Weed in Auckland, New Zealand: A Simple Story

Hi there! This is a story about a trip to Auckland, New Zealand, where I learned some interesting things about cannabis, or in other words weed or ganja. It’s a magic plant that people use to feel relaxed or happy. But in Auckland, it’s not so easy to find, and there are some important rules about it.

I just got back from Auckland a couple of days ago, and as I sit here enjoying a small joint of white widow, I can’t help but reflect on the great time I had in Auckland — thanks in part to the cannabis that accompanied me on my adventures.

Auckland’s Weed Vibe: What Locals Say

Just ‘cause the government’s trippin' on cannabis laws in Auckland doesn’t mean the locals are too pressed. Most of 'em are just livin' their lives, not sweatin' what you do. But don’t get it twisted — keep it respectful. Smoking weed in public in Auckland ain't the move, but if someone peeps you tokin’, it’s not the end of the world.

Steve was cool enough to invite me to a low-key sesh at his spot — just some homies, beer, weed, and the PS5. Straight up, I felt like I hit the jackpot. Dude even became my plug in Auckland while I was in town, so I was never dry and had my weed handy. He told me as long as you keep it cool, the locals are down with the herb. But like he said — don’t be stupid, and don’t carry more than 10g unless you’re lookin’ to have a bad day.

Marijuana laws in New Zealand

It is important to outline that high % THC cannabis, weed, and hash are forbidden in Auckland. 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 Steve who has lived here in Auckland 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 Auckland. But Steve put me on game — cops in Auckland 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.

Where to Buy Cannabis in Auckland

So, how do you actually buy cannabis in Auckland? Steve shared some insights. Big dealers in Auckland often source their products through the darknet — using services like DrChronic or Bitpharma. They then resell the cannabis to locals and tourists. While this method is possible, it’s not really practical for short-term visitors. Navigating the darknet and waiting for a package can be complicated and time-consuming.

But if you are just visiting Auckland 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 Auckland has changed already.

Now dealers switched to another approach - you simply find their messenger contacts from someone who purchased weed in Auckland 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 Steve so I do not need to go through all this 🙂

Cannabis in Auckland: Frequently Asked Questions

Is high-THC weed illegal in Auckland?

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 Auckland?

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 Auckland?

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 top-shelf weed and hash a myth in Auckland?

Nah, it’s out there, but you gotta know the right people. Quality varies, so do your homework.

How about hash? Can you find it in Auckland?

Yep, plenty of dealers got both weed and hash. It’s not always on deck, but it’s out there.

What’s the price of weed and hash in Auckland?

Prices swing depending on the plug and the quality. Top-tier bud can run you about $20 - $25 a gram, and hash could hit $30 - $35 a gram. The more you buy, the better the deal.

And that’s the lowdown on gettin' lifted in Auckland. Stay safe, stay chill, and keep that stash tight.

Five random facts about cannabis

1. Cannabis Goes Back At Least 12,000 Years

This means that cannabis is one of mankind’s oldest crops, according to the book Marihuana: The First Twelve Thousand Years by E. L. Abel.

2. You Can Eat Cannabis Raw

Granted, it tastes a lot better when prepared with yummy edibles like brownies, bread, or cake. But cannabis can be consumed raw. One more thing is that if you eat it raw, it won’t get you high, but it will provide you with all the medicinal benefits.

3. Cannabis Has Medicinal Benefits

Including being a natural analgesic. If you want to learn more, we have a full course on medical cannabis applications you can take!

4. Cannabis in the U.S.

Cannabis was classified as a Schedule I drug in the U.S. in 1970, making it illegal at the federal level despite its growing medical acceptance.

5. Terpenes

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