U.S. travelers are being reminded that carrying cannabis products across international borders remains illegal in many nations, with Thailand recently enacting significantly increased penalties for violators. As of June 2026, individuals caught bringing cannabis into Thailand can face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to 500,000 Thai baht (approximately $15,000), or both, according to the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Thailand.
Despite Thailand's decriminalization of cannabis possession in 2022, importing or exporting the substance without proper authorization is still prohibited. This policy shift underscores the critical need for travelers to be aware of and adhere to the laws of their destination countries, as well as those of transit nations.
Cannabis attorney Jeffrey Hoffman emphasized that travelers should not assume that laws legal in the U.S. or other relaxed jurisdictions automatically apply internationally. "When you travel to a different jurisdiction, you become subject to its laws," Hoffman stated. He pointed to the case of WNBA star Brittney Griner, who faced imprisonment in Russia after cannabis oil was found in her luggage, as a stark reminder that some countries enforce drug laws with great severity. "There is no safe harbor when traveling internationally. Even a mistake is no excuse," he added.
Travel expert Bobby Laurie echoed these concerns, noting that many travelers mistakenly believe that if a substance is legal at home, it is permissible everywhere. "Even if you're carrying a cannabis product for personal use or have a medical prescription, that doesn't guarantee it [will] be allowed at your destination," Laurie told Fox News Digital. He advised travelers to thoroughly research local laws before each trip and to meticulously check luggage for any forgotten items, cautioning against the assumption that customs officials will overlook errors.
Laurie also highlighted that some countries have unexpected regulations on everyday items, urging travelers to research destination-specific rules comprehensively. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has updated its guidance for passengers carrying medical marijuana on domestic flights, permitting certain products under limited circumstances. However, the TSA also notes that its officers may refer suspected law violations to local law enforcement. Crucially, international travel is governed by the destination country's laws, irrespective of marijuana's legal status in the traveler's home country.