Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. Peru law
Cannabis laws in Lima 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
It seemed strict. “Expect to be searched. And searched again.” I worried sellers would tip off police. There were plenty of officers in Miraflores, where the gringos were.
Other smokers told me one joint might draw no reaction and that a few soles could settle more. I had no firsthand experience. They warned against offering to go to an ATM because you could lose everything.
Where to Buy Marijuana
As a tourist, I knew Miraflores. Offers came around the park by the Óvalo, particularly at night and on weekends.
Near the crossings by Calle de las Pizzas, people handed out little flyers, often with a scantily clad woman on them. Give them a second and they might ask about yerba, then offer coke or sex workers if you said no. A smoker with connections was a better introduction. I also met Peruvians after a drink who were happy to chat and give tips.
Marijuana Prices
10–20 soles for a one- or two-gram packet in Miraflores. In Barranco, the slightly seedy stuff was quoted at 20 soles for about ten grams or 40 for thirty.
I rolled about six joints from a 20-sol packet, about US$7 then. Through a Peruvian smoker, my friends got around an ounce for $40.
Types of Marijuana
Mostly mid-grade. Better bud and specific varieties probably existed, but you needed connections.
More Information
Great country, if a little tense. A seven-day trip into the Amazon with a big bag of weed was hard to beat. It felt a long way from the cops in Lima.