RICHMOND, BC, Oct. 11, 2018 /CNW/ - On October 17, 2018, the lawful sale and consumption of cannabis for recreational use will be adopted in Canada. In B.C., this means that people 19 and over can now legally carry up to 30 grams of cannabis and can travel with it domestically within Canada, though laws may vary by province and territory. It is the responsibility of those passing through YVR to understand and adhere to all applicable local, provincial, federal and international regulations regarding the carriage and possession of cannabis.

Please help us spread the word. This change is significant and, to avoid confusion, we recommend passengers do their research before setting out for the airport.

Here are the four key points we wish to communicate to travellers ahead of legalization on October 17th:

Crossing international borders with cannabis is illegal: If you are travelling internationally, including to the U.S., it is illegal to cross the border with cannabis. It doesn't matter whether you're leaving or entering Canada , or what the laws of your destination are. Keep in mind that YVR is also a pre-clearance airport, meaning on most U.S. flights, you clear customs and are considered to be in the U.S. before boarding your flight.

If travelling 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.

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.

It is your responsibility to know the cannabis laws wherever you travel: We want to emphasize that it is the responsibility of those passing through YVR to understand and adhere to all applicable local, provincial, federal and international regulations regarding the carriage and possession of cannabis.

For more information, passengers are encouraged to check out www.yvr.ca/cannabis where we further detail YVR policies and link to partner websites with clear information.

There is no spokesperson availability this week. YVR will host a media event with plenty of spokesperson availability on October 16th at 9:30am to educate media and public on cannabis legalization and the implications it presents for those travelling through YVR. Further details will be sent in an advisory next week. Please RSVP if you plan to attend.

About Vancouver Airport Authority

Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada's second busiest airport, YVR served 24.2 million passengers in 2017. Fifty-seven airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 127 destinations worldwide. In 2016, YVR received CAPA Centre for Aviation's prestigious Airport of the Year Award and was voted Best Airport in North America for the ninth consecutive year in the Skytrax World Airport Awards in 2018. Vancouver Airport Authority is a dedicated community partner and in 2017 donated more than $1,000,000 to local organizations. We are committed to creating an airport that British Columbia can be proud of: a premier global gateway, local economic generator and community contributor. For more information, please visit www.yvr.ca.

SOURCE Vancouver Airport Authority

For further information: YVR Media Relations, 604.880.9815, [email protected], Twitter: @yvrairport