Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. Vanuatu law
Cannabis laws in Port Vila follow Vanuatu’s national law. Municipal rules rarely change cannabis legality; jurisdiction law is what matters for travelers.
Recreational cannabis is illegal, and domestic medical use is prohibited. Production for export is regulated but does not permit local consumption. Possession carries legal risk and potential penalties.
Quick facts
- Recreational: Illegal
- Medical: Illegal domestically
- Possession: Illegal
- Buying/Selling: Illegal
- Tourists: No legal provisions
Practical guidance
Avoid cross-border transport of cannabis products. Do not assume informal tolerance equals legality.
Law Enforcement
Police tended to seem relaxed around visitors, especially if they weren’t drawing attention.
Where to Buy Marijuana
A nakamal, or kava bar, and the clubs were places to meet local Rastas and other smokers. Speaking some French helped. The bus station, taxi drivers, market vendors and younger people also came up. Port Vila felt relatively accepting by local standards, though plenty of people still disapproved.
Marijuana Prices
A typical quote was about VT 310, then roughly US$3, with no amount specified. Some people were happy to share and wouldn’t sell.
Types of Marijuana
Mostly midgrade, with some good local outdoor flower and some said to be Italian.
More Information
Survivor put Vanuatu on the map for some visitors. The contestants spent a little over a month on one of the islands competing for US$1 million. Bet they could’ve used a joint or two.