This article is just for informational purposes, and to explain the drugs situation in Portugal. It’s not legal information and it doesn’t advocate the use of drugs, legal, decriminalised, or otherwise.
There are quite a few articles online that suggest Portugal is the new Amsterdam or Colorado, which isn’t true. You won’t find any coffeeshops or dispensaries here, and getting prescribed marijuana, even if you have a prescription elsewhere, is quite difficult.
Drugs in Portugal are decriminalised rather than legalised. This means that you won’t go to jail for buying weed (or any other type of drugs). It is possible that you could be sent on a drug rehabilitation program if you’re caught with drugs, but in most cases the police will turn a blind eye unless you’re in possession with large quantities.
People who approach you usually aren’t selling real drugs. There are guys in places like Lisbon and Porto who whisper “hashish, marijuana, cocaine” as you walk past. If you’re looking for some very expensive bay leaves or oregano, or you’d like to clean your nose out with washing powder, they’re the guys to speak to. The police haven’t done anything about it because they’re technically not selling drugs, but it’s becoming such a nuisance to everybody that they’re eventually going to have to do something about it.

Decriminalisation
Get arrested for possession in Portugal and your sentence will typically vary from absolutely nothing to having to attend a rehabilitation program.
For most tourists it’s usually nothing, although it’s quite likely you’ll have your drugs confiscated. The police generally turn a blind eye to someone smoking a joint and, unless you do it in their face or are carrying a considerable amount, they’re usually not interested in pressing charges: Portugal’s goal with decriminalisation is to treat addicts rather than to imprison them.
(Note: a considerable amount means more than 25 grams of weed or 5 grams of hash, which is more than what most people need to carry on them at any given time.)
Buying Drugs in Portugal
But just because Portugal is lenient, that doesn’t mean it’s the new Amsterdam (or Canada or California or Uruguay). When it comes to actually buying weed, or any other type of drugs, drugs are still sold via dealers rather than coffee shops.
Apparently what you can buy is good-quality and even cheaper than Amsterdam prices – the most common form is bolota, named after its acorn-like shape – but you still don’t know what you’re buying.
You’ll find people trying to sell you drugs in the main squares in Lisbon and Porto, at the markets in the Algarve (especially around Albufeira and more touristy places) and even online. I’ve also been offered weed on São Miguel, one of the islands on The Azores. It can be hard to know what’s legit and what isn’t, and there are definitely a few scammers about.
As an example, this blog is constantly spammed with fake comments “recommending” different dealers. It’s obvious that they’re not legit because often they’ll use different names, but the comments will come from the same IP address.
I delete the comments, but a lot of other bloggers and forums don’t. If you see someone recommending a dealer, be very wary.

What the comments on this blog also reveal is that it’s still difficult to buy weed in Portugal: you still need a dealer and that’s hard to find when you’re a tourist. So, if you’re looking for a “420 vacation,” Portugal isn’t the place: you’re much better off going to Amsterdam for that and coming to Portugal for sun, seafood, and pastéis de nata.
The safest way to buy weed in Portugal (i.e. not get scammed) is to stay in hostels, find people who’ve already bought weed, and ask them where they got it.
Here’s how NOT to buy it.
Legal Highs
“Legal highs” have been banned in Portugal as of 2013. Back then, there used to be a lot of “smartshops,” particularly in areas like the Bairro Alto in Lisbon, but you don’t really see these anymore.
Unlike regular drugs, making these illegal doesn’t seem to have created a black market: none of the scammers whisper “hash, marijuana, formerly-legal-but-now-illegal-legal-highs.” Now that they’re just as hard to get as regular drugs, they’re no longer of interest.
The future of drugs in Portugal
Ever since Portugal decriminalised drugs in 2001, people have been saying that it’s only a matter of time before it turns into the new Amsterdam. That’s not happened, and it’s been almost 20 years.
In 2016, Colorado generated more than $1.3 billion in revenue from marijuana sales. Nearly $200 million of that will go to taxes, which is so much that the government has even considered giving local citizens a rebate.
Of course, most people have long known that taxing marijuana sales would be extremely profitable. Portugal no doubt knows this but, despite going through its worst recession in 40 years, it never legalised marijuana completely.
It is, however, looking towards the medicinal marijuana market, and pharmaceutical companies like Tilray have invested millions into its cannabis farm productions in Portugal. In fact, Tilray plans to make the small town of Cantanhede near Coimbra, where its production plant will be, its main hub for Europe.
This doesn’t mean weed is going to be available recreationally, of course, but it does suggest another step in that direction from Portugal.
Should Portugal fully legalise like Colorado and other places have done? From a financial point of view, it would seem to make sense. From a tourism point of view, however, it’s a little more complicated.
