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As of Jan. 31, it is now legal for adults in British Columbia to carry up to 2.5 grams of opioids.
That includes heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA.
However, this is not like the legalization of cannabis in 2018 when it became legal for Canadians to carry up to 30 grams of cannabis on domestic flights.
It is still very much illegal to transport opioids on a flight and the Kelowna International Airport (YLW) issued a reminder to travellers about that today.
“Decriminalization does not apply in airports, even when an individual’s final destination remains within BC,” said a statement from the airport. “Individuals found in possession of illegal substances at YLW will remain subject to criminal penalties.”
The federal government has already added a section to its ‘drugs, alcohol and travel’ page noting that BC’s exemption does not change Canada’s border rules.
“Taking illegal drugs across the Canadian border – either exiting or entering – remains illegal even if travelling to and from BC, where an exemption will be in place,” the website reads. “It can result in serious criminal penalties both in Canada and abroad.”
For more information on the legalities behind this exemption for travel and more, click this link.
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