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Canada legalized marijuana this week, but what does that mean for Americans who want to engage in a little "pot tourism" and perhaps bring back a small, green memory? Are border patrol agents really going to bust you for a gold dime bag?
The short answer is that you would be taking a risk. You could either face fine gold, or have your memento thrown away or confiscated.
"United States Customs and Border Protection of the Laws of the United States and United States of America Laws of Change" Canada's Legalization of Marijuana, "Customs and Border Patrol spokesperson told NBC News in a statement.
But what happens to you if you are discovered possessing marijuana is up to the officer you encounter.
The spokesperson said: "Determinations about admissibility and the rule of law are made by the CBP officer based on the facts and the circumstances.
Justin Strekal, a spokesman for NORML, has a DC-based nonprofit marijuana advocacy group, told NBC News, "While our polite neighbors to the north have the good foresight to end the criminalization of marijuana, the US has not – and thus, travelers should not attempt to transport cannabis across the border. "
American tourists returning to face an interview, said Nick Hentoff, a criminal defense attorney in New York. He said he would not recommend trying to come back any pot from Canada.
"It's not a good idea," he told NBC News. "They're on the lookout."
Marijuana remains at Schedule 1 drug, one has with heroin. In 2017, nearly 700,000 Americans were arrested for marijuana-related crimes, 90 percent of which were for possession offenses.
However, there are some relaxing of marijuana offenses at the local level. You can buy a pot in Washington State and Colorado, but you must consume it in a private space. In New York City, the police department conducts marijuana in public instead of conducting arrests.
In June, President Donald Trump said he would support each other. That's in contrast to the stance of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who has vowed to enforce federal marijuana laws.