Lisbon and Porto are both experiencing the negative effects of over-tourism, something which Amsterdam is also trying to solve, and it’s likely that Portugal could have more over-tourism problems if it legalised weed.
A potential solution would be to legalise weed, but to only allow the sales to take place in specific neighbourhoods (Berlin have proposed making weed legal in Kreuzberg but not in the rest of the city). Or, alternatively, to make one or two non-touristy towns in Portugal the new Amsterdams.
Would the residents of those neighbourhoods or towns actually want this? After seeing what’s happened to Amsterdam, it’s quite possible that they wouldn’t – despite the potential jobs and tax revenue.
Looking for green in porto
Looking too. Did you get some?
Some green to be found in the Reguengos area?
In Braga does anybody got any green? All my usual dealers have dried up since the lock down.
In Tomar area . Need some green anybody help?
Did you find any? Looking for some in the area too
Went to Lisbon . But it’s dried up there also since lock down
Hey Im in Setúbal / Lisboa someone can arrange me some weed our hash? Tanks
Hash here
Currently in algarve, any contact for some weed or bolota? Thanks
How about asking your concierge?
Like anywhere in the world, go to a whore house and ask a prostitute, you will always get what ever sets you on fire
In Porto right now any ideas or recommendations?
Need hash in Lisbon
Hey I’m @ Sagres and need some weed….
Anybody that can help?
Hey,
I’m in Oeiras, is there someone close to meet ?
Coming to Luz in September. Looking for decent green without getting scammed.
Why cant there just be a universal lift of marijuana beeing a direct effect to out society. That fact of the matter is that weed has helped in So many different medial genres and we still debating. We sound ridiculous thing that a plant that has never killed anyone is the beast umong the real drugs like crack, meth, LSD. And the list keep groeing. Sto wastting tax payer dollars on nonsense and get to the real issues at hand
Hola
Anybody Knows where to not get scammed and especially where to go when buying some Mary Jay? I’m in Portimao
I thought it was Mary Jane?
Hello – I will be in Lisbon from 10th July looking to buy some smoke – who and how do I contact someone who sells?
Olá pessoal!
Estou chegando na cidade do Porto próximo dia 12/julho, fico uma semana, depois vou para Lisboa, onde fico mais uma semana, depois vou para o Algarve, fico 9 dias, estou viajando sozinho, preciso de um contato sério honesto para conseguir ‘verde’ ou hash recreativo – estou fora da Europa no momento – aguardo seu contato, sua ajuda no meu e-mail. Obrigado
Hello!
I’m arriving in Porto next July 12, I’m going to Lisbon for a week, then I’m going to the Algarve, I’m 9 days, I’m traveling alone, I need a serious honest contact to get ‘ green ‘or recreational hash – I’m out of Europe at the moment – I await your contact, your help in my email. Thank you
Parabéns pelo sitio. Muito útil, utilidade pública.
If you live in Portugal it’s like anywhere else; you know someone who sells it or you have friends who already have it to share Sharing among friends has always been where it’s at!
Hey
Did you find anything?
I am based in the algarve if anyone is looking for some amazing hash or any other drugs then just drop me an email and ill get you some
How do I contact bro
Yo bro!
You can contact me. I am trustworthy guy from the internet who sells you very good weed at very good price. Nothing to worry about.
Please send me your details and I will send you where to send all your money.
This will be the best weed you ever smoked bro!
Hello, I’m arriving July 12 Porto, day 20 Lisbon, I need a green or hash, can you help Oz?
Thank you.
Olá, estou chegando dia 12 julho Porto, dia 20 Lisboa, preciso um verde ou hash, vc pode ajudar Oz?
What’s ur number?
What’s ur email?
definitelynotsomeonetryingtoscamyou@gmail.com
Hey Yoyo I’m in Porto now as well… any luck finding stuff? Can you share any contact if you found anything? Thx! 😉
Can anyone hook me up with a wicker or Kik of some one selling in the algarve area
Looking for some hash is vila sol Here for the next few days
In Portimao, anyone know anywhere decent to buy green
Hi James, can you get in touch with me?
I need a good marijuana, I’m in Lisbon. Thanks !!
Biggie, hit me up playa…
Hi James,
Maybe you can guide me so I can find the best SKUNK as in Amsterdam, not bullshit weed. Thanks. Coming from sunny Malta. 🙂
Amsterdam is the place to go for that.
As mentioned in the article, Portugal isn’t a stoner’s paradise. Decriminalisation here just means that if you get caught, you won’t go to jail.
I’m not sure if it’s resulted in the quality of weed going up. It’s really just resulted in more scammers.
Could somebody hook me up with wickr or Whatsapp i just moved to albufeira live like 2 m from marina so need some Good quality Mary jane
I always seem to find the old lady who is most often about old town. Or she finds me.
