Is Weed Legal In Bora Bora: Laws For Recreational Use 2024
TRAVELING TO BORA BORA AND WONDERING IF YOU’LL BE ABLE TO FIND WEED?
Heading to the paradise, Moana-like island of Bora Bora, and wondering if weed is legal there? How’s the green scene, am I right?
Before you pack your suitcases and plan on smoking joints on the beach at sunset, it’s important to understand the marijuana laws and details before lighting up. As travelers and frequent French Polynesia visitors, we know Bora Bora’s stance on marijuana. Take our advice so your trip is nothing short of chill vibes and clear skies.
Is Weed Legal In Bora Bora: French Polynesia Laws
The question you’ve come this far to know: Is weed legal in Bora Bora?
Just to clarify, Bora Bora falls under the jurisdiction of French Polynesia, a collection of over one hundred islands sprinkled across the South Pacific. French Polynesia itself is an overseas collectivity of France, which means its laws, including those on marijuana, are heavily influenced by the French government.
So, to truly understand the weed rules of Bora Bora, we’ll need to take a closer look at the overarching laws of French Polynesia.
Up until 2024, French Polynesia has considered marijuana an illegal drug. And while weed remains illegal in Bora Bora and French Polynesia as a whole in early 2024, the French Polynesian government made headlines when they proposed the idea of legalizing marijuana on the island to attract and sell to foreign tourists.
Their argument stood behind the fact that many travelers were cannabis consumers and would be looking to purchase weed during their holiday.
We found this to be true for us during our many visits to the islands of French Polynesia. In fact, we try to schedule our travels around marijuana-friendly countries, a topic we’ll dive into later in this blog post.
A lack of media attention since January 2023 has led me to believe that there hasn’t been anything progress with marijuana laws in French Polynesia.
Important Tip: Although it remains illegal, cannabis is VERY prevalent on all French Polynesian islands. If you drive around islands like Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti, you’re bound to see at least one person smoking weed on the side of the road. Finding cannabis was incredibly easy. Ask anyone you meet and they will either have weed or know someone who sells it.
What happens if you’re found with weed in Bora Bora?
From our perspective, weed is used regularly in French Polynesia, even though it remains illegal. As with most destinations around the world, private marijuana use is common, particularly among young adults.
Because of the overwhelming number of users on the island, the majority of “drug busts” for weed in French Polynesia end up being one of the following consequences:
- Officers take away your weed
- A fine (typically up to 200 euros)
While unlikely, possession of marijuana in French Polynesia could lead to:
- Short jail time
- Imprisonment
As a disclaimer, although weed is used frequently on the islands and the French Polynesian government is flirting with the idea of legalizing it, weed remains illegal for recreational use on Bora Bora.
Is it dangerous to buy weed in Bora Bora?
Purchasing weed on Bora Bora can be as sketchy as you make it. Depending on who you get it from and what lengths you go to get it, buying marijuana in French Polynesia could be dangerous. That said, it usually is not dangerous, and you’ll find that most people on the island have a hookup.
Remember, this is true for any destination where you don’t know where the marijuana is coming from and which laws you’re breaking. There are so many countries that look at weed the same way they do hard narcotics. Unfortunately, most of the world hasn’t caught up with the rest of us.
Is the weed good on Bora Bora?
I have to be truthful… once you regularly smoke weed from places like Colorado, Michigan, and even Thailand, you are spoiled forever. So, you must know that weed, in most locations where it’s deemed illegal, may never live up to what you’re used to.
That said, finding weed on any holiday is always a delightful surprise. We are very subtle when we discover cannabis abroad, and even though it might not be the kief-rolled caviar buds we’re used to, it’s always worth puffing on.
You won’t find your favorite Sativa and Indica strains in Bora Bora, but if you keep your expectations low, you can let the amazing scenery take you to that higher level.
Disclaimer: Weed remains illegal in Bora Bora. We are not responsible for any legal issues you may encounter relating to the use of marijuana in Bora Bora.
What’s the price of marijuana in Bora Bora?
Weed in Bora Bora, or any location abroad (particularly where it’s illegal), will always cost an arm and a leg compared to what we’re used to here in the US or Canada. For tourists, weed sells (illegally) at around $18-$25 per gram. Or, if you’re unlucky, you may even need to pay upwards of $30-$40 per gram. For locals, weed sells for a lower price in French Polynesia.
Is medical marijuana legal in Bora Bora?
According to the news source, RNZ, medical cannabis was approved by the French Polynesian government in late 2022. Based on the coverage, it appears that this law protects the use of medical marijuana for local French Polynesians and residents, but it doesn’t share any information about medical weed consumption by tourists.
