Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. Costa Rica law
Cannabis laws in Monezuma follow Costa Rica’s national law. City pages reflect the same jurisdiction-wide cannabis framework; local ordinances typically do not override it.
Recreational cannabis is illegal. Medical cannabis is available with prescription, and industrial hemp is regulated separately. Some hemp-derived products may be sold under separate rules, but that does not mean marijuana is legal, and legality can depend on product content and labeling. Personal possession of small amounts typically faces administrative measures rather than criminal prosecution, though risk remains.
Quick facts
- Recreational: Illegal
- Medical: Available with prescription
- Possession: Small amounts often not criminally prosecuted
- Buying/Selling: Illegal
- Tourists: Face same legal risks as residents
Practical guidance
Avoid cross-border transport of cannabis products. Do not assume informal tolerance equals legality.
Legislative Background
While recreational cannabis remains illegal, Costa Rica has a longstanding practice of treating small personal possession amounts as non-criminal (often resulting in administrative measures rather than prosecution). Medical cannabis and hemp-derived products were regulated in 2022, permitting prescription access and low-THC industrial production.
Law Enforcement
Montezuma was a small Pacific coast town and it barely felt policed during a short stay. Officers mostly turned up at night, walking through the park once or twice looking for anything obvious.
Where to Buy Marijuana
There were just two main roads. Along them were people from the local Rasta scene, some selling carved resin or wooden pipes. The beach campgrounds had international backpackers who often knew their way around.
Montezuma marijuana prices
- Schwag: about $10 for a half-ounce or $20 for an ounce.
- Flower sold as Jamaican, known as “creepy”: usually about double, and closer to low mids.
More Information
The local brick was dark green, stringy and stemmy, much like other Central American weed. Hardly connoisseur stuff. Great blunt weed.