14 years (indictable) / 6 months + $5,000 (summary)
Importing or exporting cannabis without authorization is a hybrid offence with a 14-year indictable maximum. Cross-border cannabis movement remains illegal despite domestic legalization and is a common issue at the border. Under IRPA s.36(3)(a) it is deemed indictable, and the 14-year maximum is serious criminality under s.36(1)(a).
11 (1) Unless authorized under this Act, the importation or exportation of cannabis is prohibited. (2) Unless authorized under this Act, it is prohibited to possess cannabis for the purpose of exporting it. (3) Every person that contravenes subsection (1) or (2) (a) is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years; or (b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable (i) in the case of an individual, to a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or to both, or (ii) in the case of an organization, to a fine of not more than $300,000.