Saving your Grass!
The Importance of Knowing Drug Laws Before Traveling
Many Canadians regard marijuana as a relatively benign drug that can be used for medical and recreational purposes, a sentiment echoed recently by the prime minister, Justin Trudeau, who recently moved to legalize the drug in Canada. While not everyone agrees on this controversial legislation, the reality is that Canada is soon going to be a country where the use and sale of marijuana are legal.
Non-Cannabis Countries
Because of Canada’s leniency around marijuana use, many Canadians traveling abroad forget that not all countries have the same attitudes and laws when it comes to cannabis– an oversight that can have disastrous repercussions if one is not careful and well-informed.
Before you book your next trip abroad, we suggest you peruse this blog! It may just save your “grass” (get it)!
The following is a list of some countries that have particularly strict and draconian laws around the possession and use of marijuana.
Indonesia
While this a magical and gorgeous place to visit, they also have very strict laws with regards to marijuana. They put cocaine, heroin, and meth in the same category as cannabis, and the sentences for possession can range from four to a whopping 12 years! On top of their extremely harsh sentences, the fines for possession can be tens of thousands of dollars!
United Arab Emirates
This country takes marijuana very seriously! You can get up to four years in prison just for having residual amounts of the drug! You definitely want to make sure that you don’t have any trace of cannabis in any of your bags, luggage or jacket pockets before you go! It’s best to do a very thorough check before you leave for the airport, as they have high-tech security designed to detect trace amounts of the drug.
Singapore
Singapore is notorious for its drug laws which border on the cruel end of the spectrum. This is definitely not the place you want to risk using or possessing even a very small amount of marijuana, as 500 grams will earn you a mandatory death sentence. Smaller quantities will still get you 10 to life in prison, and just to add insult to injury, they often use caning as a punishment as well.
Cambodia
Cambodia is an increasingly popular part of the world to visit, but it’s also one of the South Asian countries that have a low tolerance for drug possession. Years to life in prison can be the result of being caught using or possessing marijuana!
Research to avoid Regret
While the above countries have some of the harshest laws with regards to drug use and possession, there are many more that are worth researching before visiting. The Government of Canada’s website is a great place to start, as they have comprehensive information on any country you are going to visit. Simply click here and then click on your country of interest. Here you’ll find out their laws and culture, as well as hazards and safety warnings.
Leave the Weed
Traveling is one of life’s singular joys, and while it’s a chance to explore new things and enjoy yourself, we’d “highly” suggest leaving the weed at home. Above all, travel safe.
