- Carnival has confirmed that medical marijuana is not allowed onboard cruise ships in Australia.
- This applies to cases even when guests can present a medical certificate and doctors note.
- Medical marijuana was prescribed more than 800,000 times in 2024 in Australia.
Carnival has confirmed that medicinal cannabis is not allowed on cruise ships in Australia, even if cruisers can present a medical certificate.
Medicinal cannabis is a commonly used form of medicine in Australia, often used for chronic pain, insomnia and other conditions. In 2023, 700,000 Australians used cannabis for medicinal purposes.
Prescriptions are reportedly on the rise, rising from 17,000 in 2020 to more than 800,000 in 2024.
So why isn’t this allowed on cruise ships?
John Heald, Carnival brand ambassador, was questioned on the topic, He said: “No I’m afraid this [taking prescribed medicinal cannabis onboard] is strictly forbidden, despite being used for medical reasons and even with a medical certificate it would not be allowed on board.”
Carnival’s website reads: “Carnival recognizes that some Australian states and territories might allow medicinal marijuana use under certain circumstances. However, Carnival Cruise Line’s policy strictly prohibits possession and use of recreational/medicinal marijuana and other illegal controlled substances.
“Violation of this prohibition is grounds for disembarkation.”
Guests who are found with any form of marijuan will have the substance confiscated, will be reported to relevant authorities, and may be fined, banned or removed from the ship.
