Weed in Surabaya, Indonesia: my experience

Hi, smokers! You probably know that cannabis laws and regulations vary from one county to another, so let’s go deeper and try to understand what is going on with weed in Surabaya. My post covers info about weed laws, regulations, general attitude of locals and cops, hash VS weed availability and pricing, failures and success in searching weed in Surabaya.

Just finished my vacation, stayed 2 weeks in Surabaya, 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 Surabaya.

Cannabis Laws in Indonesia: What You Need to Know

First things first, it’s important to understand that high-THC cannabis is illegal in Surabaya. Unlike in Amsterdam, you won’t find any coffee shops selling potent marijuana strains. While medical cannabis is available, it’s typically low in THC and won’t give you the high you might be looking for.

During my stay, I met a local named Fred in the hotel bar. He’s lived in Surabaya for a while and knows a lot about the cannabis scene. According to him, while the official regulations are strict, enforcement isn’t always so rigid in practice.

Laws and regulations of weed in Surabaya

All products with high THC (substance in cannabis that makes you high) above 1% are strictly forbidden for distribution. But in fact according to Fred cops are rather relaxed about weed in Surabaya and rarely touch tourists, but this always depends on the exact cop and whether he likes your face or not.

So theoretically if you do not smoke in public and get caught with not more than 10g of weed or 5g of hash in Surabaya - you should not get arrested. Cops 👮may take your stuff and after some conversation should get you free, but better to avoid all this stress anyway.

Surabaya’s Weed Vibe: What Locals Say

Just ‘cause the government’s trippin' on cannabis laws in Surabaya 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 Surabaya ain't the move, but if someone peeps you tokin’, it’s not the end of the world.

On my first night in Surabaya, Fred invited me to a small gathering at his place — just a few friends, some beer, weed, and a PlayStation 5. It was exactly my kind of evening! I was fortunate to have met Fred, who became my go-to person for cannabis during my stay in Surabaya. He assured me that as long as you’re respectful and avoid drawing attention, the locals are generally okay with cannabis use. But again, it’s best not to carry more than 10 grams on you.

Where to buy weed in Surabaya

Fred shared his experience on the weed purchase process in Surabaya. 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 Surabaya. 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.

Usually, locals already buy weed by talking to dealers they trust through messages like Telegram or Signal with payment via cryptocurrency. Then, the weed is left in a secret spot where they can pick it up without meeting the seller in person. This is new secured way of cannabis delivery used in Surabaya.

Cannabis in Surabaya: Frequently Asked Questions

Is high-THC weed illegal in Surabaya?

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 Surabaya?

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 Surabaya?

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 Surabaya?

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

Can you find hash in Surabaya?

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 Surabaya?

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 Surabaya. If you’re planning a trip, stay safe, be smart, and enjoy your time in this vibrant city!

Five random facts about cannabis

1. Uruguay Was The Future

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

2. Multiple Species

Cannabis has three primary species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis, each with different characteristics.

3. Psychoactive Compound

The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), responsible for the "high" sensation

4. Legalization

As of 2024, cannabis is fully legal for recreational use in several countries, including Canada, Uruguay, and parts of the United States.

5. Munchies

THC increases appetite, often leading to the "munchies," a craving for food after consuming cannabis.