Now that everyone is back to traveling the world again, the cruise industry is booming. Travelers are ready to have a good time, and they want to get back out on the sea. For a lot of people these days, having a good time includes enjoying delta-8 THC. That’s why more and more people are asking, “Can you bring Delta-8 on a cruise?”
In this article, we’ll explore why the answer to that question isn’t as clear as you might want and what challenges you might face bringing Delta-8 onto a ship.
“Can you bring Delta-8 on a cruise ship?” While Delta-8 THC may be federally legal in the U.S., cruise lines generally prohibit all forms of cannabis, including Delta-8 and CBD. Violating this policy can lead to disciplinary action, even a ban from the ship. These rules extend to shore excursions, so even if cannabis is legal in the port city, it’s off-limits on the cruise. Always review your chosen cruise line’s specific policies and consider the legal landscape of your destinations.
Cruise Ship Cannabis Policies
Cruise lines have a strict policy when it comes to marijuana use on their ships and in their terminals.
Possessing and using cannabis, including Delta-8 and CBD, is forbidden, and those caught breaking the rules can be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including being banned from the ship.
This policy extends to shore excursions as well. While some destinations may have relaxed laws regarding cannabis use, cruise lines are required to adhere to the laws of the countries they are visiting. This means that even if you are able to purchase and use cannabis legally in a port city, you will not be able to do so on a cruise ship or on a shore excursion.
So if you are planning a cruise and are hoping to enjoy some weed, you’ll need to consider if you want to violate the ship’s policies and risk getting in trouble. There are other ways to enjoy your cruise, and you’ll be able to find plenty of other ways to have fun while on board.
Carnival Cruises
Here is the official cannabis policy statement from Carnival Cruises.
Carnival recognizes that some states in the U.S. have fully legalized the use of recreational and/or medical marijuana. However, cruise lines are required to follow U.S. federal law, which strictly prohibits possession and use of marijuana and other illegal, controlled substances. Since all cruise terminals in the U.S. are federal facilities, the terminals and our ships are drug-free zones.
Royal Caribbean
Here is the official cannabis policy statement from Royal Caribbean.
In no event shall any Passenger bring on board the Vessel any illegal controlled substances (including medical marijuana). Marijuana possession and/or use, including medical marijuana, and possession or use of any illegal drugs, is strictly prohibited in many jurisdictions visited and on the Vessel at all times, as well as in terminals, during shore excursions, or any other part of the cruise, regardless of any local, state, or other laws which might permit use or possession of marijuana.
Norwegian Cruises
Here is the official cannabis policy statement from Norwegian Cruise Line.
No illegal drugs or other illegal substances including but not limited to medical marijuana are allowed onboard or may be utilized during a Norwegian Cruise Line holiday, including during transfers to and from ships, inside terminals, during shore excursions, or at our private island.
Aren’t CBD And Delta-8 Legal Though?
Yes and no. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized CBD in all 50 states in the United States. A later interpretation of this bill by the DEA establishes Delta-8 as federally legal, as it is made from CBD. Individual states have chosen to make delta-8 illegal.
The cruise lines can still outlaw both delta-8 and CBD on their ships if they like. A great example of this is alcohol. Most cruise ships prohibit bringing alcohol aboard even though it’s legal and they sell it on the ship. The fact is, they don’t want competition for their high-priced drinks. Similarly, they can ban bringing CBD and delta-8 on the ship.
Another thing to consider is that most cruises are traveling internationally. The laws around different cannabinoids are quite different in every country. CBD is still illegal in many countries, and if you get caught with it, you could face criminal prosecution.
Can You Smoke Weed In Port?
While cruise ships might ban you from bringing cannabis products onboard and using them on the ship, you must be able to use cannabis at the ports of call where it’s legal, right?
Destinations like California, Alaska, and Jamaica have legal cannabis. Holland decriminalized cannabis decades ago. So can you smoke weed in Amsterdam coffee shops? Let’s explore.
Smoking weed is allowed in specific coffee shops in Amsterdam. However, if you’re on a cruise ship, the policy is usually against smoking weed in port. That being said, if you consume cannabis in a port where it is legal and return to the ship later, the cruise line would have no way of knowing. Just be sure to check the local laws before indulging.
Some cruise ports offer tours that revolve around cannabis. For example, in Jamaica, you can take a shore excursion to a local ganja farm. However, it’s important to note that smoking weed is illegal in most Caribbean countries, even though the culture is pot-friendly. So, if you plan to smoke marijuana in port, be sure to check the local laws first.
The Bahamas has a reputation for targeting tourists as a source of revenue. In fact, local authorities have been known to harass tourists and hand out hefty fines for smoking weed. So, if you’re thinking of indulging in the local pot-friendly culture, it’s best to do your research first.
At the end of the day, as long as you’re not causing any problems, you should be fine. Just be sure to check the local laws before indulging in any cannabis-related activities.
FAQ
Is it Legal to Bring Delta-8 THC on a Cruise Ship?
No, bringing Delta-8 THC on a cruise ship is not allowed according to the policies of most cruise lines like Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruises. These cruise lines follow U.S. federal law, which prohibits the possession and use of marijuana and other controlled substances, including Delta-8 THC.
Can You Use Cannabis Products in Ports Where It's Legal?
While some destinations like California, Alaska, and Jamaica have legalized cannabis, cruise ship policies often extend to shore excursions. Even if cannabis is legal in the port you’re visiting, using it may still violate the cruise line’s policies. Always check the local laws and cruise line policies before indulging in any cannabis-related activities.
What Are the Risks of Sneaking Marijuana Products on a Cruise Ship?
Attempting to sneak marijuana products like Delta-8 THC or CBD onto a cruise ship can result in severe consequences. Security measures like drug-sniffing dogs and x-ray scans of luggage are in place to detect such items. If caught, you may face disciplinary actions ranging from being banned from the ship to potential criminal charges, especially in foreign jurisdictions.
Sneaking Marijuana Products On A Cruise Line: Tips And Tricks
So you’re taking a cruise, and you want to bring your weed with you. But how do you do it without getting caught?
First of all, there are a few different ways you could get caught.
- Drug dogs sniff out products in your baggage.
See this post for more info – Can Drug Dogs Smell Delta-8? - Security sees the products when doing an x-ray scan of your luggage.
- People see or smell you using cannabis on the ship and report you to security.
- You become too inebriated, and security decides they need to search you.
Any plan to bring cannabis products on the ship should take these four factors into account. It’s also really important to consider whether or not the potential penalties of being caught are worth it. If you get caught smoking weed on the ship, you could be kicked off at the next port and potentially end up in a foreign jail. Is it really worth it?
Here are some tips and tricks that people have used in the past to sneak weed on a cruise ship:
- Mix your THC, CBD, or Delta-8 gummies with regular gummy sweets in a bag. This will help to camouflage them and make them less conspicuous.
- Bring cartridge vapes. These are small and easy to conceal, and they won’t leave any tell-tale smells behind.
- Use a Smoke Buddy to smoke in your cabin. This will help to filter the smoke and prevent it from escaping and giving you away.
- Use a one-hitter in the smoking area. This is a small, handheld pipe that is easy to use and easy to hide.
Of course, there is always the possibility that you could get caught and end up in jail. But if you’re careful and you follow these tips, you should be able to enjoy your cruise and your weed at the same time.
Have fun and be safe.
