How to Get Weed in Bogota: A Stoner’s Complete Travel Guide
If you’ve ever wondered how to get weed in Bogota, you’re not alone. Colombia’s bustling capital is famous for its coffee, vibrant street art, buzzing nightlife, and breathtaking views from Monserrate. But for cannabis travelers, the big question remains: Is weed legal in Bogotá? Can you buy marijuana safely? Where do locals and tourists find cannabis in the city?
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about weed in Bogota—from Colombia’s cannabis laws, popular slang, red flags, and safe buying tips to the best hostels and neighborhoods for stoners. Whether you’re a backpacker on the gringo trail or a digital nomad soaking up Colombia’s urban vibe, this guide will help you navigate cannabis culture in Bogotá confidently.
Cannabis Laws in Bogota, Colombia
Before thinking about scoring some herb, it’s essential to understand the legal landscape. Colombia’s stance on cannabis is a mix of progressive and restrictive:
- Decriminalized: Since 2012, Colombia has decriminalized the possession of up to 20 grams of cannabis for personal use.
- Home Growing Allowed: You can cultivate up to 20 plants for personal consumption.
- Not Commercially Legal: Selling, trafficking, or distributing cannabis remains illegal and carries severe penalties.
- Medical Cannabis: Colombia legalized medical marijuana in 2016, and there are licensed producers across the country.
Bottom line: You won’t get in trouble for small amounts, but buying from dealers or carrying large quantities can land you in legal hot water.
Weed Slang in Bogota
Locals rarely say weed or marijuana. If you want to blend in, here are common Colombian cannabis slang terms:
- Porro → Joint
- Bareto → Spliff/joint with tobacco
- Hierba → Weed (literally “herb”)
- Creepy → High-quality indoor-grown cannabis
- Prensado → Low-quality brick weed, often compressed
- Mota → General slang for weed
Pro tip: If you ask for creepy, you’ll usually be directed toward better-quality herb than the standard prensado.
Where to Get Weed in Bogota
Now, onto the main question: how to get weed in Bogotá as a traveler?
1. Street Dealers (Common but Risky)
Like most major Latin American cities, you’ll find dealers in nightlife districts such as:
- La Candelaria (the historic backpacker hub)
- Zona Rosa (nightlife and upscale clubs)
- Parque Lourdes & Parque Nacional (popular hangouts)
Street dealers are easy to spot, but quality varies. You’ll often be offered prensado, which can be harsh, seedy, and not very potent. If you want creepy (higher-quality weed), you’ll need to be specific.
Risk: Police occasionally patrol these areas, and scams targeting tourists are common.
2. Local Connections & Couchsurfing/Hostels
One of the safest ways is through hostel staff, fellow backpackers, or Couchsurfing locals. Many Bogotanos are chill and happy to connect travelers with trusted sources.
- Hostel Bars in La Candelaria → Great for meeting stoners.
- Expat & Student Communities → Facebook and WhatsApp groups sometimes discuss cannabis discreetly.
3. Cannabis Social Clubs (Semi-Underground)
Bogotá has a few cannabis associations and private clubs, inspired by Spain’s cannabis club model. Membership is required, but sometimes tourists can be invited by locals. These clubs usually have better quality, organic, and indoor-grown buds.
4. Growers & Craft Cannabis Scene
Because personal cultivation is legal, Bogotá has a small but growing community of hobby growers. If you connect with the right people (through art, music, or skateboarding circles), you might find access to top-notch flower or homemade extracts.
Quality of Weed in Bogota: What to Expect
- Prensado (Brick Weed) → The cheapest and most available option. Usually imported from rural farms, compressed, and low in THC. Often harsh.
- Creepy (Indoor/Greenhouse Weed) → More expensive but much better. Potent, aromatic, and similar to strains you’d find in legal countries.
- Hash & Oils → Rare in Bogotá compared to Europe, but some growers make RSO or BHO extracts for the local market.
