If you want to escape the stress of everyday life this holiday, you should carefully consider what you pack in your carry-on before boarding a plane.
In addition to shoes, books, and toothpaste, you’re probably also keeping any medications you take—and while you might not think twice about packing doctor-prescribed medications, these everyday pills may be illegal at your destination.
Prescription drug regulations vary from state to state, and some drugs that are readily available in some states may be illegal in others, from cannabis, which is legal in some US states, to painkillers like Vicodin.
Researchers found that the United States has the strictest prescription drug laws when it comes to traveling with medication. The US bans 562 medications for travelers visiting the country.
With a list of 464 drugs illegal in the country, Germany had the second strictest prescription drug laws.
With 328 banned drugs, Japan had the third strictest drug regulations and Colombia was fourth with 324 banned drugs.
The drugs most likely to get travelers into trouble include amphetamines — such as Adderall — and painkillers containing hydrocodone.
The list above shows the countries with the most commonly controlled drugs on their banned list. The list was compiled by researchers at Universal Drugstore
Gigi Hadid at a Miu Miu event in California in August after being arrested for marijuana in the Cayman Islands a month earlier
Many countries have stricter restrictions on some medications due to concerns about addiction and their health effects.
Universal Drugstore pharmacists who conducted the survey encouraged Americans to check the regulations in their destination country before traveling.
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In some countries – such as Japan – travelers can enter with a prescription medication from their own country if they have a note from their doctor and only a 30-day supply.
But in other countries, passengers can be arrested at the border, fined more than $30,000 and face up to 25 years in prison.
For their study, the researchers counted the number of controlled substances banned in 18 countries.
They collected the data from official lists of prohibited drugs published by the drug authorities or health ministries of the countries.
The results showed that the United States has the strictest regulations.
This is likely due to the country’s war on drugs, although limited enforcement in some areas means drugs are widespread.
Fifth place was taken by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with 293 prohibited controlled drugs, while Qatar ranked sixth with 231 prohibited substances and Thailand ranked seventh with 225 prohibited substances.
Several celebrities have recently found that countries are violating regulations regarding the transportation of marijuana outside the United States.
Supermodel Gigi Hadid was arrested at an airport in the Cayman Islands this year after she was found with marijuana – which she allegedly bought in New York City with a medical license.
The above shows the drugs most likely to be banned in the eighteen countries on the list, based on the percentage that banned the drug (the Percentage).
The United States, Germany and Japan had the most banned controlled drugs
Amphetamines such as Adderall are used in the United States to treat conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in which the drugs improve concentration.
But many other countries – including Japan, the United Arab Emirates and South Korea – have banned them because of the risk of addiction and abuse.
Hydrocodone with acetaminophen – also called Vicodin, Lortab or Lorcet – is an opioid medication prescribed in the United States to relieve moderate to severe pain.
With more than 83 million doses sold each year, it is one of the most popular drugs in America, but hydrocodone has been banned in many countries due to concerns about addiction.
Marijuana is illegal in more than 160 countries around the world – including the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan – and remains federally illegal in the United States.
America is going through a period of relaxed regulations — 24 of the 50 states legalize recreational marijuana — and say the drug can help people deal with chronic pain and nausea, as well as other conditions.
But the marijuana available today is much stronger than that of fifty years ago, and there are now concerns about the impact it has on people’s health.
A growing body of research shows that regular marijuana use can impair brain development in young adults, while the drug has also been linked to hallucinations and psychosis.
Most countries have not legalized marijuana because it poses a potential risk to people’s health and because authorities there are not convinced that the drug is safe.
When people enter the United States with illegal drugs, they are stopped by customs. Penalties include fines and possible jail time.
Jamie Winn PharmD, Medical Director of Universal Drugstore, said: “Traveling with prescription medication requires thorough research on the drug laws in your host country and you need to understand your destination country’s medication regulations.
“If your prescription contains controlled substances, be especially careful.
“Always keep a copy of your prescription with you, which clearly indicates your medical condition and the need for the prescribed medication.
“Also familiarize yourself with the generic names of your medications, as brand names can vary worldwide.”
“Make sure you stay up to date as regulations change. Therefore, you should look for updates from reliable government sources.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
