Ganja in Algiers, Algeria - ma story

Hi, folks! Today I plan to share my rasta-experience after visiting infinite party Algiers in Algeria. Brief conclusion - for some reason it’s not easy to get really good🍀cannabis buds or hash in Algiers in an “oldschool way”, but options do exist. Below I describe what is going on with weed in Algiers.

I just got back from Algiers a week ago, now smoking a big joint of pineapple weed strain, reminding me of that cool time I had in Algiers — thanks in part to the weed that accompanied me on my adventures.

Attitude of Algiers locals to weed

You already know that good non-medical marijuana with high % THC is not something you can officially buy in a branded cannabis shop in Algiers, but this does not mean locals are too much against weed 😃. Youngsters and students are definitely those who share their love of cannabis and welcome new smokers in their circles. They can not imagine a good party without having a joint or two, while it’s hard to join them if you are already a “25+ old man”.

In general smoking some occasional joint after a long working week is a pleasant tradition among many people in Algiers, so no one will point fingers at you seeing how you are smoking weed, but better to avoid doing this publicly just not to bring useless attention.

The overall attitude of locals to weed is rather relaxed, so you may even feel yourself home in Algiers after one good joint, telling this from my own experience. John shared with me a joint of simply perfect sativa (while he did not know the exact strain). We were smoking outside the bar, and saw other guys doing the same on the other side of the street 😁 So I can definitely say that smoking weed is rather popular in Algiers.

I’ve asked John if he may share contacts of his dealer, cause stuff was out of this world. He told me that his exact dealer does not work with new people, so he will be my dealer during my vacation, which was simply perfect. I wish everyone to find your own John in some bar of Algiers.

Marijuana laws in Algeria

It is important to outline that high % THC cannabis, weed, and hash are forbidden in Algiers. You can not officially purchase marijuana strains with high at least some reasonable THC % concentration in some coffee shops like in the Netherlands. Medical cannabis may be available for purchase at dispensaries, but you will never get high with CBD buds you may find.

In the bar of my hotel I met John who has lived here in Algiers for a while, so knows a lot about 4:20 movements😁. He said that strict official regulations are not so tough in practice.

What’s the Law Say vs. What’s Really Good?

Officially, anything with more than 1% THC is a no-go in Algiers. But John put me on game — cops in Algiers are chill about the weed. Unless you’re actin' a fool or got bad luck with the wrong officer, you might just get your stash snatched, have a chat, and be on your way. But yo, don’t push it. Keep it low-key, don’t smoke in public, and if you’re holdin' less than 10g of weed or 5g of hash, you should be straight.

Coppin' Weed in Algiers: The New Wave

So here’s the scoop on how folks are gettin' their green in Algiers. John gave me some info — big-time cannabis dealers are all about that darknet life, coppin' their supply from shady onion sites like DrChronic or Bitpharma. They flip it to locals and tourists alike. But if you’re just in Algiers for a few days, tryin' to navigate the darknet and waitin' on cannabis shipments ain't it.

But if you are just visiting Algiers for several days (or up to 2 weeks) and need some weed - dealing with wholesale darknet websites looks like not the best way to spend your time. This is the point where local dealers rush into this game. But if you think you can easily find street dealers with good stuff nowadays - do not hurry so much, the situation with weed in Algiers has changed already.

Now dealers switched to another approach - you simply find their messenger contacts from someone who purchased weed in Algiers already or on some forum comments, choose stuff from menu, discuss drop off area (this may be some hotel or approximate area), after you pay in crypto (yes, now this is #1 payment option for all “dark” payments) - and stuff gets delivered and dropped where you agree. Package with weed is usually masked, you get a photo and coordinates where to pick up your stuff. As a result - no official payments and no meetings in person (you choose just the approximate package drop area, not the exact place where you meet) - so both you and the dealer stay secure and anonymous. This was a little surprise for me, at home I simply buy directly from my trusted dealer via cache, but we have what we have. How happy I was that I met John so I do not need to go through all this 🙂

Cannabis in Algiers: Frequently Asked Questions

Is high-THC weed illegal in Algiers?

Yes, non-medical cannabis is regulated and restricted, but the police tend to be lenient with tourists carrying less than 10 grams.

What happens if you get caught with cannabis in Algiers?

It depends on the situation. If the police suspect you’re a dealer, you could face serious consequences. However, tourists with small amounts of cannabis are generally left alone.

Can you still find cannabis the old-school way in Algiers?

Yes, though it’s becoming less common. While many dealers have shifted to online sales, searching in parks or asking taxi drivers might still work.

Is high-quality cannabis and hash available in Algiers?

Yes, it’s available while quality varies between dealers.

Can you find hash in Algiers?

Yes, many dealers offer both weed and hash. It’s not always in stock, but it’s popular and available.

What are the prices for cannabis and hash in Algiers?

Prices vary depending on the dealer and the quality. High-quality weed can cost $20-$25 per gram, while hash might be $30-$35 per gram. The more you buy, the better the deal you’ll get.

That’s the rundown on cannabis in Algiers. If you’re planning a trip, stay safe, be smart, and enjoy your time in this vibrant city!

Five random facts about cannabis

1. Bob Marley Was Buried With Grass

The musical star was buried with his red Gibson guitar, a cannabis bud, and a Bible open on the 23rd Psalm, which reads: “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures”. Way to go, Marley.

2. Weed Is Beer’s Cousin!

Beer hops are in the same family of flowering plants as cannabis. We thought the plants looked similar… and now we know why.

3. Uruguay Was The Future

In 2013, Uruguay became the first country in the world to legalize growing, selling, and consuming cannabis.

4. USA Grows The Most

According to Civilized Life, the United States is the top marijuana-producing nation in the entire world. Behind it are Morocco, Afghanistan, Mexico, and Colombia. Who would have thought?

5. Terpenes

The distinctive smell of cannabis comes from terpenes, aromatic compounds that also contribute to the plant's effects.