No, marijuana is strictly illegal in Bali, as it is across the rest of Indonesia. The country enforces some of the harshest drug laws in the world, and cannabis is classified as a Type 1 narcotic, meaning it is considered to have no medical value and a high potential for abuse.
Despite global shifts toward legalization and medical cannabis programs, Indonesia has not followed suit, and possession, trafficking, or consumption of marijuana can lead to severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences or even the death penalty in cases of large-scale distribution.
Bali’s laws reflect this national stance, and there are no legal exceptions for medical or recreational cannabis use. Tourists should be especially cautious, as authorities do not offer leniency based on foreign nationality.
Top things to remember
- Cannabis is strictly illegal in Bali and throughout Indonesia, with no exceptions for medical or recreational use.
- Possession, use, or trafficking can result in severe penalties, including long prison terms or the death penalty.
- Tourists are not exempt; foreigners are prosecuted under the same laws, and airport/customs checks are highly strict.
Overview of Cannabis Laws in Bali
Cannabis is entirely illegal in Bali and across Indonesia, with no exceptions for medical, recreational, or personal use. The country enforces a zero-tolerance policy, classifying cannabis as a Type 1 narcotic; a category reserved for substances deemed to have high abuse potential and no accepted medical benefit. This classification places marijuana in the same category as heroin and cocaine under Indonesian law.
Penalties for possession are extremely harsh. Even small amounts can lead to four to twelve years in prison, while possession of larger quantities may result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty for trafficking offenses. The authorities routinely conduct drug raids, and Bali is no exception, particularly given its popularity among foreign tourists.
There is no legal distinction between THC and CBD in Indonesia. Both are considered part of the cannabis plant and are treated with the same legal severity, regardless of their differing psychoactive effects or potential therapeutic benefits.
The laws apply equally to residents and visitors. Tourists are held to the same standards as locals, and ignorance of the law is not a valid defense. Travelers should be aware that customs and airport authorities are especially vigilant, and even trace amounts of cannabis products can lead to arrest.
Medical Marijuana Status in Bali
Medical cannabis is not legal in Bali or anywhere else in Indonesia. The country’s narcotics laws do not allow for any exceptions, including medical use, regardless of the patient’s condition or medical need. Cannabis remains strictly categorized as a Type 1 narcotic, and no medical marijuana program exists under Indonesian law.
In 2020, a high-profile legal challenge led by parents of children with severe medical conditions, including cerebral palsy, brought renewed attention to the issue. The case sought to legalize cannabis for medical use. However, Indonesia’s Constitutional Court rejected the petition, reinforcing the national ban. While the court did acknowledge the potential need for further scientific research, it stopped short of permitting any form of legal access to cannabis for therapeutic purposes.
Because of this firm stance, there is no legal process to qualify as a medical cannabis patient in Indonesia. Tourists also cannot bring or access medical marijuana while in Bali, even if they hold a valid prescription from their home country. Bringing cannabis-based medications into Indonesia, even in small amounts or in oil form, can result in arrest and prosecution, with no exceptions made for foreign nationals.
Buying Cannabis in Bali
Cannabis cannot be legally purchased in Bali, whether in dispensaries, pharmacies, or elsewhere. Indonesia’s laws do not permit the sale or distribution of marijuana under any circumstances. There are no licensed dispensaries, no medical access points, and no legal channels through which cannabis products can be obtained.
Despite this, an underground black market does exist, especially in areas frequented by tourists. However, engaging with it is extremely risky. Law enforcement in Bali is known for conducting sting operations and undercover busts targeting both dealers and buyers, including foreigners. There are numerous cases of tourists being arrested or imprisoned for attempting to purchase cannabis on the street.
Tourists cannot legally buy or possess cannabis in Bali, and doing so can result in harsh legal consequences, including years of imprisonment or worse, depending on the amount involved.
As for pricing, while exact figures on the black market are difficult to verify and vary widely, the real cost is the legal danger involved. Tourists are strongly advised to avoid any attempt to purchase or use cannabis in Bali, regardless of availability.