Weed In The South Pacific
As mentioned above, marijuana use in French Polynesia is very common, and people of all ages participate. Having visited several islands in the South Pacific, we can confidently say that weed culture is prolific on other islands, too.
Special note: In French Polynesia, cannabis is called pakalolo. Ask for this when looking for weed.
Our favorite way to meet friends on these islands is to visit bars, (bonus points if it’s a reggae bar) and chat with the bartender or server. Our devices work perfectly as translators.
French Polynesia: Marijuana FAQs
Up until this point, we’ve thrown out a lot of information about marijuana laws in Bora Bora. But I think there are a few more questions we could expand upon to truly make this an ultimate guide for weed-seekers in Bora Bora:
Is Bora Bora the same as Tahiti?
Many travelers confuse Bora Bora and Tahiti; these are two separate islands under the same governance of French Polynesia. Tahiti is the biggest and main island of French Polynesia, and it is the landing point for anyone looking to visit famous islands like Bora Bora or Moorea.
Tahiti’s biggest city is Papeete, a small oceanside town home to nearly 30,000 residents. Papeete is where you’ll find the international airport, so make sure to search for this airport when planning your route.
The marijuana laws that govern Bora Bora are the same laws that hold power over Tahiti. You’ll find that cannabis culture and public tolerance are relatively the same for these two island destinations. It’s very common and normal.
Is weed legal in Tahiti?
No, weed is not legal in Tahiti for recreational use. Medical marijuana became legal for residents in recent years, and the French Polynesian government has toyed with the idea of legalizing it for recreational use, too.
My guess is that they are pretty accepting of the new cannabis era that is spreading throughout the world. But until it is fully legalized, follow local laws.
What Vacation Countries Is Weed Legal?
To be quite frank, there are very few countries in the world where weed is legal for recreational use. Cannabis remains a serious drug in many locations, but a few countries have realized the positive impacts of legalizing marijuana and have taken the leap. Here are a few countries where marijuana is legal (and a few who are more laid back about it):
– Canada
Canada legalized recreational weed use in 2018, opening dispensaries for the public to come and indulge in the sweet effects of this relaxing herb. Good on ya, Canada!
A few of the most impressive places in Canada include Nova Scotia’s wild coastline, the Yukon’s rugged terrain, Vancouver Island’s crazy animal encounters, and Banff’s insane beauty that will blow your mind.
– Thailand
Thailand wowed the world in 2022 when they fully legalized cannabis. And I’ll tell you what, we are frickin here for it!
Perhaps the Land of Smiles is now the Land of Giggles, but again, we can’t complain. You’ll find a weed shop on every corner with some of today’s top selections. We were happy with the quality of Thailand’s marijuana and its wide variety of products.
If you’re looking to visit amazing places in Thailand, consider the northern hills of Chiang Mai, the #1 diving school location in the world, Koh Tao, or the small Thai villages full of rich history like Kanchanaburi.
Note: Thailand moved to revoke legalization of cannabis for recreational use in early 2024. We will keep our readers updated as things progress.
– USA
States all over the US are legalizing recreational cannabis left and right. Explore Alaska, the last frontier while ripping your favorite bowl, or eat the best lobster you’ve ever tasted in Massachusetts after smoking your favorite Indica strain. The possibilities are endless and you’re sure to find a location that suits your holiday urge.
– Malta
Ever heard of Malta? You should Google it because I’m telling you, this country is beautiful and deserves more attention. Recreational cannabis became legal in this European island nation in early 2023, and according to news sources, locals and tourists can purchase weed at designated nonprofit “cannabis clubs”.
If you’re on the islands of Malta, be sure to check out the crisp blue waters of Gozo, the walled city of Valletta, and historical Mdina.
– Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Stop by a local coffee shop in Amsterdam and order up a delicious joint. While marijuana is technically illegal in the Netherlands, these shops are allowed to sell small amounts of cannabis.
Check out the Youtube channel, Strain Hunters, to watch as local Amsterdam coffee shop owners explore faraway lands to find the perfect weed strain.
Additional Locations Where Weed Is Legal
Apart from these five places recreational cannabis is limited. Don’t get me wrong, there are countries that have loosened laws and legalized weed for personal use. But the above countries and locations have weed available to purchase without hassle.
A few “weed-friendly” countries include Uruguay, Spain, Georgia, South Africa, Chile, France, Jamaica, Germany, Australia, among others. If you’re a sucker for island travel, the Caribbean tends to have lax laws about marijuana.
A Final Toke: Is Weed Legal In Bora Bora
Above all, weed remains illegal for recreational use in Bora Bora and all the French Polynesian islands. We do believe that cannabis laws will relax a bit over the next few years if the government continues to have discussions about the benefits of legalizing marijuana. But for now, be sure to adhere to local island laws on your quest for weed in Bora Bora.