We have talked considerably about the idea that people would come to Canada to experience marijuana in a country where the drug is completely legal, regardless of where you are in the country.
The marijuana tourism idea got derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, where travel was difficult and getting into Canada had unnecessary barriers (ArriveCAN).
Having visited Windsor and being barely in Canada, I wanted to see what, if any, potential perils of purchasing pot there were in Canada.
Despite edibles being legal in Canada in the fall of 2019, Windsor didn't have any visible ways of getting them. The fall of 2022 was an entirely different scene. The average tourist would have 5-6 different places (at least) to purchase marijuana just in the downtown core.
Marijuana is legal in many locales in the United States. Missouri and Maryland just legalised marijuana in those states. The difference is that the shopping experience can be, well, not so pleasant, depending on state rules. Buying edibles in California was a marvelous experience. Buying edibles in Illinois? Not as pleasant. Had to pay for edibles in cash (due to banking issues since marijuana is illegal on a federal level).
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I selected a place at random very close to places I was in my travels. I wanted to see what the shopping experience would be like as well as the product I received.
The place I tried had great hours: 14 hours a day, 7 days a week. No hassles at the door over ID. A nice young person helped me. She talked me through a number of cookie options (cookies are my go to) that I haven't always had in other places. Low pressure sales. I went in mostly for research purposes, figuring I would purchase later. To my surprise, I bought the product in that visit.
Tried a cinnamon cookie and a spicy ginger cookie. The cost was around $4-$7 per cookie, even cheaper if you convert U.S. dollars to Canadian dollars. They were quite fine in terms of taste. Not a gourmet cookie but a pleasant taste. My smoking days were limited and I can't smoke it too well. Also edibles help you get past a number of concerns, such as not being able to smoke in apartments or Airbnb type setups.
I tried different levels within my stay. A whole 10 mg of the cookie is more than I would take in a dose. The packets were resealable so the cookies stayed fresh. In a group setting, you might split a cookie all at once. For those who travel as single people, portion control is a concern.
We do suggest if you get the munchies on Canadian soil to indulge in such Canadian treats as ketchup chips, all dressed chips, and poutine.
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As we have noted, 30 grams is the limit to carry on your person (28 grams = 1 ounce). 2 cookies each with 10 mg is not a threat to that limit.
Each province has rules involving the consumption of cannabis and you should follow those laws and rules in that province. Alberta has an 18+ requirement. All the other provinces and territories except for Quebec (21+) are 19+. There are specific rules about transportation with the general requirement of having the product in a sealed package. Consumption in public places is also a concern, depending on where you are in Canada.
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Your shopping experience will vary, depending on province and where you are in that province. More competition helps bring better service, even if the prices are comparable. The fact that the experience in Windsor was significantly better than my California experience (my best one in the States) is a very encouraging sign.
The other amusing part was that I also bought acetaminophen with codeine, which you can legally bring into the United States in limited portions under specific rules. The aspirin with codeine was out due to supply chain issues. Buying the pain reliever isn't arduous but there is a dance you need to do.
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A very significant point: Even if Ontario and Michigan (as an example) have legal marijuana, you can't legally transport marijuana between the countries. The penalties are not worth the risk. Buy what you will consume in Canada and don't bring back the leftovers.
The marijuana shopping experience in Canada is very friendly. If you come to Canada and choose to participate (provided you are of age), marijuana tourism is an extra incentive to dust off your passport and make a trip to Canada.
Editor's note: There is no specific endorsement of any company mentioned in the article.
photos credit: me
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