Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. Peru law
Cannabis laws in Cusco follow Peru’s national law. Local cities generally do not set separate marijuana rules, so penalties are determined at the jurisdiction level.
Recreational cannabis is illegal, but possession of up to 8 grams for personal use is decriminalized. Medical cannabis is permitted with a prescription and regulatory approval. Larger quantities or commercial activities carry legal risk.
Quick facts
- Recreational: Illegal (small personal possession decriminalized)
- Medical: Available with prescription
- Possession: Decriminalized up to 8 grams
- Buying/Selling: Illegal
- Tourists: Same laws apply; no special exemptions
Practical guidance
Avoid cross-border transport of cannabis products. Do not assume informal tolerance equals legality.
Legislative Background
Peru's Constitutional Tribunal decriminalized possession of up to 8 grams for personal use in 2003, treating it as non-criminal when not linked to trafficking. Medical cannabis has been regulated since 2017, with a registry and authorized pharmacy access expanded in subsequent years for approved therapeutic conditions.
Law Enforcement
Police in Cusco struck me as strict. I heard stories about people making a deal in the street and getting stopped just as they got back to their guesthouse.
Where to Buy Marijuana
I had better luck in bars and clubs late at night. Cocaine was easier and cheaper to find, though with some patience there was excellent weed. A taxi driver pointed me to Plaza de Armas after seven. With your back to the church you could see a club upstairs, popular with foreigners. I smoked there without trouble. There was an alley to the left where people approached me saying “marijuana” and “cocaine.” Despite the stories I’d heard about police corruption, I went back most nights for about a month.
Once I felt comfortable, I went alone and they tried to get me into a room off the alley. I refused. The stuff was real, but the situation was sketchy.
My first day in Cuzco, we took a taxi to go bungee jumping. I was chewing coca leaves, which I’d bought in a shop, and the driver asked if I liked coca. I didn’t speak Spanish, so I made a smoking gesture with my fingers. He understood and took me to a friend’s house, where I got some schwag. I also heard of drivers turning people in after a deal, so I’d be careful about that too.
Marijuana Prices
Twenty soles bought about an eighth of decent weed or a quarter of schwag. I also heard 40 soles for a gram of very good cocaine.
Types of Marijuana
“VERY dank chronic or BULLSHIT.” The two could be right next to each other, with everyone in the group selling something. Once the conversation started, walking away could feel awkward. I wouldn’t go alone or flash more money than I planned to spend.
More Information
I smoked in the street every night and never had a problem. It was probably a dumb idea. At the time I thought it was better than smoking in my room.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was a highlight. I remember taking my bud up there too. Great country. Expect a search or two.