The High Seas: Can You Bring Weed on a Cruise?

High-grade bud on the high seas is quite the dream, but unfortunately, it might just have to stay that way. Cruises offer a convenient and luxurious way to visit legal cannabis states and various Wonders of the World, but it might not be smooth sailing if your stash is alongside you. 

In 2022, the global cruise ship industry was valued at $20.9 billion, and it is going full steam ahead, with analysts predicting $4.24 billion growth by 2026. The United States' cruise ports are among the busiest on the planet, including Cape Liberty Cruise Port in New Jersey and Port Canaveral in Orlando. 

Most domestic American cruises last one week, whereas world cruises stretch for months. There's even a three-year odyssey launching in November that visits 148 countries and all seven continents, but you should avoid this if you can't go more than a week without your best bud.

So, can you bring weed on a cruise? No. Trips aboard these "floating cities" allow you to visit multiple off-the-beaten-path destinations in a single trip, but you won't see it through a cannabis filter. While you may only have to unpack once, it won't involve unpacking a box of pre-rolls.

Can I Bring Weed on a Cruise?

Although cannabis cruises are not unheard of in some countries, most cruise lines require that you reunite with beloved Mary Jane on dry, legal territories. Cannabis and cannabis products — e.g., edibles, oil-based CBD tinctures, topical balms, and supplements — are outlawed across all cruise company fleets. 

Although medical cannabis is legal in 38 U.S. states, and 23 states and D.C. legalized cannabis for recreational use, the plant is still illegal at the federal level. Ships that sail from cannabis-friendly states must operate per federal regulations, so even if you can legally buy weed at a nearby licensed dispensary before your voyage, you won't be allowed to use it when cruising.

Although it's illegal to carry any form of cannabis on a cruise ship, this doesn't mean that you can't enjoy the trip. Taking a break from cannabis is an effective way to reset your tolerance levels and give your body a detox. Studies show that cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors become desensitized with frequent cannabis consumption.¹

Domestic Cruises

Domestic cruises run a tight ship since they must abide by local, international, and national regulations. Numerous ports of call are scattered along the coastline of Alaska, California, Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest, and New England, many of which are cannabis-friendly states.

Port States must inspect and enforce compliance with relevant international and domestic laws and regulations. It is a federal crime to consume or possess cannabis on a domestic cruise ship, regardless of which state you set sail from. This rule also sticks for "home-ported" U.S. vessels, as outlined in the Convention of the High Seas. 

International Cruises

If you're wondering if you can use cannabis on an international cruise, you should know that international maritime laws prohibit cannabis on board, regardless of whether you are a registered medical cannabis patient or if the ship departs from a state with a legal medical marijuana program.

The largest cruise industry association on the planet, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), implements stiff policies that fleets operating in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australasia must follow. You won't be able to leave or enter the Canadian border —despite Canada having legal weed since 2018 — with cannabis either.

Which Countries Allow Cannabis on Cruises?

Most countries don't allow cannabis on cruises, but this doesn't mean it is forbidden everywhere. Europe's most popular cannabis city, Amsterdam, is famed for its "Canna Cruise," with the VIP option inviting passengers to meet leading cannabis organization members. Another option for a blazing top deck experience is Negril, Jamaica, where the LadyBoss Glass Bottom Boat departs seven days a week.

What About International Waters?

International maritime law applies to all navigable waters — rivers, lakes, and oceans. Typically, the vessel's flag state laws apply, meaning that cannabis is illegal in illegal destinations and vice-versa. So if the boat's registration is in a legal cannabis country or state and you get the heads-up from the crew members before the propellers start turning, it may be permissible on international waters.

It’s worth noting that maritime law specifies that a boat registered in the U.S. remains subject to U.S. law even when in international waters. 

What Happens if You Get Caught?

Coast Guard members operate within a division of law enforcement therefore, they maintain the power to penalize violators in line with federal law. The lightest punishment involves confiscating and destroying cannabis, but they may instruct you to disembark at the next port and visit the local police station. Worst case scenario, you’ll need to pay a fine and could land a stint behind bars. After all, cannabis is still federally illegal.

Violating cruise rules negatively impacts the cruise line you choose to travel with. The Captains are responsible if the authorities find federally illegal narcotics onboard. Consequently, the vessel will be sanctioned and potentially blacklisted by the federal government. A statement published by Boating Magazine reads: “In states where laws prohibit marijuana possession, the Coast Guard routinely passes cases to state authorities. But boaters busted within, say, Massachusetts waters will face federal prosecution.”

In Other Jurisdictions

According to 21 U.S. Code § 959, “It is unlawful for any person to possess, manufacture, or distribute a controlled substance into the United States or waters within a distance of 12 miles of the coast of the United States.” Even if you visit a different location, the vessel is still bound by maritime laws in its registered state and country. 

If federally illegal narcotics are discovered on board a U.S.-registered cruise ship, the crew or any passenger involved can be prosecuted and fined in line with U.S. drug laws. Jail time is unlikely unless you are carrying large quantities of cannabis with intent to supply.

In International Waters

Based on the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act (MDLEA), possessing drugs on board a 

vessel navigating the high seas is a prosecutable offense. As one of the most stringently regulated industries, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other respected authorities require that cruises undergo dozens of arranged and random safety inspections annually. Hence, it’s not worth risking taking weed on a cruise.

