Marijuana is partially legal in Costa Rica. Recreational cannabis remains illegal, but medical marijuana is legal under a regulated framework introduced in recent years.
Personal use is decriminalized, meaning possession for personal consumption is not penalized. At the same time, trafficking and unauthorized sales are serious criminal offenses under national drug laws.
Key Points to Keep in Mind
- Recreational cannabis is illegal, but personal use is decriminalized; possession may still lead to confiscation if police believe it is not for personal consumption.
- Medical cannabis is legal but tightly regulated, available only through licensed pharmacies with a Costa Rican medical prescription.
- Buying, selling, or transporting cannabis illegally remains a serious offense, and the same rules apply to both residents and tourists.
Cannabis Laws in Costa Rica: What Travelers Should Know
Cannabis laws in Costa Rica sit in a gray area that often confuses both residents and visitors.
Recreational cannabis is illegal, but personal use is decriminalized, meaning consumption itself is not punished. That said, possession can still lead to confiscation, and the outcome depends on the circumstances.
The law doesn’t define a legal amount, so police assess whether cannabis appears intended for personal use or distribution. Small quantities are typically seized, while larger amounts may result in arrest and criminal charges.
Medical cannabis and high-THC products are legal only within a regulated medical framework. CBD products exist, but must comply with health regulations.
Notably, the law applies equally to locals and tourists, and public consumption can attract police attention even without explicit quantity limits.
Medical Cannabis Regulations in Costa Rica Explained
As of June 2025, new regulations allow cannabis-based medicinal products containing THC to be registered, approved, and sold through licensed pharmacies.
Access is limited to patients with a valid digital medical prescription issued by an authorized healthcare professional. Approved products include dried cannabis flowers and pharmaceutical forms such as capsules, tablets, creams, and oral liquids, all subject to strict quality, safety, and labeling standards. Medical cannabis is treated like any other controlled medication and is not sold freely.
For tourists, access is very limited. Foreign visitors cannot legally purchase medical cannabis unless they obtain a Costa Rican prescription and meet local medical requirements, which is rarely practical for short stays. As a result, medical use is primarily designed for residents rather than for cannabis tourism or casual travel use.
How Cannabis Is Bought and Sold in Costa Rica
Recreational marijuana is not sold legally in dispensaries or shops, and any sale outside the medical framework is considered a criminal offense.
For medical use, cannabis products containing THC can only be purchased through licensed pharmacies and require a valid Costa Rican medical prescription. There are no legal dispensaries similar to those found in some other countries, and tourists generally cannot legally buy cannabis, even for medical purposes, unless they meet local prescription requirements.
Despite decriminalized personal use, cannabis is still commonly obtained through the informal or black market, which remains illegal and carries legal risks. It’s essential to understand that buying cannabis outside pharmacies is illegal and enforceable by law.
Rules on Cannabis Use in Public and Private Spaces
Although personal consumption is decriminalized, marijuana remains an illicit substance, which gives police the authority to confiscate it if someone is seen using it in public areas such as streets, parks, beaches, bars, or restaurants.
There is no specific law equivalent to tobacco-smoking bans, but public use can still lead to intervention. In private spaces, the situation is more nuanced.
Consuming cannabis in a private residence is generally tolerated if it does not cause complaints or public disturbance. However, hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs operate under their own policies, and many explicitly prohibit drug use, regardless of local tolerance.
Carrying cannabis is also a gray area: there is no legal quantity defined, and police assess whether it appears intended for personal use. Small amounts may be confiscated, while larger quantities can result in arrest and further investigation.
Crossing Borders With Cannabis: What to Know
Bringing cannabis into or out of Costa Rica is illegal, regardless of whether it is for personal, medical, or recreational use. This applies to marijuana flower, edibles, oils, and any products containing THC.
Costa Rican law doesn’t recognize foreign medical cannabis prescriptions, so arriving with cannabis (even if legally obtained elsewhere) can lead to serious legal consequences.
If cannabis is discovered at customs, authorities may confiscate the substance and detain the traveler while the case is reviewed. Penalties can range from questioning and seizure to arrest, depending on quantity and circumstances.
Airport security and customs checks are generally strict, especially at international entry points, where luggage is subject to inspection and drug detection measures.
Police Enforcement and Practical Risks for Visitors
Law enforcement in Costa Rica generally takes a pragmatic but inconsistent approach to cannabis. While personal use is decriminalized, marijuana remains an illicit substance, and police retain broad discretion.
Officers commonly confiscate cannabis found during stops, especially in public places, even when quantities are small. Arrests are more likely if the amount suggests intent to sell, transport, or traffic, which carries severe prison penalties.
In practice, most police actions involve small seizures rather than prosecutions, but this still poses inconvenience and risk for travelers. Corruption isn’t systemic, though tourists should remain cautious during encounters and avoid attempting bribes, which can worsen the situation.
A common risk involves street-level scams, such as being sold cannabis by unauthorized sellers or being approached by intermediaries who disappear after payment.
Social Views on Cannabis in Costa Rica
Cannabis use in Costa Rica is increasing but remains socially mixed. While personal consumption is decriminalized, public opinion has not fully caught up with legal changes.
Surveys and public health data show that cannabis use has grown steadily over the past few decades, particularly among younger adults. Yet, many Costa Ricans still associate marijuana with illegality or social stigma.
As a result, open or visible use can attract judgment, especially in more traditional or rural areas. In urban centers, attitudes tend to be more relaxed, but discretion is still expected.
There is a small and fragmented cannabis community, primarily focused on medical use, policy reform, and harm reduction rather than tourism. Unlike destinations known for cannabis tourism, Costa Rica does not have an open social scene built around cannabis.
For visitors, understanding these cultural attitudes helps avoid uncomfortable situations and reinforces the importance of keeping consumption private and respectful.
Practical Tips for Visitors on the Ground
When it comes to cannabis in Costa Rica, discretion is key. While locals may use informal terms like marihuana, mota, or simply weed, openly asking for cannabis (especially from strangers) can attract unwanted attention or put you at risk of scams or police involvement.
There are no legal cannabis events, festivals, or weed-friendly venues comparable to those found in countries with regulated recreational markets. Any gathering centered on cannabis use would fall outside the law.
Similarly, Costa Rica does not officially recognize 420-friendly accommodation. Hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs typically prohibit drug use under their house rules, even in private rooms. Some hosts may appear tolerant, but this is informal and never guaranteed.
The safest approach is to avoid asking publicly, respect property rules, and understand that Costa Rica does not cater to cannabis tourism in a formal or legal way.
Final Considerations for Cannabis Travelers
Cannabis laws in Costa Rica remain complex and can change quickly, so it’s essential to always check the latest local rules before traveling or making assumptions based on past information. Marijuana is still an illicit substance, and enforcement can vary depending on the situation and location.
For visitors, the safest approach is to travel smart, stay discreet, and act respectfully toward local laws and customs. Avoid public use, do not attempt to buy or transport cannabis illegally, and respect the policies of accommodations and private spaces.
Costa Rica is not a destination built around cannabis tourism, and approaching it as such can lead to unnecessary legal or social issues.