Politics
State And Federal Officials Post Thanksgiving-Related Reminders For Marijuana Consumers
Multiple states, as well as federal officials in the U.S. and Canada, are issuing reminders about their marijuana laws ahead of Thanksgiving, with some urging adults to consume responsibly if they plan to partake the holiday—and others warning people to avoid traveling across the border with cannabis.
In notices and social media posts, the states of Connecticut, New York, Ohio and Virginia have each advised consumers about issues such as the need to secure their cannabis products and find alternative transportation if they plan to travel after using marijuana.
Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Canadian Border Services Agency are both making it clear that crossing the border with marijuana is prohibited.
Here’s what federal and state officials are telling cannabis consumers before Thanksgiving:
Canadian Border Services Agency
While marijuana is legal nationwide in Canada, it remains strictly illegal to bring it across the U.S. border without a permit from Health Canada. Violators could be “subject to arrest and prosecution,” the Canadian Border Services Agency said.
“In 2023, we welcomed over 86 million travellers and intercepted more than 72,200 kg of prohibited drugs, cannabis, narcotics, and chemicals, representing an increase of close to 30 percent from 2022,” it said.
For marijuana, the agency’s message is simple: “Don’t bring it in. Don’t take it out.”
Connecticut
Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) issued a reminder that while off-premise sales of alcohol are prohibited on Thanksgiving, marijuana dispensaries will remain open.
Liquor stores will be closed, grocery stores can’t sell beer and even breweries and restaurants are prohibited from selling carry-out drinks, so DCP Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli said “be sure to plan ahead” if you plan to drink on Thursday.
Cannabis, however, “can be purchased on Thanksgiving Day at any licensed cannabis establishment,” the advisory says. “Consumers are encouraged to check the retailers’ holiday hours.”
The department put out a similar advisory ahead of the holiday last year amid confusion over the state’s alcohol and marijuana rules for the holiday.
This year, Connecticut officials are also advising that “adults who choose to consume cannabis are reminded to do so responsibly, including storing cannabis products in their original packaging, locked up and out of reach of children and pets.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
In an advisory published on Tuesday, CBP also offered holiday travel tips for those crossing the border to and from Canada, reminding people that “marijuana remains illegal in the United States federally.”
“Do not cross the border with any marijuana or marijuana products,” it said.
Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission sent a reminder on Wednesday that “driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal,” advising people who wish to partake on Thanksgiving to use public transit or ride with a sober friend.
People who want to purchase legal marijuana can use delivery services instead of driving to a dispensary, the agency said, helpfully providing a link to a directory of such businesses.
This Thanksgiving, remember: driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal. Use public transport, ride-shares, or catch a ride with a sober friend. Legal cannabis delivery is also available for adult consumers. Find Massachusetts delivery businesses: https://t.co/qJ54fXM9jJ pic.twitter.com/Z5enixny4I
— Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (@MA_Cannabis) November 27, 2024
New York
New York’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is also sending a message to marijuana consumers ahead of the holiday, albeit a friendlier one than that from federal officials, advising adults hosting Thanksgiving this year to “keep your stash secure!”
“Buy legal #NYcannabis and store all cannabis products safely—out of sight, out of reach, and in its original packaging,” it said, including a link to its map of licensed marijuana retailers in the state if case anyone needs to “stock up” ahead of the holiday.
🥧 Hosting Thanksgiving this year?
Keep your stash secure! Buy legal #NYcannabis and store all cannabis products safely—out of sight, out of reach, and in its original packaging.
📍Need to stock up? Find a licensed dispensary near you: https://t.co/ogmFXpMFxH pic.twitter.com/V1euA2YhZq
— NYS Office of Cannabis Management (@nys_cannabis) November 26, 2024
OCM has promoted social media posts about its marijuana program around several different holidays, including during Christmas season, Black Friday and the unofficial cannabis holiday 4/20.
Ohio
On Monday, the Ohio Department of Commerce Divisions of Liquor Control (DOLC) and Cannabis Control (DCC) issued an advisory “urging Ohioans to practice social responsibility this holiday season, particularly as it relates to the use of alcohol and cannabis products.”
“As Ohioans come together this holiday season, it’s important to remember that while it’s a time to give thanks and celebrate, it’s equally important to prioritize safety and responsibility,” DOLC Superintendent Jackie DeGenova said. “We encourage all Ohioans to enjoy the festivities with a sense of personal accountability.”
The agencies said they wanted to remind the public that using cannabis in a public area remains a “minor misdemeanor.” Just as with alcohol, the use of marijuana by people under 21 is prohibited, and providing cannabis to minors can result in fines and potential jail time.
“As we prepare to celebrate with friends and loved ones this upcoming season, it’s critical that anyone who chooses to use products containing cannabis do so in a safe and responsible manner,” DCC Superintendent Jim Canepa said. “Cannabis can cause significant and sudden impairment, which is why these products have no place in or near vehicles, near children, or around other activities in which impairment could jeopardize the health and safety of others.”
Virginia
In Virginia, the Cannabis Control Authority implored adults who plan to “relax with some good vibes” this Thanksgiving to “enjoy responsibly.”
“Keep your stash safe—no need for any mix-ups in the kitchen,” it said.
Thanksgiving is coming. Plan to relax with some good vibes? Remember to enjoy responsibly!
✅ Keep your stash safe — no need for any mix-ups in the kitchen!
🚫 Keep it private — using cannabis in public is a no-go.
🚗 Don’t drive high — let’s keep the holiday safe for everyone. pic.twitter.com/zZSoAkvR3Y— Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (@Virginia_CCA) November 21, 2024
It also warned against public cannabis consumption or driving under the influence of marijuana.
