Weed in Manila, Philippines: A Simple Story

Hi there! This is a story about a trip to Manila, Philippines, 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 Manila, it’s not so easy to find, and there are some important rules about it.

Just finished my vacation, stayed 2 weeks in Manila, and as a heavy weed smoker I can't imagine a vacation without some sativa joint during the day and indica buds with some beer before heading to sleep. Below you will find info on what I found out while searching for tasty non-medical weed in Manila.

Attitude of Manila 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 Manila, 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 Manila, 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.

When I was in Manila, Fred invited me to a small party with some friends. They had some weed and played PS5, and everyone seemed okay with it as long as we were indoors and respectful. How lucky I was😁 Fred told he will be my weed dealer while I am here in Manila so I had no issues with great stuff all that time.

Where to buy weed in Manila

Fred shared his experience on the weed purchase process in Manila. As he said - big dealers purchase everything via darknet - there are services or “onion sites” like DrChronic or Bitpharma where they purchase big portions (via Tor browser and crypto) or cooperate with local cannabis growers.

After that they simply resell weed to tourists and locals in Manila. In fact you may also go this way, while for tourists this is usually not acceptable - you need to know how do onion sites and Tor browsers work, have corresponding accounts on darknet websites, too long to wait for your package (2 - 7 days), high risks at all steps of this chain, etc etc.

For tourists, the process of obtaining weed in Manila is a bit different. Street dealers are less common these days. Instead, many have moved to a more discreet system using encrypted messaging apps like Telegram. You get their contact details from someone who’s already bought weed in Manila or through online forums, then you place your order, arrange a drop-off point, and pay with cryptocurrency. The package is typically left in a hidden spot, and you’re given the location and a photo to help you find it. This approach minimizes risks for both you and the dealer. I was glad I had Fred as my connection so I didn’t have to go through all this hassle.

Cannabis laws in Manila, Philippines

It is important to note that cannabis, weed, and hash are prohibited in Manila. You can not officially purchase marijuana strains with high THC concentration in some coffee shops like in Amsterdam. Medical CBD cannabis may be available for purchase at dispensaries, but a prescription from a doctor is required, and you will never get high with CBD.

In one sports bar I got acquainted with Fred who moved to Manila 3 years ago, so he knows the local drug scene. According to Fred - despite cannabis being banned according to laws, cops are generally relaxed about weed, sometimes being smokers themselves.

How the Cannabis Law Is Enforced in Manila

Technically, any cannabis product with more than 1% THC is illegal in Manila. However, Fred explained that the police tend to be relatively relaxed when it comes to cannabis in Manila, especially with tourists.

If you’re caught with a small amount — less than 10 grams of weed or 5 grams of hash — you’re unlikely to face serious consequences. The police might confiscate your weed, but it’s unlikely you’ll get into much trouble as long as you’re discreet.

Frequently asked questions about Cannabis in Manila

Is cannabis legal in Manila?

No, non-medical cannabis is not legal in Manila, while cops are relaxed towards weed and having less than 20 grams in your pocket should not result in arrest.

What if I get caught with weed in Manila?

If cops think you are a real dealer who delivers stuff - you will have problems. But usually tourists with small amounts of hash or weed are not touched at all, only dealers should worry.

Can I buy weed on the streets of Manila?

Yes you still can. This is an outdated approach already so more and more dealers are switching to online sales, but hustling parks and central streets may still give you successful results. While much easier would be finding dealer’s contacts and order online with further delivery.

Is There Good-Quality Weed in Manila?

Yes, but you might have to look a bit harder to find it. The quality can be different depending on the exact weed dealer.

Is Hash Available in Manila?

Yes, hash, which is another kind of cannabis, is also available in Manila. It’s a bit like weed but prepared differently.

How Much Does Weed Cost in Manila?

The price can change depending on how good the weed is. High-quality weed can cost about $20 to $25 per gram, and hash can be even more expensive.

Five random facts about cannabis

1. Weed Was The First Online Sale

Of course, it was illegal back then. In the early 1970s, Stanford students bought a bag of weed from MIT students. This means that the first product ever sold online was cannabis!

2. 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.

3. Uruguay Was The Future

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

4. Hemp

Cannabis plants with less than 0.3% THC are classified as hemp, which is used in textiles, paper, and even food products.

5. Different Strains

There are thousands of cannabis strains, each with unique combinations of cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in different effects and flavors.