Another young guy who comes down from Lisbon and locates around the square and Marina. Both of these I have found decent hash from at good price.
Ill be out in 8 weeks, let me know if you find a bud source.
Regardd
I’m portuguese and you didn’t mentioned an important point about the descriminalization of drugs. It’s not to help the consumption somehow, on the contrary. People who are addicted to drugs simply stopped being considered as criminals and started being considered as people who are sick and need help, since drug addiction is a disease and it would be unfair to punish someone that can’t control their own body. That measurement actually helped alot in diminishing illegal drug traffic, transmition of diseases (because nurses and medical people started giving addicts controlled doses of the drugs they’re addicted to, to help them control the addiction) and the number of drug addicts keeps getting lower. It’s actually one of lowest in Europe.
That said, and since we are proud of what our measurement has achieved, we would apreciate that you foreigners didn’t ruin everything and come to our country to drug yourselves just because it may be easier to do it here then in your countries. This measurement is meant to help portuguese drug addicts that actually need help and it shouldn’t be used by rude foreigners that look at this country as some lawless place where they can do the stuff that they please. That mentality is incredibly disrespectful towards the portuguese because you are actually taking advantage of something we developed to reduce drug consumption to do drugs, and therefor increase the number of consumption. We have things going well here so please don’t come here to ruin it. Those sellers you mentioned that try to trick tourists didn’t existed before the tourism boom in Lisboa and Porto. They appeared now precisly because they know that unlike the portuguese, foreigners want to buy drugs. It’s because of people like you (everyone here in the comments saying they intend coming here to drug themselves) that many portuguese are getting sicker and sicker of tourists that come here to ruin everything. If you can’t respect this country then don’t come here. Us portuguese thank you.
Hi Catarina,
Those scammers were in Lisbon long before the tourist boom. There were nowhere near as many of them, but they were definitely there. Since they were there before there were tourists, they were selling to Portuguese people back then (it’s certainly not true that the Portuguese don’t do drugs). Anyway, these guys will scam anyone, tourists or Portuguese. They don’t care. Please don’t defend them: they are a plague.
It’s unfair to blame tourists for these guys. Most tourists aren’t actually interested in taking drugs and just want to walk through neighbourhoods like Baixa or Cais do Sodré without somebody getting in their face and trying to sell them drugs. They are becoming increasingly aggressive, and the situation needs police intervention.
I don’t know how many people are actually coming to Portugal specifically to do drugs. I would imagine it’s incredibly small. As this article points point, Portugal isn’t like Amsterdam and it isn’t somewhere where you should come if that’s your main goal. There are a handful of people that are interested in smoking weed, and would probably ask the same questions if they were going to London, Berlin, or anywhere else.
And they probably do go to places like that and buy weed, and it doesn’t cause any problems to the locals. The problem is these aggressive scammers.
We come to Portugal for the sun, the nice people , the beaches , the pasteís, the peixe, the music, the way of life , nature , what do you want more …? 🙂
No tienes ni idea de lo que dices. Voy a ser breve. Portugal tiene petróleo? Tiene diamantes? Una mina de oro? Pues entonces te callas. Mira Ámsterdam, su economía va cada vez a más y no es por los tulipanes o los canales.
Ponte a trabajar o estudiar, de momento no eres útil para la sociedad.
I don’t think the current drugs situation in Portugal is improving Portugal’s economy: it’s not taxed, and I don’t think it’s even bringing tourists.
If Portugal became like Amsterdam, it could be very beneficial to Portugal’s economy but I can understand why a lot of people wouldn’t want Lisbon or Porto becoming like Amsterdam.
Need sum smoke albufeira
Hello, i m in Porto and look for weed, if anyone can contact me
I’m Portuguese and it’s true what he’s saying… you will never be arrested for possession of weed here. But it’s far from being Amsterdam. However DON’T go to street dealers, try to find a trustworthy source.
Please be careful! if you want good quality you have to pay for it from credible sources.
Remember, Portugal NOW IS THE EL DORADO FOR CANNABIS!
Saying this, everybody is going to Portugal to make big $ and of course we the consumers should be educated on laws, quality, safety and credibility.
My weed taste like camel shit. And my coke is mostly sand.
Hi fellow stone heads ! Was in Lagos Portugal and wanted to get baked , i heard its not expensive, is there anyone who could help get a good score of some herbs por favor
I AM THE REAL BIGGIE!
BOW BEFORE ME, MORTALS!
How do i get in touch with you?
I need 13gms of weed in lisbon i am coming on 15th march morning
hey Biggi was in lagos and wanted to get a score
I am in Lisbon from California & need some good green bud biggie
Hit me up please!!
hello,
im travelling to Lisbon on the 15th July. could you hook me up with some green.
