Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. Costa Rica law
Cannabis laws in Tamarindo 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
Police were nearly absent. Rapid growth had brought more property crime, and owners were asking for a bigger police presence. The government seemed to be listening.
Where to Buy Marijuana
At the far end of the main street were the Rasta bars and a headshop. On the beach I saw locals walking with blunts, Rastas near the trees and friendly young surfers. Surf and skate shops or the skatepark could also lead to a contact.
In the bigger parks some people with backpacks offered weed. I’d stay with friends and walk away if it felt sketchy.
Marijuana Prices
US$10–20 got a big handful of Colombian brick or local stuff, sometimes estimated at four to seven grams. Brown and not great, but it did the job. I paid $80 an eighth for dank local bud, and heard $80 or more for Jamaican. Bring your own bag. Even those were scarce.
Three different people quoted $20 for one joint of rough brown local weed. “Don’t buy, protest!”
Types of Marijuana
Brown compressed brick was common. With the right connection there was better local bud or weed sold as Jamaican.
More Information
Roll a hooter and watch a Tamarindo sunset. At the skatepark, locals took us to somebody with Jamaican weed and dank local bud. We asked for the good stuff.