Q COSTARICA — Cannabis use in Costa Rica increased by 2.2% over seven years, although recreational use remains officially prohibited.
While medical cannabis in Costa Rica was legalized in 2022, recreational consumption, such as purchasing it on the street, smoking, or consuming cannabis in public, including beaches, parks, and restaurants, is illegal and can lead to confiscation or arrest.
This, according to research conducted by the Carrera de Ciencias Policiales de la Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED) — Science program at the National Distance Learning University, which analyzed consumption patterns between 2015 and 2022.
The study determined that 19.9% of the population in Costa Rica has used cannabis at some point in their lives, and that 4.4% used it in the last month, demonstrating a sustained increase.
Furthermore, 73.7% of marijuana seizures involved minimal quantities of between 0.01 and 1 gram, reflecting that most police interventions are related to personal use and not to large-scale drug trafficking operations.
UNED researcher Roberto Salas Sánchez explained that the data show how criminalization ultimately affects consumers most of all, while the illegal market remains active.
Salas also elaborated on the study’s main findings and the need to rethink public policies regarding this substance.
The research also indicates that the 911 emergency system receives more than 2,000 calls per month related to drug incidents, representing an average of 74 reports per day.
The report concludes that prohibitionist measures have failed to curb access to or the spread of cannabis in Costa Rica, and therefore calls for a national debate focused on public health, harm reduction, and respect for human rights.
Current Legal Status (as of 2026)
- Small Personal Amounts: While selling and purchasing are criminal acts, possession of small amounts of drugs for personal consumption is generally tolerated, and police often only confiscate the substance. However, as a tourist, this can still cause severe legal trouble and potential deportation.
- Medical Use: Medical cannabis is legal and requires a local prescription/permit available at pharmacies, but tourists generally cannot obtain a local prescription, and foreign prescriptions are not recognized.
- Recreational Use: Officially prohibited, but personal consumption of small amounts is generally decriminalized. This means it typically does not carry criminal penalties or jail time, though police can still confiscate the substance.
- Commercial Activities: Buying, selling, cultivating for sale, and large-scale trafficking remain strictly illegal and are punishable by imprisonment (8 to 15 years).
- Customs: Bringing marijuana products (including edibles and vapes) into Costa Rica is illegal and can lead to confiscation, fines, or denial of entry.
Note: The information provided here comes partly from AI and may include mistakes. For legal advice on cannabis in Costa Rica, consult a professional.