Pearson International Airport in Toronto has installed cannabis disposal bins for the use of passengers of international flights. The disposal containers appeared at the airport after the recent legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada, according to media reports, along with a printed sign indicating their intended use.
“Taking cannabis or any product containing cannabis across Canada’s international borders, including to the U.S.A., is illegal. Dispose of your cannabis here before proceeding,” the sign reads, followed by a French translation.
Free Weed?
Unlike secure metal boxes installed at some U.S. airports in states with legal pot, the collection bins at Pearson International are simple plastic trash cans with a disposable liner.
Reddit user SalishSailor, who posted a picture of one of the bins, implied in a comment how easy it would be to take cannabis from it.
“It’s okay, not flying today, just here to get some free weed from the bin,” the user wrote.
Other Reddit users also joined in the online fun.
“You know those little box libraries in residential neighbourhoods where you can drop off or pick up a book?” asked another user with the handle escape_character.
“Have a doobie? Leave doobie. Need a doobie? Take a doobie,” commented DonJulioTO.
Another sign at Toronto’s airport advises passengers arriving on international flights to declare to customs any cannabis products they may have brought with them.
Vancouver Airport Offers Better Solution
Passengers traveling through Vancouver, British Columbia, are offered a better solution than disposing of cannabis that they may have brought along to the airport. A press release from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) earlier this month announced that consuming cannabis would be allowed on the premises once it became legal in Canada.
“Cannabis smoking and vaping is permitted at YVR in designated areas only: If you wish to consume cannabis at YVR, smoking and vaping is permitted outside the terminal building in clearly marked areas. We will continue to provide a smoke- and vape-free environment inside our airport,” the release reads.
Pot is Okay on Domestic Flights
The notice from Vancouver International Airport also noted that passengers traveling between Canadian cities would be permitted to bring cannabis aboard their flight, subject to local regulations.
“If traveling with cannabis in Canada, be aware that laws may vary by province and territory: While it is legal for adults to travel in Canada with cannabis, you should know that laws may differ where you travel. This includes legal age, where you can smoke or vape, consume and buy cannabis,” the release advises.
Las Vegas Led the Way
Airline passengers were offered a secure place to dispose of cannabis before entering McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas earlier this year after Nevada legalized recreational pot. Airport policy prohibits marijuana and all cannabis inside the facility. Christine Crews, an airport spokesperson, said that a contractor would properly dispose of any cannabis left in the so-called amnesty boxes.
“They [the contractor] will be collecting whatever’s surrendered and disposing of it appropriately, depending on what contents are in these boxes,” Crews told local media. “We don’t want your pot; leave it somewhere else, that’d be fine.”