Where You Can and Can’t Use It
Cannabis is strictly prohibited everywhere in Bali, whether in public or private settings. Indonesia’s tough stance applies uniformly, with no designated spaces for consumption, making it illegal to use cannabis in any capacity on the island.
Public Use
Smoking, vaping, or using cannabis in public areas, including streets, beaches, parks, and transport hubs—is a criminal offense. Authorities treat public consumption as a serious violation, similar to possession, and offenders may face 4–12 years in prison, along with heavy fines.
Private Spaces
Using cannabis inside private properties, such as hotels, Airbnbs, or private villas, is also illegal. Indonesian law does not differentiate between private and public use, and possession alone is enough to trigger arrest, regardless of whether consumption occurs in a private setting.
Transportation and Carrying
Carrying cannabis during travel, whether by car, scooter, or on foot, is equally forbidden. Transporting any amount can result in 4–12 years in prison, or even life imprisonment for larger quantities (over 1 kg or five plants). Even minimal amounts, including cannabis oil or edibles, are illegal to carry.
In short, you cannot legally consume or carry cannabis anywhere in Bali, private or public. The law’s zero-tolerance approach means that no location is safe for cannabis-related activity, and strict penalties apply uniformly.
Travelling there with Weed
If you’re considering bringing cannabis into or out of Bali, be aware that Indonesia has an absolute zero‑tolerance policy toward narcotics, including all forms of cannabis. There are no legal exemptions for personal, medical, or prescription use. Any amount found at passport control or customs is subject to strict legal penalties, regardless of intent.
Bringing Cannabis In or Out
- Illegal to import or export cannabis in any form. This includes flowers, oils, edibles, seeds, or CBD products.
- Even small quantities can trigger immediate arrest, long prison sentences, or even the death penalty, especially if deemed trafficking.
What Happens at Customs
- Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport enforces rigorous searches.
- Cannabis found in luggage, even if prescribed, can result in detainment, interrogation, and criminal charges, as seen in recent cases involving foreign travelers.
- In one notable incident on July 2, 2025, an Australian tourist with prescription flower-form marijuana was detained for several days and forced through a strip search before finally being released, highlighting the zero-tolerance approach.
Airport Security
- Security screenings are highly thorough, with both carry-on and checked baggage scrutinized.
- Passengers are often subject to multiple scans and manual inspections, not just by Indonesian officials, but also at transit points when connecting flights are involved.
- Even if you’re from a country where cannabis is legal, Indonesian authorities make no exceptions. A doctor’s note or prescription is not recognized under Indonesian law.
Bottom Line:
You cannot legally bring cannabis into or out of Bali. Customs and airport security are vigilant and unyielding. Being caught, even with medicinal marijuana, can lead to serious legal consequences, including arrest, extended detention, and potentially long-term imprisonment. Avoid any risk: do not travel with cannabis when visiting Bali.
Law Enforcement and Risks
Law enforcement in Bali is strict and unforgiving when it comes to drug-related offenses, including cannabis. The police operate under Indonesia’s national narcotics laws, which leave no room for leniency, especially when it involves tourists. Officers are known to enforce the law rigorously, and those caught with cannabis can expect swift arrest, long detention periods, and serious criminal charges.
Police Behavior
While Bali police may appear relaxed in day-to-day interactions, they take drug enforcement seriously. In drug cases, especially involving foreigners, there is no tolerance. While corruption can exist in some settings, it should never be relied on as a way to avoid prosecution; attempting to bribe an officer can actually make things worse and add to legal consequences.
Risk of Arrest
The risk of arrest is high, even for minimal quantities of cannabis. There are documented cases of tourists being detained over traces of marijuana, including oil residue or leftover buds in bags. Indonesian police sometimes work with hotel staff or locals to tip off drug use, and random raids and checks are not uncommon, especially in party-heavy areas like Canggu or Kuta.
