Can Colorado Dispensaries Ship Cannabis Internationally?
Cannabis legalization in Colorado has created a booming legal marijuana industry. Recreational and medical cannabis can be bought and sold in licensed dispensaries within the state—but can these dispensaries ship cannabis internationally? The short answer is no under current federal law—but there’s more nuance you need to understand. In this article, we’ll break down the legal realities, risks, and misconceptions around international cannabis shipping from Colorado dispensaries.
1. Legal Status of Cannabis in Colorado vs. Federal Law
Colorado allows adults over 21 to buy, possess, and use marijuana legally within the state’s boundaries. This includes recreational sales at licensed dispensaries and regulated distribution. However, state law does not override federal law. Under the federal Controlled Substances Act, marijuana remains a Schedule I drug, which means it is illegal to transport, export, or import marijuana across national borders. This applies even if the marijuana is legal under Colorado law. Film Daily
In other words, while you can buy cannabis in Colorado legally, you cannot ship those products internationally in compliance with U.S. federal law.
Why International Shipping is Illegal
Federal Jurisdiction Over Interstate and International Transport
Even though Colorado has legalized marijuana, Federal law still controls international shipping. The U.S. government prohibits transporting controlled substances (including marijuana) across state lines and especially across national borders. Shipping cannabis internationally without a special federal export license would be illegal and could result in criminal charges. Film Daily
Postal and Courier Regulations
Major carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx follow federal law. They will not accept packages containing marijuana for international or interstate shipment. If detected, packages may be seized, and the sender or recipient could face legal consequences. Reddit
Even some companies that claim they “ship worldwide” are making false or misleading representations. These are typically unlicensed third-party sellers, not registered Colorado dispensaries compliant with federal and state regulations. Any such shipping is illegal and risky.
Misleading Claims by Some Online Sellers
You might find websites claiming they ship cannabis “worldwide” from Colorado dispensaries. These may include promises of discreet packaging and delivery to places like Europe or Asia. However:
- These claims are not legally supported by U.S. federal shipping and customs rules.
- Websites that advertise international cannabis shipping often operate in a legal gray area or outright illegally.
- Many are not actually licensed dispensaries in Colorado at all, or they facilitate unregulated transactions that risk seizure by customs.
Although some websites on the internet claim they ship marijuana globally, these operations are not legal under existing U.S. law. areagreenco.com+1
Risks of Attempting International Shipments
Criminal Penalties
Shipping marijuana across international borders can result in severe penalties under U.S. federal law. Sending controlled substances through international mail can lead to:
- Federal drug trafficking charges
- Large fines and asset seizure
- Prison sentences
- Permanent criminal records
There is no legal distinction for small amounts when it comes to export and import violations. Wolf Law LLC
Customs and Border Protection Seizures
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspects international mail and may seize any package suspected of containing marijuana. Recipients may receive notices or face legal investigation. The risks increase if packages are inspected or flagged by drug-sniffing dogs or scanners.
Consequences Abroad
Countries around the world also have strict drug import laws. Possessing or transporting marijuana through international mail can lead to arrest, fines, or imprisonment in the destination country—even if cannabis is legal there for medical or recreational use.
What Can Colorado Dispensaries Do?
Although international cannabis shipments are illegal, Colorado dispensaries can legally:
Sell to Local Customers
Dispensaries can sell cannabis products to adults over 21 within Colorado and to qualified medical patients under state laws.
Domestic Delivery Within Colorado
Dispensaries and licensed delivery services can offer delivery within the state according to state and local rules. However, this is very different from shipping across international borders. Colorado Cannabis Information Portal
Sell Hemp Products
Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp products containing less than 0.3% THC are federally legal and can be shipped across state lines. Dispensaries sometimes sell these products, but they are not the same as marijuana and do not provide the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis. Shipping hemp-derived CBD products internationally may still be subject to customs regulations of the destination country.
International Alternatives for Legal Cannabis Access
If you are abroad and want legal cannabis, consider these legal alternatives:
Buy in Your Own Country
Many countries now allow medicinal or recreational cannabis use within their borders. Purchasing locally from a licensed supplier is typically the safest and legal option.
Medical Cannabis Programs
Some countries have medical cannabis programs that allow licensed patients to obtain products legally. You must comply with that country’s specific medical regulations.
CBD and Hemp Legal Exports
Exporting or importing hemp-derived CBD products that comply with federal limits may be legal under some jurisdictions, but you must check both U.S. laws and the laws of the destination country.
Conclusion:
- Colorado dispensaries cannot legally ship cannabis internationally due to federal laws prohibiting export of controlled substances.
- Claims by some “online dispensaries” that they ship worldwide are not legally valid and pose risks to buyers.
- Attempting to ship cannabis internationally can result in serious criminal and civil penalties.
- For legal cannabis access abroad, you must look into the destination country’s own regulations.
The divide between Colorado’s state legalization and federal prohibition creates a lot of confusion—and unscrupulous sellers may try to exploit that. The bottom line is clear: legal international cannabis shipping does not currently exist for Colorado dispensaries under U.S. law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I order cannabis from Colorado and have it shipped to another U.S. state?
A: No. Transporting marijuana across state lines is illegal under federal law, even between states where weed is legal. Film Daily
Can I receive hemp products (like CBD) from a Colorado dispensary internationally?
A: Possibly, if the products meet federal hemp THC limits and comply with destination country laws—but you must research both countries’ laws.
What happens if a package of cannabis is intercepted by customs?
A: It may be seized, and you or the sender could face legal consequences.
Can dispensaries ship genetic material like seeds or clones internationally?
A: Some genetic materials with low THC may be allowed under specific plant export regulations—but this is complex and requires permits.
Is federal cannabis legalization likely to change this?
A: Proposed federal bills aim to legalize and regulate cannabis exports, but none are currently law.
