In this guide, you will find out everything there is to know about Cannabis in Istanbul, where to find it, how much it costs, and the laws surrounding it.
Whether you are a casual smoker just looking for more information, a traveler visiting Istanbul and wanting to know more about smoking there, or just a curious citizen,
I’ve got you covered ☺
If you have ever bought cannabis in Istanbul, please feel free to share your experiences and any tips in the comments section below. Help out your fellow smokers and fellow travelers.
Thanks in advance!
Disclaimer: I don’t provide legal advice or encourage the use of cannabis or any other illicit substances.
Ganjapapi Approved Trusted Source:
Tolerance Level Guesstimation [1= very illegal with severe punishment, 10= completely legal] – 3
Cannabis is entirely illegal in Istanbul, and even medical marijuana is not permitted. However, the cops react slightly differently to tourists as compared to locals.
Istanbul Cannabis Laws
Although cannabis and all related activities are completely illegal in Istanbul, still, about 30% of the population are introduced to cannabis and even smoke it quite regularly! However, if you are caught with even a small amount of cannabis (especially as a local), the consequences can be severe. Not only do you have to pay a hefty fine, but you may also face imprisonment. Smoking in public results in the same punishment, although, you can get away with it if you smoke privately. The cops will not bother you in this case. Make sure you are not selling, distributing, growing, or even caught buying cannabis in public, as it is very dangerous.
Law Enforcement
Absolutely all activities related to marijuana are entirely illegal in Istanbul. If you are caught smoking cannabis in public (as a local), you will be fined and can even face imprisonment for up to 5 years.
However, when it comes to tourists, the cops react slightly differently.
It is quite easy to bribe the local cops if you are caught with marijuana, although you might have to pay a significant amount as a bribe. However, it is better than going to jail for it! Most cops are quite easy to bribe, and they will let go of tourists if they get an excellent bribe in their hands.
As long as you smoke cannabis behind closed doors, you really will not face any issues. It is only when you bring it out in public that the problems arise. However, if you can find a quiet and secluded spot in public, you can enjoy a smoke there too!
Cannabis Prices, Quality, and Types
Just like anywhere else in the world, the dealers in Istanbul will happily rip you off if you are a tourist. It always helps to have some locals to guide you when buying weed. You can find a few varieties of cannabis here, although it is also quite easy to come across fake or laced cannabis, so be careful before buying. The price can be a little expensive in Istanbul.
Prices of Cannabis
If you want to buy some good quality weed in Istanbul, you will have to spend some money. However, average quality weed and hash should cost you around 35 to 70 Turkish Lira, or 5 to 10 American Dollars.
You can buy 25 grams of weed for $80, but make sure to try out a little bit before buying. It is quite natural for the dealers to try and dupe tourists.
Quality of Weed
Just like any other place, the quality of weed also varies from place to place and dealer to dealer. While it is likely that you can end up with laced cannabis, if you do get your hands on good quality weed, it can be excellent and quite potent. It helps if you can check the quality of weed before buying it, but even then, it is not too difficult to fool tourists into buying lousy weed. Taking help from locals is always a good idea.
Types of Plant
Weed and hash both costs near about the same amount. You will find some other types as well, such as Ot, ciragalık, hash, etc. If you can befriend some locals, be sure to ask where you can buy Turkish Wax. This is a mixture of henna and kief and is super potent. It is advisable to be careful when trying out this variety, especially if you are trying it for the first time.
Where can you get cannabis in Istanbul?
There are several places you can check out for buying weed, but the first place to explore would be Caddebostan Park. The next best bet would be Tarlabasi. Here, you will not only come across many people smoking it but also many weed-friendly people who can help you buy or provide you with information. Of course, your very best bet would be to find a friendly local who can help you out, as buying weed can be a little risky for tourists in Istanbul.
Cannabis Culture in Istanbul
In general, people are not super friendly when it comes to weed, especially the older generation. They seem to view it as something taboo, or something which only criminals do. However, the younger generation is more open to it, smoke it regularly, and are also quite helpful when it comes to helping tourists find dealers. The dealers themselves can be quite prone to ripping you off, so be careful about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to buy weed in parks?
You have to be careful and discreet because the cops catching you can lead to a considerable fine. As long as you keep a lookout, you can be safe.
Can you smoke hash on the streets?
If you get caught, it can lead to a penalty. So if you must smoke on the streets, it is best to find a secluded spot to do it, so you don’t get caught by the cops.
What happens if you are caught with marijuana?
As a tourist, you can get away with paying a bribe. But as a local, you risk a hefty fine and even imprisonment.
Is it easy to get weed in Istanbul?
It always helps to have a friendly local guide you, but you can always keep a lookout for dealers in the parks.
Is cannabis legal in Istanbul?
Cannabis is entirely illegal in Istanbul, and even medical marijuana is not permitted. However, the cops react slightly differently to tourists as compared to locals.
