Last verified: 22 October 2026. General information, not legal advice. For adults 18+.
Is weed legal in Bali for tourists? No, and the stakes are unusually high. Cannabis is a Class I narcotic under Indonesia's Narcotics Law. Using it can mean up to 4 years in prison, and possession up to 12. The most serious trafficking cases can still carry the death penalty. The UK government says CBD, hemp products, THC vapes and edibles are all illegal too, and that police raid venues popular with foreigners in Bali and drug-test people there (FCDO).
The short version
- Cannabis is illegal in Bali. It's listed as a Class I narcotic (Law 35/2009, Annex I).
- CBD is illegal in Indonesia, as are hemp products, medicinal cannabis, oils, creams, vapes and edibles (FCDO).
- A positive urine or blood test leads to arrest (FCDO).
- The death penalty still exists for the most serious trafficking offences (MARINews).
- Transit bags are scanned. Never carry anything for anyone.
Law vs. practice
Indonesia's main drug law is Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics. Its Annex I lists the cannabis plant, every plant of the genus Cannabis and all its parts, as a Class I narcotic, the most restricted category (Law 35/2009).
What changed on 2 January 2026. Indonesia's new Criminal Code (KUHP, Law 1/2023) took effect on that date, together with a "Penal Adjustment" law (Law 1/2026). According to articles on the Supreme Court's official news portal (MARINews):
- Several Narcotics Law articles (112, 113, 117, 118, 122, 123) were repealed and replaced by provisions in the new Criminal Code (Arts. 609–610). Others, including Art. 111 (possessing narcotics in plant form) and Art. 114 (selling or brokering), remain in force.
- Mandatory minimum sentences were removed for these narcotics offences. Judges now have more discretion, but the maximums remain high (Law 1/2026, Annex II).
- The death penalty remains for the gravest trafficking cases (Art. 114(2)).
In practice, the UK government says police often raid venues popular with foreigners in Bali. If they suspect drug use, you may have to take a urine or blood test, and a positive result will lead to arrest. Drugs are sometimes offered as "free samples" in venues (FCDO). Legal cases can be lengthy and costly.
Penalties
| Offence | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|
| Using Class I narcotics (e.g. cannabis) yourself | Up to 4 years in prison (Art. 127); judges must consider rehabilitation |
| Possessing, growing or keeping Class I narcotics in plant form | Up to 12 years and/or a fine (Art. 111(1), as adjusted in 2026) |
| Same, over 1 kg or more than 5 plants | Life or up to 20 years (Art. 111(2), as adjusted) |
| Selling, brokering, buying for resale (over 1 kg or more than 5 plants) | Death, life or up to 20 years (Art. 114(2), as adjusted) |
| Importing or exporting Class I narcotics | Up to 15 years and/or a fine; for plant-form over 1 kg or more than 5 plants, death, life or up to 20 years (new Criminal Code Art. 610, as amended by Law 1/2026) |
Sources: Law 35/2009; Law 1/2026, Art. 610 and Annex II; MARINews.
Border & airport rules
- Don't bring any cannabis product into Indonesia, in any form. That includes CBD oil, creams, vapes, gummies, and "hemp" products (FCDO).
- Being legal at home doesn't count, and neither does a medical prescription for cannabis.
- Transit: Indonesian airports scan transit passengers' baggage too.
- Couriers: criminal groups pressure people into carrying drugs across borders. Don't be persuaded (FCDO).
- Other medicines: check with the Indonesian embassy before travelling with controlled medicines.
Legal options
None. There's no legal cannabis, CBD or medical-cannabis route for anyone in Indonesia.
Culture & etiquette
Bali's relaxed vibe can be misleading. Drug laws are national, strict and enforced, including against foreigners. Don't joke about drugs with drivers, villa staff or new friends, and don't post about them online.
Scams to watch for
- "Free samples" in clubs and bars. They can lead straight to a positive test during a raid.
- Offers from drivers, beach sellers or online contacts. Setups and police involvement are a known risk; just say no.
- Drink spiking linked to sexual assault in Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands (FCDO).
- Tattoo, nail and spa scams: agree prices in advance.
Harm reduction & if things go wrong
- Emergencies: 112.
- Don't use. In Bali there's no "small amount" safe zone.
- Watch your drink, and never accept anything from strangers.
- If police detain you, ask for your embassy or consulate straight away, ask for a lawyer and an interpreter, and don't sign anything you don't understand. The British Embassy publishes guidance on detainees' rights (FCDO).
- Rehabilitation: Indonesian law allows rehabilitation for addicts and victims of drug misuse (Arts. 54 and 127). Ask your lawyer.
Get the full Bali guide (coming soon)
Our full HighAbroad Bali Guide is in the works. It will cover the 2026 penalty changes, raids and testing, airport and transit rules, and what to do if you or a friend is detained. Full guide coming soon: join the list →
HighAbroad provides general information only, not legal advice. We never say where or from whom to buy cannabis. Laws change; check official sources before you travel.