When travelling for work or leisure, patients will need to continue with existing medical regimens, some of which may include medicinal cannabis. While medicinal cannabis is legal in every state and territory of Australia, provided you have a valid prescription, the legislation does vary. 

There are also many other parts of the world where it is not legal to take medicinal cannabis, even with a valid prescription. It is vital to advise patients to check the rules and restrictions of wherever they are travelling to, including places they may be transiting through before they attempt to travel with medicinal cannabis. 

Can you travel with medicinal cannabis?

Travelling with medicinal cannabis is not as simple as travelling with other medication or other prescription drugs, even in jurisdictions where it is legal. While in many countries and on many carriers, a patient may take medical cannabis on a plane, they will need to consult the airline they are planning on travelling with before packing their medicinal cannabis. There will also be requirements and restrictions around how it is transported. 

Prescription

It’s vital that a patient who has been prescribed medicinal cannabis and intends to travel with it also takes their prescription. This should stipulate the exact dosage prescribed or recommended. Patients should also consider carrying a letter from their doctor detailing their diagnosis and stating the medicine is intended for their personal use. 

Original packaging

In order to travel with medicinal cannabis, we would also advise always carrying it in its original packaging. Patients should try to keep the packaging as intact as possible. This will make it easier for them to prove it is the original packaging for their medication. 

ID

The ID on the patient’s medication and prescription should match the ID they are travelling under. While this may sound obvious, many people choose not to update their passports when they marry or enter into a civil partnership. Patients should be reminded to travel with a form of ID that matches that of their prescription. 

Check-in vs. carry-on

If the airline allows, it is advisable to carry your medicinal cannabis in your hand luggage or carry-on in case of delays or lost luggage that may interfere with your medical regime. Further, some forms of medicinal cannabis, such as vape devices, may be prohibited from being checked baggage due to the other materials (in this case, lithium batteries) they contain. No vaping is allowed on aeroplanes, so although a patient may be able to travel with his or her vape, they will not be able to use it. Medicines are exempt from the 100ml limit on liquids, aerosols and gels. 

Travelling Domestically

Travelling domestically with prescription medication like medicinal cannabis is possible as medicinal cannabis usage is legal in all Australian states or territories. Some states, however, have stricter legislation in place, so it’s important for patients to follow the guidelines regarding how they keep and transport their medicinal cannabis. It is also a good idea for them to research the individual restrictions in the place they’re visiting. 

State and Territory Requirements

While all states have slightly different approaches to medicinal cannabis that require research, it is worth advising patients that the subject they may need to pay closest attention to is around driving. While driving with active THC in your system is illegal in NSW, WA, SA, NT, ACT and VIC, in Tasmania, a patient with a valid medicinal cannabis prescription who has stopped driving with THC in their system will not be charged as long as the THC does not ‘impair’ their driving. 

Travelling Internationally

It is generally advised that patients should not travel internationally with medicinal cannabis due to the potential for emergency diversions to jurisdictions with strict penalties for cannabis use. 

Check with the Embassy or Consulate

If in doubt, patients should check with the Embassy or Consulate to ensure they stay on the right side of the law while they travel.