Scams to Avoid
Tourists should also be aware of entrapment scams. There have been reports of locals offering to sell cannabis or other drugs, only to later alert police in exchange for rewards or leniency. If approached by someone offering drugs, walk away immediately. Even being part of such an interaction can attract attention from law enforcement.
In short, the consequences are real and severe. Bali may be laid-back on the surface, but its cannabis laws are some of the harshest in the world, and the authorities enforce them aggressively. For visitors, the safest option is to completely avoid any contact with cannabis during their stay.
Cultural Attitudes
Cannabis use is not socially accepted in Bali, despite the island’s image as a liberal and tourist-friendly destination. The overall attitude toward marijuana is heavily shaped by Indonesia’s conservative values and its strict anti-drug stance, which is reinforced both legally and culturally.
Social Perception
For most Indonesians, including many Balinese, cannabis is strongly associated with crime, addiction, and social decline. These views are influenced by decades of government messaging framing all narcotics as dangerous and immoral. Using marijuana is generally seen as irresponsible, and those who do so may be viewed with suspicion or disapproval, even if they’re foreigners.
Will You Be Judged?
Yes, particularly outside of tourist circles. Locals, hotel staff, drivers, or even acquaintances may report cannabis use to the authorities. While some may remain quiet, others may feel obligated to act, especially given the legal risks of association. Tourists using cannabis not only face legal trouble but risk damaging relationships and losing the trust of local communities.
Local Cannabis Scene
There is no open cannabis culture or community in Bali. Any social use that does occur happens underground and carries significant risk. You won’t find cannabis cafés, social clubs, or events like in countries with decriminalized or legal use. Even discussions about marijuana tend to be cautious or avoided entirely in public settings.
In essence, cannabis remains deeply stigmatized in Balinese society. What might be casual or acceptable elsewhere is seen very differently here, making it both socially and legally unsafe to use or even talk about openly.
Useful Local Tips
Due to Indonesia’s strict anti-drug laws, including in Bali, there are no safe or legal ways to access cannabis, and there is no public weed culture to engage with. Unlike destinations where cannabis is decriminalized or tolerated, Bali offers no gray area for tourists hoping to find “420-friendly” experiences.
Slang or Local Terms
Cannabis may sometimes be referred to by locals using slang terms like “ganja”, “tembakau gorila” (synthetic cannabis), or simply “barang” (meaning “stuff”). However, asking about it in any context, especially as a tourist, can be risky and may attract unwanted attention, including from police or scam artists. Many drug-related arrests begin with casual conversations that lead to sting operations or entrapment.
Events or Festivals
There are no legal cannabis-themed events or festivals in Bali. Unlike places where 420 celebrations or hemp expos are part of the local scene, Bali’s event landscape is completely devoid of any cannabis-related gatherings, due to the risk of prosecution. Any underground gatherings that might exist are not publicly advertised and come with severe legal risk for attendees.
420-Friendly Accommodation
You won’t find any hotels, hostels, or Airbnbs in Bali advertising themselves as 420-friendly. Doing so would violate Indonesian law and likely result in police intervention. In fact, many accommodations cooperate with law enforcement and may report guests suspected of using or possessing drugs on the property.
Final Advice / Disclaimer
If you’re heading to Bali, it’s essential to understand that cannabis is completely illegal, with no exceptions: not for medical use, not in private spaces, and certainly not for tourists. The penalties are severe and can have life-altering consequences, from long prison sentences to even the death penalty in serious trafficking cases.
Do not attempt to bring cannabis into the country, and avoid all discussions, purchases, or use while on the island. Even minor possession or association with cannabis can result in arrest, detention, and legal trouble that’s difficult to resolve, especially for foreign nationals.
Laws can change quickly. Always check the latest local rules through official government sources or travel advisories before you fly. Never rely on word-of-mouth or online forums for legal advice.
Above all, travel smart, stay discreet, and respect local laws and culture. Bali is a beautiful place with much to offer, just don’t let a cannabis-related mistake turn your holiday into a legal nightmare.