Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. Vietnam law
Cannabis laws in Ho Chi Min City follow Vietnam’s national law. This city follows the jurisdiction’s cannabis law framework; separate city laws are typically limited.
Cannabis is illegal for recreational and medical use. Possession and distribution are prohibited. Strict enforcement and penalties apply.
Quick facts
- Recreational: Illegal
- Medical: Illegal
- Possession: Illegal
- Buying/Selling: Illegal
- Tourists: No exceptions
Practical guidance
Avoid cross-border transport of cannabis products. Do not assume informal tolerance equals legality.
Law Enforcement
Possessing or selling marijuana was illegal. It could feel like the cops hardly noticed foreigners, but we heard about people getting into serious trouble. Some bars and pubs used to be relaxed about smoking. As tourism picked up, that began to change, and it helped to ask expats who knew the place. A couple of times a year, sometimes three, there’d be a crackdown on “social vices.” Usually word got around beforehand, and offers dried up for a week or so.
Some people thought Vietnam was more interested in attracting Chinese tourists than in giving Western visitors a break. Despite seeing little police interest in tourists, they worried about jail or deportation and even claimed execution was possible for drug use. Those were unverified claims. See Marijuana Laws for the legal overview.
Where to Buy Marijuana
In Saigon it was easy to find an offer, and just as easy to get ripped off. Cyclo and motorcycle taxi drivers offered small amounts of rough weed. There were stories of foreigners being mugged while looking for ganja or sex. Heroin and opium were around, and you might see discarded needles. Check what you’re being offered and remember that bargaining is normal.
In the backpacker areas, there were roving booksellers with stacks of books, in and out of cafés, restaurants and tourist hangouts. Some offered weed before you even asked.
Marijuana Prices
50,000 dong, about US$3 then, could get ten grams or more from a cyclo or motorcycle taxi driver. It was rough, but “worth it for shits and giggles.” Small prepacked plastic bags of a few grams also went for $5–10.
Hash was scarce and usually expensive. Rolling papers were surprisingly hard to find. Bring your own if you plan to skin up.
Vietnam, UTC/GMT+7.