Cannabis Laws for Cruise Passengers, Boaters and International Travelers

Traveling to and from South Florida — whether by cruise ship, private boat, or international flight — is a popular choice for visitors. However, when it comes to marijuana, travelers must understand that federal, maritime, and international laws often override state-level cannabis rules. What may be legal on land in Florida can quickly become illegal once you step onto a vessel or cross a border.

Cruise Ships: Zero Tolerance at Sea

For cruise passengers departing from Florida ports, the rules surrounding marijuana are strict. Cannabis is prohibited on cruise ships in all forms, including flower, edibles, vape cartridges, tinctures, and even many CBD products. This applies regardless of whether cannabis is legal in your home state or whether you hold a Florida medical marijuana card.

Most major cruise lines operate under federal law and international maritime regulations. Cruise terminals are considered federal facilities, and under federal law cannabis remains illegal. As a result, cruise lines enforce zero-tolerance drug policies and routinely screen luggage before boarding.

Passengers caught with marijuana may face serious consequences, including denial of boarding, confiscation of items, removal from the ship, fines, or referral to law enforcement. Some cruise contracts allow the cruise line to disembark a passenger at the next port if a violation occurs.

Even if a cruise itinerary includes destinations where cannabis is legal, passengers are not permitted to bring marijuana back onto the ship after visiting those ports. The ship’s policies remain in effect throughout the entire voyage.

Boaters: Federal Maritime Law Still Applies

For recreational boaters in South Florida, cannabis laws are governed by federal maritime law, not Florida’s medical marijuana framework. This means possession or use of marijuana on a vessel can still be treated as a federal offense, even if the boat is operating near shore or within state waters.

The U.S. Coast Guard has the authority to stop and board vessels for safety inspections and enforcement. There are no medical marijuana exemptions under federal maritime law, and violations can result in citations, fines, vessel seizure, or arrest.

Boaters should also be aware that cannabis use may impact boating under the influence investigations. THC impairment, even from legally obtained medical marijuana, can affect liability, insurance claims, and accident investigations.

International Travel: Borders Change Everything

International travel presents the highest legal risk for cannabis possession. Crossing international borders with marijuana — including edibles or vape products — is illegal, even when traveling between places where cannabis is otherwise legal.

Many countries impose severe penalties for drug possession or importation, including arrest, detention, or lengthy legal proceedings. Travelers should never assume cannabis laws abroad are similar to those in the United States.

Even destinations with legalized cannabis maintain strict rules against transporting marijuana across borders or onto cruise ships returning to the U.S.

Key Takeaways for Travelers

Never bring cannabis onto a cruise ship, regardless of legality on land
Avoid possessing or using marijuana while boating in U.S. waters
Do not travel internationally with cannabis in any form
When in doubt, leave cannabis at home to avoid legal trouble

Understanding these regulations helps travelers enjoy South Florida’s beaches, ports, and waterways without unnecessary legal risk. When it comes to cannabis and travel, planning ahead and respecting jurisdictional laws is the safest approach.