Yo, what’s up, people? It’s your boy Dan here, and I’ve got some hot news for all you cannabis lovers out there. Now, I know you’re probably thinking, “Costa Rica? What’s that?” But trust me, this place is the bomb. With its beautiful beaches and natural beauty, it’s quickly becoming a top destination for solo and group trips.
But let’s get to the good stuff – is weed legal in Costa Rica? Well, the short answer is no. Recreational weed is still illegal here. But don’t worry, my friends, all hope is not lost. Medical marijuana is totally legal in Costa Rica, and the country has even legalized the cultivation of medical marijuana and industrial use of weed. Plus, the government has decriminalized recreational use of cannabis.
Now, before you go lighting up a joint on the beach, there are still some laws you need to be aware of. Possession of a small amount of weed (1-8 grams) won’t land you in court, but the police can still seize your drugs and fine you. So be careful out there.
But let’s take a step back and talk about how we got here. Back in 1961, Costa Rica made cannabis illegal as per UN guidelines. But in recent years, neighboring countries like Mexico and Portugal have relaxed their marijuana laws and even boosted their economies as a result. So it’s no surprise that there was a lot of pressure on the Costa Rican government to legalize marijuana.
In 2016, a local citizen named Cordas grew a marijuana plant for his son’s seizures and was prosecuted for it. But in a groundbreaking decision, the judge ruled that growing cannabis for personal use wasn’t a crime as long as it wasn’t being sold. This led to a small amount of weed being decriminalized.
Fast forward to 2019 when Costa Rica’s congress proposed a medical marijuana bill to legalize medical weed and essential oils for medicinal use. And finally, in March 2022, President Carlos Alvarado signed the bill and legalized medical marijuana. Costa Rica has joined the ranks of other Latin American countries that have made medical cannabis legal.
But what about CBD and hemp? Well, since marijuana is legal for medical purposes, hemp is also legal in Costa Rica. CBD products that contain less than 0.2% THC can be used, but there are still regulations in place.
Now let’s talk about what Costa Ricans want – and that’s to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes. People here already smoke weed regularly, and popular beaches like Puerto Viejo and Cahuita have become hot spots for buying and smoking weed. Plus, with the recent passing of the medical marijuana bill, there’s a high demand for industrial use of cannabis too.
So what does the future hold for Costa Rica? Well, both presidential candidates José María Figueres and Rodrigo Chaves are in favor of complete legalization of marijuana. And who knows, maybe the next president will bring even more good news for cannabis lovers.
But before you go booking your ticket to Costa Rica, remember that recreational weed is still illegal here. And while weed tourism is on the rise, you still need to be careful and respectful of the laws in place.
So that’s all for now, folks. Keep your eyes peeled for more news on cannabis legalization in Costa Rica. And as always, stay safe and responsible out there. Peace!