Prices in Bogotá (as of 2025):
- 5 grams of prensado → $5–10 USD
- 5 grams of creepy → $20–40 USD
- Joints on the street → $1–2 USD each
Red Flags & Safety Tips
When trying to find weed in Bogotá, keep these in mind:
- Avoid Buying in Front of Police – While small amounts are decriminalized, cops may still harass or fine tourists.
- Don’t Flash Cash – Petty theft can happen in nightlife zones. Be discreet.
- Stay Away from Cocaine Dealers – Colombia is infamous for cocaine, but mixing with those circles is dangerous.
- Stick to Crowded Public Spaces – If buying from the street, do it in busy areas, not shady alleys.
- Prefer Creepy Over Prensado – Healthier and less likely to be laced.
Stoner-Friendly Hostels in Bogota
If you’re planning to chill, meet travelers, and enjoy your smoke in peace, here are some cannabis-friendly hostels in Bogotá:
- Selina La Candelaria → Trendy hostel with coworking and a laid-back backpacker vibe.
- Masaya Hostel Bogotá → Great rooftop and chill common areas for smokers.
- Viajero Bogotá Hostel → Social hostel, often stoner-friendly in outdoor areas.
- Local Couchsurfing Hosts → Some explicitly welcome 420 travelers.
Cannabis Culture in Bogota
Colombia has a long history with cannabis. While cocaine overshadows its global image, cannabis is widely consumed among locals, especially students, artists, and musicians. You’ll find stoners chilling in public parks, at concerts, and around universities.
Bogotá’s hip-hop and reggae scenes are closely tied to cannabis culture, and if you go to concerts or skateparks, you’ll likely smell mota in the air.
Traveler’s Tips for Smoking in Bogota
- Parks Are Best: Monserrate’s base, Parque de los Periodistas, and Simon Bolívar Park are popular stoner spots.
- Munchies: Try arepas, empanadas, or pandebono when the high hits.
- Timing: Avoid sketchy neighborhoods late at night—stick to busy nightlife zones.
- Apps: Telegram & local WhatsApp groups sometimes connect cannabis consumers, but proceed with caution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Weed in Bogota
1. Is weed legal in Bogota, Colombia
Weed is decriminalized for personal use (up to 20 grams), but not fully legal for sale.
2. Can tourists smoke weed in Bogota?
Yes, but only in private spaces or discreetly in public. Avoid smoking near police or families.
3. How much weed can I carry legally in Bogota?
You can carry up to 20 grams without facing criminal charges.
4. What’s the difference between creepy and prensado?
Creepy is high-quality, potent cannabis. Prensado is compressed brick weed, cheaper but lower in quality.
5. Where do locals usually smoke weed in Bogota?
Public parks, student areas, concerts, and hostels are common smoking spots.
6. Can I grow my own cannabis in Bogota?
Yes, Colombian law allows up to 20 plants per household for personal consumption.
7. How much does weed cost in Bogota?
Prices range from $1 for a street joint to $40 for 5 grams of high-quality creepy.
8. Is it safe to buy weed from street dealers in Bogota?
It’s common but comes with risks. Safer options are through trusted locals, hostels, or cannabis clubs.
9. Are there cannabis shops in Bogota?
No official recreational dispensaries exist, but medical cannabis producers and underground clubs operate in the city.
10. What should I do if police stop me with weed?
Stay calm, show respect, and remember possession of under 20 grams is decriminalized. Bribes are not uncommon, but avoid escalating the situation.
Final Thoughts: Finding Weed in Bogota
If you’re wondering how to get weed in Bogotá, the good news is that cannabis is widely available and decriminalized. From street dealers in La Candelaria to friendly hostel staff and underground cannabis clubs, stoners won’t have trouble finding herb in Colombia’s capital.
Stick to small amounts, avoid sketchy situations, and aim for creepy rather than prensado for a better experience. Pair your high with Bogotá’s rich culture—explore museums, sip Colombian coffee, enjoy live music, or take in the panoramic views from Monserrate.
Bogotá is a city where cannabis culture thrives quietly but openly, making it a fascinating destination for weed travelers.