caught with more than 3 ounces in Idaho, you might be looking at up to five years behind bars, a $10,000 fine, or both. And there’s a new bill that wants to slap a $420 fine on smaller amounts. Over in Wyoming, having under 3 ounces could land you up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Planning a trip? Check your destination’s cannabis laws so you know what to expect before you go. The Marijuana Policy Project is a great starting point!
Fewer options for weed use when traveling internationally
Attitudes toward weed are all over the map globally, and not many places have fully rolled out the green carpet. Most countries still keep recreational cannabis on lockdown.
In Canada, though, it’s a different story. It’s legal for adults, making it a hot spot for American travelers. You can totally buy weed there. Just don’t try bringing any weed back across the border—it’s strictly illegal. Enjoy what you can while visiting Canada, then leave it behind.
Mexico, a top destination for Americans, has decriminalized weed, and adults can use it with a permit. But watch out—international visitors caught with it could still get in trouble. Mexico’s road to full legalization is a bit bumpy, with no setup for commercial sales yet.
Over in Europe and South America, the decriminalization wave is catching on too. Malta led the EU in legalizing recreational cannabis back in December 2021. Only Luxembourg and Germany have followed suit, but don’t count on finding it easily as a tourist. Still, there are spots like Dutch “coffeeshops” and Barcelona’s cannabis clubs where the good times roll.
In Georgia and South Africa, weed is legal to use but not to sell, posing a challenge for tourists. Uruguay, the first to legalize it, keeps it strictly for locals.
Thailand turned into a cannabis hotspot when it welcomed recreational use in 2022. But heads up—the government might pull the plug by the end of the year due to health concerns. For now, it’s the only place in Asia where you can light up legally. Elsewhere in Asia, the rules are tight, so tread carefully.
Sure, it might seem like a chill idea to kick back, light up, and deal with the aftermath later, but if you’re globe-trotting, you better do your homework. Before you pack your bags, consult this weed travel legality guide and resources like the the World Population Review to get the lowdown on each country’s cannabis rules before you pack your bags.
This weed travel legality guide was originally written by Paxtyn Merten and published on Stacker.com. It has been edited by the fagabond team for fagabond.com.