Don't be Gigi Hadid. Read up before travelling abroad with marijuana and other drugs

Travelling abroad with cannabis and other illicit substances can have severe legal consequences. Supermodel Gigi Hadid’s recent arrest in the Cayman Islands highlights the importance of understanding the laws and regulations of the country you are visiting. Despite the legalisation of cannabis in countries around the world, international travel with marijuana is still illegal and considered a violation of many laws.

Let’s put it simply. When travelling internationally, individuals are subject to the laws of the country they are travelling into.

Most countries, including the United States, have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to illegal drugs, including possession and use. Penalties for possessing even small quantities of drugs can be severe, and in some cases, individuals may be denied entry to a country if they have a history of drug use that is considered illegal in that country. And that isn’t even the worst of it.

The legality of cannabis varies from country to country, including its possession, distribution, cultivation, and medical use. International drug policies are often regulated by United Nations treaties such as 

• the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 
• the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 
• and the 1988 Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. 

While some countries have legalised cannabis for medical or recreational use, many others maintain strict prohibitions and impose severe penalties for its possession or use.

ALSO READ: Germany set to decriminalise recreational cannabis in historic move

What happened with Gigi Hadid

In the case of Gigi Hadid, her representative stated that she was travelling with marijuana purchased legally in New York City with a medical licence. Additionally, the representative claimed that the possession of marijuana for medical use has been legal in the Cayman Islands since 2017. 

ALSO READ: Gigi Hadid declares all is well after arrest over marijuana possession in Cayman Islands

But first,

What is Cannabis?

Derived from the Indian hemp plant, cannabis is a widely recognised plant known for its mind-altering effects on the human body. It is important to note that the effects of cannabis are not determined by its legal status but rather by the chemical compounds present in the plant. 

Cannabis is typically sold in the form of dried-out leaves, flowers, seeds, and stems of the hemp plant, while hashish, another cannabis product, is available in the form of resin.

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Cannabis and its cannabinoids have shown promise in pain management and the treatment of certain conditions. It is important to understand the distinctions between THC and CBD when considering the effects and potential therapeutic applications of cannabis.

ALSO READ: Ukraine is very close to legalising cannabis to help soldiers, citizens cope with the trauma of war

The primary psychoactive chemical compound in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

• THC is responsible for the mind-altering effects of cannabis and is classified as a drug. 
• When cannabis is smoked or consumed, THC enters the body and stimulates the brain's cannabinoid receptors. 
• This stimulation leads to various effects, including reduced inflammation, pain relief, and increased appetite.

On the other hand, cannabidiol (CBD) is another significant chemical compound found in cannabis.

• Unlike THC, CBD is non-euphoric and non-impairing, meaning it does not produce the characteristic "high" associated with cannabis use. 
• CBD has gained attention for its potential health benefits and therapeutic applications. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a CBD-based medication called Epidiolex for the treatment of seizure disorders. 
• CBD is commonly extracted from the cannabis plant and formulated into oils for various healing purposes.

Cannabis, specifically its cannabinoids, has shown promise in reducing pain by influencing the brain's pain perception pathways. This makes it potentially beneficial for managing conditions that can result in chronic pain, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, and migraines. 

Cannabis can also help alleviate the side-effects of cancer treatment, including loss of appetite. In some cases, marijuana may even be used as an alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, which can have adverse side effects with prolonged use.

ALSO READ: Cannabis can treat cancer pain more effectively than painkillers, says new study

It is essential to note however that each country has its own specific regulations and requirements regarding the possession and transportation of cannabis, even for medical purposes. 

Travellers should never assume that their home country's laws automatically apply abroad.

It is crucial to research and understand the laws and regulations of the destination country before travelling with cannabis or any other illicit substance.

ALSO READ: Amsterdam’s buzzkilling ban outlaws outdoor cannabis smoking in its red light district

What happens if you’re caught?

