American country musician turned away from Kelowna for decade old weed conviction

A country music musician had to cancel his Canadian tour after he was denied entry into Kelowna for a cannabis conviction 10 years ago. 

Charley Crockett had eight shows planned in Canada and tried to get into the country through the Kelowna airport on Feb. 22 after being turned away in Vancouver, according to a social media post from Crockett. 

Crockett posted the denial letter to social media that stated the reason for refusing his entry was because of a conviction for possession of marijuana charge in Virginia in 2016. 

It was a felony charge for possession with intent to distribute more than 5 lb. 

“This offence if committed in Canada would equate to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act which is an indictable offence that would be punishable by a term of life imprisonment,” reads the denial letter from the federal government. 

Crockett apologized to fans after cancelling his entire Canadian tour. He said people will get refunds for the cancelled shows.

“Everybody’s got a past. Mine’s still haunting me. I tried to cross the Canadian border twice in 24 hours,” he wrote. “I’ve been advised that it would jeopardize my freedom to try and enter again. I’m deeply sorry to announce the cancellation of my entire Canadian tour.”

Crockett has played in Canada before, one of his recent shows was in August 2025 in Toronto. 

He doesn’t plan on giving up on Canada forever and will try to find a way to come back.

“I apologize to everyone affected. I know I let y’all down. Canada’s such a beautiful country full of some of the best fans in the world, and I’ve had the time of my life playing shows for y’all,” he wrote. “I ain’t one to quit and I aim to be back one of these days real soon.”