Of pot, perfume and airport customs

By Deborah Fulsang

“Do you smoke marijuana?”

The customs officer at YYZ looked me square in the eyes, as my kids, then 9 and 6 waited excitedly by my side. (We had just surprised them with a Disney getaway on this Monday after school.)

“Marijuana!”

My jaw dropped.

“No, why?” I responded after a few seconds, nearly dumbstruck.

“I smell patchouli,” he said, still stern.

“Wow, your nose is good,” I replied. “It’s my perfume: patchouli and vanilla, amber and wood…” (I tend to go on when I sense someone has a good nose.)

The officer had warmed up slightly. I’d passed the test. Many use patchouli to mask the scent of marijuana, he told me.

I was impressed, he had pegged my Chanel Coromandel instantly—although he didn’t name drop but he’d nailed the notes. (Maybe he’d picked up on the perfume’s cognac-iness too.) I want him on my perfume panel I thought.

The airport anecdote sprang to mind as we’re all trying to plan a little March Break escape.

So a little travel tip: In addition to flying with “less than 100 ml volumes” to avoid the possibility of lost luggage and being without your favourite perfume—yikes!—beware patchouli and incense. Yes, I know, no easy task given the current crop of fragrances that celebrate those spicy, earthy Boho ingredients. But really, who needs a reason to be pulled over at customs? Especially since you might have been indulging on the fashion shopping front also.

So many perfumes and shoes, so little time.