Travelling abroad with cannabis or other substances (illegal or otherwise) can get you into serious trouble if your destination country isn’t particularly drug-friendly, though the severity of the punishment varies from country to country.

Here are some examples:

• Philippines: Under President Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines has implemented a brutal "War on Drugs" that has resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings of suspected drug users and dealers.
• Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia has a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs, with possession and trafficking offences punishable by imprisonment, flogging, and in some cases, the death penalty.
• China: China has some of the harshest drug laws in the world, with possession of even small amounts of drugs punishable by long prison sentences or even the death penalty.
• Iran: Iran has a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs, with possession and trafficking offences punishable by imprisonment, flogging, and in some cases, the death penalty.
• Malaysia: Malaysia has some of the toughest drug laws in Southeast Asia, with drug trafficking offences punishable by the death penalty.
• United Arab Emirates: While the UAE is known for its lenient policies towards alcohol and nightlife, it has strict laws against drug use and trafficking. Possession of drugs can result in a minimum of four years in prison, while trafficking offences are punishable by life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
• Brunei: This small, oil-rich nation on the island of Borneo has some of the strictest drug laws in Southeast Asia. Possession of drugs can result in lengthy prison sentences or even the death penalty, and the country has been criticised for its use of caning as a punishment for drug offences.
• Japan: Japan has some of the toughest drug laws in the developed world, with possession and trafficking offences punishable by long prison sentences. The country also has strict controls on prescription drugs and requires travellers to declare any medication they are bringing into the country.

While some of these countries may seem unlikely to have strict anti-drug laws due to factors like their reputation for leniency or their status as closed-off or secretive nations, each of them has implemented strict laws and punishments for drug offences in an effort to combat drug use and trafficking.

ALSO READ: Singapore hangs Indian man for cannabis trafficking, highlighting its harsh outdated drug laws

Let's break down some important precautions you should be taking when travelling with drugs:

Know the laws

• Before you even think about packing any weed or drugs, make sure you know the rules of the country you're visiting.
• Just because it's legal in your country of origin, doesn't mean it's allowed everywhere else.

Check your medications

In addition to cannabis, travelling with prescribed controlled substances can also be complicated.

• While certain medications may be legal and readily available in one's home country, they may be restricted or even prohibited in other countries.
• If you take prescribed medications, find out if they're allowed in the country you're visiting. 

Carry documentation 

• In cases where medication is allowed but limited, travellers should carry prescriptions or medical certificates from their healthcare providers.
• If your medications are permitted, make sure to have the necessary prescriptions or medical certificates with you.
• Include the generic and chemical names of the active ingredients, as brand names may differ.

Medical cannabis doesn't guarantee safety

• Even if you have a medical marijuana card, it doesn't mean you can freely travel with it. 
• Keep in mind that even if you're allowed to carry medications or cannabis paraphernalia, there might be restrictions on how you transport them. 
• Each country has its own regulations, so check them out before you go.

Be wary of air travel

If you're flying, things can get even trickier.

• In countries like the US, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibits marijuana and certain cannabis-infused products, including some CBD oil, as they remain illegal under federal law, which means cannabis is still illegal for them.
• CBD oil derived from hemp is technically legal, but it's better to avoid any cannabis-infused or THC products.

Don't test your luck

It's always better to be safe than sorry.

• If you absolutely must travel with contested substances like cannabis, pack only a small amount.
• The more you have, the more likely you'll get caught. It's not worth the risk.

Research is imperative 

Don't rely on assumptions or rumours or even articles such as this, ironically.

• Take the time to research the laws and regulations of the country you're visiting.
• If you're unsure, reach out to the embassy or consulate for accurate information.

The legalities of travelling abroad with cannabis or any other drugs in general are complex and vary from country to country. It is essential to thoroughly research and understand the laws and regulations of the destination country before embarking on international travel. 

Always remember the risks involved. It's better to err on the side of caution and avoid any drastic measures.