One cannabis mistake at airport could bring 10 years in prison and $15,000 fine

Before heading overseas, American travelers are warned to double-check their bags for one item that could lead to hefty fines or even prison time.U.S.officials are reminding travelers that bringing cannabis products across international borders remains illegal in many countries — following a new customs policy in Thailand that significantly increases penalties for violators.In June 2026, Thailand introduced tougher penalties for travelers caught bringing cannabis across its borders.

Violators can face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to 500,000 Thai baht (about $15,000), or both, according to the U.S.Embassy and Consulate in Thailand.FLYING WITH CANNABIS? TSA'S NEW GUIDANCE COMES WITH A MAJOR HEALTH WARNINGFox News Digital reached out to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) for comment.Although Thailand decriminalized cannabis possession in 2022, importing or exporting cannabis without the proper permissions remains illegal, the warning said.Officials are warning Americans to check their luggage for cannabis before traveling abroad, reminding them that carrying it across international borders remains illegal in many countries.

(iStock)Jeffrey Hoffman, a New York-based cannabis attorney, said travelers should never assume that laws at home apply once they cross an international border."While we are seeing cannabis laws relaxed in countries like Canada and in various states in the U.S., cannabis is still generally illegal across the overwhelming majority of the planet," Hoffman told Fox News Digital."When you travel to a different jurisdiction, you become subject to its laws."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERHoffman, a legalization activist, pointed to the high-profile case of WNBA star Brittney Griner, who was imprisoned in Russia after authorities found cannabis oil in her luggage, as a reminder that some countries strictly enforce drug laws."There is no safe harbor when traveling internationally," he said.

"Even a mistake is n...