Travelling interstate? If you’re a medical cannabis patient with a valid prescription, you can carry your cannabis medication between all states and territories in Australia. Before you set off, get across what you need to do to travel safely and responsibly.
Can I travel with medical cannabis?
With a legal prescription from a qualified doctor, you can travel with your prescribed cannabis medication – including oils, flower, capsules, wafers and more – between all states and territories in Australia.
Keep your medicine in its original packaging with the pharmacy label attached and carry photo ID that matches the name on the label. It’s also a good idea to have your script handy.
Cannabis laws vary between countries, so flying internationally with medical cannabis can be risky. Contact the Embassy or Consulate of the countries you’re visiting (including any layovers) before you leave Australia to clarify their restrictions for travelling with medical cannabis and any required documentation for customs clearance. Some countries may prohibit travelling with medical cannabis altogether, even with your prescription. If you’re unable to bring your cannabis treatments or access them while on your trip, talk to your doctor about ways to manage your treatment plan without medical cannabis while you are away.
Can I fly with medical cannabis?
You can carry your medical cannabis treatments onboard when flying interstate in Australia. Again, make sure your medication is in its original packaging with the pharmacy label attached and bring photo ID and your script to prove your patient status.
You may encounter sniffer dogs before your board your flight, especially if you’re carrying cannabis flower. Although this can be unsettling, you can travel with your cannabis treatment as long as you can show a valid prescription.
It’s up to you if you’d like to bring your medicine in your carry-on bag or checked luggage – keep in mind that you may be stopped or have your luggage searched, so always have the relevant documentation alongside your treatment.
Can I travel with my vape in Australia?
While vapes are not prescribed, if you have been prescribed cannabis flower and have obtained a written doctor’s recommendation to use a vaporiser, you should be ok to travel with it. It’s best to use a device listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), such as the Volcano Medic, Mighty Medic or Mighty+ Medic.
Most airlines require vaping devices to be stored in carry-on baggage and don’t allow you to use or charge them during the flight. Rules and guidelines will vary between airlines, so check with your airline before flying.
Can I consume medical cannabis while I travel in Australia?
Like other medications, oral medicinal cannabis products such as oils or tablets can be taken in public as long as you are able to verify your patient status.
No guidelines prohibit vaping medicinal cannabis in public smoking areas as long as those around you aren’t affected. Try vaping in non-crowded public smoking areas to ensure others can’t inhale your vapour.
How should I store cannabis while I travel?
Cannabis flower needs minimal exposure to heat, light and air to keep their quality and efficacy. It could be a good idea to source an airtight storage container as long as you still keep your medicinal cannabis treatments in the original packaging. For other cannabis medications, follow the storage guidelines on the label.
Bottom line – you can travel with your medical cannabis treatments within Australia as long as it’s in the original packaging and you can verify your patient status. It’s important for patients to safely and responsibly transport and store their cannabis treatments while travelling and to follow the different guidelines of each airline.
Interested in exploring whether medical cannabis is right for you? Connect with an authorised prescriber.
This article is intended as general information and is not a substitute for medical advice from your treating doctor. You must always speak with your doctor about the appropriate treatment for you based on your individual health circumstances.
