When Canada legalizes cannabis in October 2018, US and Canadian companies with cross-border employees who travel between the United States and Canada or who have locations in both countries need to be aware of the new laws, and how they could potentially impact both Canadian employees who travel to the US on business or vacation, and US employees who travel to Canada for work or holidays.
Neighbors America and Canada have long enjoyed a friendly personal and business relationship. Many US and Canadian businesses do cross-border business and have employees who regularly or occasionally travel between the US and Canada for work reasons. With Canada's new laws that legalize the recreational use of marijuana, employees who legally smoke pot while in Canada may face difficulty crossing the border into the United States - even if they are American citizens.
Immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah explains,
Human Resource departments in Canada and the US should update their HR policies and notify all employees who currently or in the future may travel between Canada and the US for work, business, education - or even vacations - about how the new marijuana laws could impact them - and what they should and shouldn't do when crossing the Canadian border into the United States.
Evelyn Ackah advises,
Never lie about marijuana use at the border crossing, but instead refuse to answer the question about marijuana use. In that case, Canadians will be denied admission to the United States on that occasion, but will not be banned for life. Americans returning to the US from Canada can be questioned about their legal use or purchase of marijuana in Canada, and are subject to US penalties and laws.
Ackah Business Immigration Law offers employment law and human resources advisory services for companies that do cross-border business. Ackah Law's legal team works with HR departments to protect their business interests and employees. We recommend you review your HR policies and practices and consult a Canadian immigration expert if your business:
Learn more about Canada's marijuana legalization and cross-border travel:
How Canada’s New Marijuana Laws May Impact Your US Travel
Marijuana Legalization in Canada Causes Issues for Investors at the US Border
Canadians Who Legally Buy Marijuana in Canada May be Denied Entry to the US
Evelyn Ackah is a US and Canada immigration law expert and founder and managing lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. Business immigration law focuses on helping people move into new opportunities — both personally and professionally. Ackah Immigration Law helps you to navigate the complex maze of rules and regulations involved with Canadian, US and international immigration law with confidence. Headquartered in Calgary and with offices in Vancouver and Toronto, Ackah Business Immigration Law provides legal immigration advice for those looking to move for work, education or personal reasons.
We provide expertise in all areas of immigration law ranging from corporate immigration to personal and family immigration matters. We provide comprehensive immigration services to clients around the world representing corporations, institutions, not for profit organizations and individual clients. As your immigration lawyers and paralegals, we provide you with timely and strategic advice relating to the constantly changing immigration laws and regulations.
Calgary: (403) 452‑9515 Vancouver: (604) 985‑9512 Toronto: (416) 643‑7177
North America: 1 (800) 932-1190
Email:
contact@ackahlaw.com
Phone:
Calgary: (403) 452‑9515
Vancouver: (604) 985‑9512
Toronto: (416) 643‑7177
North America: 1 (800) 932‑1190