Christchurch

Law Enforcement

People talked about a one-time police diversion, with later possession cases more likely to mean a fine and conviction. Meth, or “P,” was seen as a bigger priority. Christchurch and other South Island towns felt less predictable than the North Island. People described confiscations without charges, sometimes even over 1 kg. Gang encounters were another risk.

Where to Buy Marijuana

The skaters and the Manchester Street nightlife were the leads that came up. An introduction to a “tinny house” was usually needed. Somebody who helped might expect a shared smoke. Gang sellers knew the market but had a reputation for robbing or assaulting people.

Marijuana Prices

• NZ$20 for a tinnie of about 1 g.
• NZ$50 for a bag of about 3 g.
• NZ$150–200 for 14 g, a half-ounce.
• Usually NZ$250–350 for 28 g. The wider range was NZ$150 for bush to NZ$450 for top skunk.
• Hash oil: NZ$10–60 for a capsule.

Types of Marijuana

Good local outdoor was mostly sativa and could beat indoor. Afghan, White Widow, Northern Lights and other Dutch strains were grown from imported seed. Cambodian or Thai flower sometimes turned up and could be seedy or harsh. Hash was rare. Oil, more common in some North Island areas, ranged from commercial “mersh” to first-wash honey oil.

More Information

Shops sold large growing setups, yet people still talked about getting stopped over a joint. Outcomes for growers were described as widely different, from a small fine over twenty plants to prison. There were also allegations of cash and other belongings going missing during searches. One smoker had gone eight years without a search or arrest.