Cannabis-friendly Countries In Asia & Oceania

By Author: Sativa Bliss Canabis
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Travel doesn’t have to be a hassle.

Especially when you're traveling to Asia and Oceania, where possession of cannabis is still illegal in most countries. Well, except for some of the more relaxed ones—but we'll get to those later.

But if you've found yourself wanting to go somewhere where weed is legal, but don't want to break the law or get into trouble with your luggage? You've come to the right place. We've compiled a list of countries in Asia & Oceania that are actually friendly towards cannabis users. And even though there are still some restrictions on how much and what type of weed you can bring with you (and even how much money it costs), it's still better than having no options at all!

So if you're looking for a trip that'll make your vacation a little less stressful and more relaxing, check out our list below:

In Sri Lanka, the use of cannabis has always been closely tied to spiritual celebrations and traditional medicine. In the 1980’s, the Ayurveda Act made sure that the use and and subsequent sale of marijuana for the purposes of celebrations and medicine were legally protected ...
... activities. Ayurvedic doctors still prescribe marijuana to treat certain ailments, and Ayurvedic pharmacies are permitted to sell the plant as part of medicinal mixtures. Cultivation is allowed as well, but only by the government and government-sanctioned growers.

India, has a similar leniency to marijuana. Although it’s technically illegal, it’s so prevalent that you can even purchase cannabis from government-owned shops in the form of bhang, a type of weed-milkshake. Some Indian states have legalized or decriminalized personal use ganja, making it even easier to get some on your holiday.

In Laos, weed is both culturally accepted and readily available. In 2021, the country became the first in Southeast Asia to legalize the production and export of medical cannabis. This move has opened up a new avenue of potential revenue for the country while also providing new opportunities for medical research and treatment. The government also decriminalized the use of cannabis for personal use, recognizing the cultural significance of the plant in Laos. This decriminalization has led to a more relaxed approach to personal cannabis use and has allowed for more open discussions about the potential benefits of broader legalization.

Cambodia is blazing a trail towards a more fun and relaxed approach to cannabis. The country has a rich history of using cannabis for traditional medicine, and the government is committed to ensuring that this funky tradition can continue alongside modern medical cannabis treatments. In 2020, the government gave the green light for the production and export of medical cannabis, giving a thumbs up to this groovy plant’s medicinal benefits. And just like in Laos, weed is both accepted and available — even if its not quite legal. Keep your eye out at restaurants especially, where any dish marked “happy” is most likely sporting some THC infused ingredients.

Australia, is a country blessed with incredible scenery and even better beaches and was also kind enough to (mostly) decriminalize weed. While medicinal use is legal across Australia, personal use has only been decriminalized in a few states. Australia’s Northern Territory, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory all make the list, and in 2016, the first weed clubs and weed cafes began opening up to make distribution easier.

It's important to note that cannabis laws can change quickly and vary by region within a country. Be sure to research and understand the laws and regulations before traveling with or using cannabis.