The country a cruise visits must meet international, national, and local regulations. Regardless of the distance from the coastal shores, boats and their occupants are always subject to the state laws where they are registered. The Marijuana on the High Seas Act outlines how Congress grants the federal courts the power to implement the protective principle when resolving cases involving cannabis smuggling on the high seas.

What Are the Weed Policies of Major Cruise Lines?

Understanding your state’s latest laws and regulations is crucial to avoid unexpected situations and penalties during your ocean experience. On top of this, you should also review the following major cruise line rules before packing your suitcase:

• Carnival Cruise Line - Drug detection dogs are sometimes present on CCL cruise ships. Although many of the company's ships leave port from the legal medical cannabis State of Florida, the plant is prohibited. If detected during the luggage scan, it will be confiscated and destroyed without compensation.
• Celebrity Cruises - As per the "Guest Health, Safety, and Conduct Policy", cannabis (even medicinal) is prohibited on Celebrity Cruises. The same applies to all other illegal substances and drugs.
• Costa Cruises - Listed on this company's "Prohibited Articles" are "any kind of illegal narcotics/drugs including synthetic, designer drugs and medical marijuana."
• Cunard Line - Under Cunard Line's policy, medical cannabis (including CBD oil), weapons and explosives, flammable items, and illegal narcotics/drugs are banned onboard.
• Disney Cruise Line - Guests who board the Disney Cruise Line ships and visit Disney Castaway Cay must refrain from carrying drug paraphernalia and medically-prescribed cannabis. "Guests found in possession of these prohibited items on their person or in their baggage may be denied boarding and may be subject to severe legal penalties," reads a statement on the company's website.
• Holland America Line - This cruise company's list of prohibited items features medical marijuana and alcohol. The SSO/Staff Captain maintains the authority to judge the legality of suspicious items found on board, and passengers can collect confiscated items on the day of disembarkation/end of the voyage.
• MSC Cruises - Cannabis of all types is strictly forbidden. In 2019, MSC Cruises collaborated with local authorities to bust a multi-million dollar drug trafficking operation aboard the MSC Opera, proving that the company is serious about its drug policies. 
• Norwegian Cruise Line - Staff will inform appropriate authorities if you carry any prohibited items outlined on the NCL website, such as cannabis for medical purposes and other drug paraphernalia.
• Princess Cruises If you're planning on booking a cruise package via Princess Cruises, check the list of forbidden items beforehand, which strictly forbids all illegal drugs, medical cannabis, and "Legal Highs," including "Opioids, Methoxetamine, Synthetic Cannabis, Betel Nuts or Kava (Cava)."
• Royal Caribbean International - CBD and CBD oil products are not permitted onboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships, as are other illegal substances, hookahs, water hookah pipes, and alcoholic beverages.
• Virgin Voyages - Passengers must complete a health declaration form before boarding Virgin Voyages cruise ships and leave prohibited items, such as "all illegal drugs, non-prescribed controlled substances, medically prescribed marijuana or synthetic marijuana and CBD products," at home.

Is There Any Way to Consume Cannabis Legally on a Cruise?

Cruise ships must adhere to international regulations according to the country or Flag State in which it is registered. Inspections take place to ensure international and national rules and regulations are met. While you could sneak an edible or vape hit before your voyage, this wouldn’t technically be legal.

In Port

As federal facilities, ports fall under strict oversight, and the cruise lines do not control them. It’s not uncommon to see drug-sniffing canines patrolling alongside federal officers inside the terminal, so it’s not advisable to bring back cannabis products you may have purchased from a nearby dispensary (if the ship is docking in a legal jurisdiction, that is.) 

Skagway, Alaska, is a prime example of a cannabis-friendly port frequented by voyagers traveling to the legal state from the West Coast. Located a few blocks from the cruise port is the Remedy Shoppe. Seattle and Juneau also welcome the weed. Remember that public consumption is still illegal in some U.S. states, so be mindful of where you indulge.

In Certain Jurisdictions or Waters

Some cruise ships sail to states that legally allow cannabis sales, consumption, and possession, such as Alaska, California, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York. You can legally use cannabis, CBD oil, and medical cannabis products when you arrive on dry land, but restrictions apply while on the boat. 

If the vessel you are floating on doesn’t permit onboard consumption, refrain from smoking onboard. Don’t hesitate to ask the nearest Coast Guard office for guidance or review the latest guidance on cruise ship travel via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Weed and Cruising FAQ

Can you use medical cannabis onboard legally if you have an MMJ card?

No, cannabis is outright forbidden, even with a valid doctor’s recommendation.

What about CBD?

No. Unlike taking CBD oil on a plane — which is possible when following TSA guidelines — it is not possible to take any form of cannabis or hemp-derived CBD on a cruise.

Do cruise lines conduct drug tests?

The Coast Guard and employees require drug testing for cruise ships, but it generally isn't necessary for guests. Most ports will, however, employ sniffer dogs to detect drugs and explosives.

References

1. D’Souza DC, Cortes-Briones JA, Ranganathan M, et al. Rapid Changes in Cannabinoid 1 Receptor Availability in Cannabis-Dependent Male Subjects After Abstinence From Cannabis. Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging. 2016;1(1):60-67. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2015.09.008 ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.