Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. Costa Rica law
Cannabis laws in Samara 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
Sámara had a little police station right by the main beach entrance. There were only a few officers. They seemed happy sitting outside and didn’t look particularly interested in stoner tourists.
Where to Buy Marijuana
I met surfers and people in the Rasta scene by the beach entrance. Farther along the sand, away from the police station, there was a disco that got busy on the right nights and a seaside bar with a few pool tables.
At night I’d be there for a drink or a game of pool and more than a few people would offer weed.
Marijuana Prices
The prices I wrote down were 30–40 for half an ounce and 60–80 for an ounce. I didn’t write down the currency.
More Information
Nothing special, about like other Central American weed I’d tried. It was packed into a brick, dark green, a bit wet and full of little stems and strings.