Biggie buddy.. hi there.
I’m hoping you would help me score some weed. Looking for your response.
RAHUL
ALL SCAMMERS, ASK FIRST FOR FREE SAMPLES… THEY WILL IGNORE YOU,ALL LIES.
They’ll offer you free samples, but it won’t be the same as what they sell you.
Thanks Biggie… Great guy and you are truly a Legend. You make our days green!
And he’s a nice guy too? Wow, Biggie sounds amazing!
Hey john, hi there.
I’m up in lisbon and looking for weed. Hope you would help me score pal. Looking for your response.
RAHUL
Biggie is awesome. His dope is super spliffy… Biggie will definitely get intouch once you hit him up.
I hear he can turn water into wine as well.
Am going to Algarve does he live there
I’m sure he’d be happy to take your money anywhere, or put you in touch with someone that will.
When I went to Portugal I just installed Tinder and found a person selling weed. It’s medium-high quality weed.
Brings a new meaning to the term hookup app.
Hey Anna I’m in Porto, do you have any contacts still from your tinder?
I wonder how “localhookup” knew that he’d been recommended. Do dealers now have Google Alerts for their names, or is this purely a coincidence.
Alternative theory: “Tokoss” and “localhookup” are the same person and like Biggie and every other so called dealer here are just spamming comments on blogs.
Exactly.
Do a quick search and you’ll see there are hundreds of blogs and forums that have been spammed with people singing the praises of Biggie.
Thanks Tokoss for the recommendation. I’m glad u were satisfied with my service. I’m available all year round if you need from green to white.
Hi.I need green for medical reasons.
I want to visit Portgual in about 2 weeks,what part would you suggest please?Also could you help me out when i visit please?
Get back to me man will be there algarve next week
I second Annabel… Biggie is awesome and his bud is super spliffy. Connect with Biggie and he will get back to you asap.
How do i get in touch with this biggie guy!!
How can I get hold ov him ??
How can I get hold ov him ??
Hey mate, I was wondering if you could arrange a decent weed score
Hello you in Porto ?
Hey I’m in Porto as well did you get any weed and do you have any contacts?
I need weed ?
We’re in albufeira at the moment and in search of green. Can anyone help with numbers/best places for it?
Did you find green/ hash albufeira?? Going tomorrow and would like to get some
Hey localhookup, can I get your email please?
Can i get your contact details please?
Hi in Albafuira, looking for local hookup anyone please?
hello,
im travelling to Lisbon from the 15th July. Can you share your contact details. i would like some green
I’m in Vilamoura On Saturday for a week, how do I go about getting some high grade?
Yo.. are you around?
Hey can you hook me up
I need green ASAP I’m in Albufeira for 7 days could I get some tonight
Clay m/Ted shut the fuck off. If you have any problem with biggie then sort it out personally with him rather than spamming the web. One more thing I will advise you guys to stop smoking weed because I can see it has affected your brains fools
I can see not smoking weed has turned you into an introvert that can’t write without being rude or disrespectful swearing at strangers. Grow up you shambles maybe you should try a joint.
Hey guys, Just spent a week in Portugal with my Girlfriend and Biggie came through in a huge way with some great buds and Meds. This is the way to get your needs filled with no stress, good prices and great bud. I was nervous like all…I’m sure, but after the 30 seconds delivery was done there was nothing to do but enjoy. Just hit up Biggie and he will give specific detail on how to handle everything and everything goes smooth.
Who is Biggie
Who biggie does he live in algarve does he have a number or email thanks
hi i was in Lagos, algarve , i saw ur comments and was wondering if you did make that score , since i was looking for some stoney weed for a reasonable price
Can you hook me up with Biggie please ?
Bggie will definitely get back without any hassle and your day will be green!
Who the hell is biggie?
Biggie along with all of the other people in this thread are scammers. Don’t fall for it!!!!
Avoid. Avoid. Avoid.
@Ted. It’s very safe scoring from Biggie. I will recommend everyone to get from him. I followed the instructions just like Annabel did and I scored without any hassle.
Nope.
This is a different Ted to the one who originally posted. Just another spammer trying to promote Biggie.
Can u help me ??
It’s actually awesome knowing someone like Biggie do live here . Great service, one of the best I’ve come across in my European trips.
I’m sure.
Please guys, don’t fall for this.
Does he really exsist lol
Scammers do exist, sure.
Weed in Albufeira ASAP how do I get in touch with biggie
Who is selling ?
Do not buy from these guys above Paul & jerulo it’s a scam they take your money up front & then give excuses,avoid like the plague.
I would imagine they’re all scams.
I’m going to Algarve this year anything happening there for California tourist?
If you need help scoring weed and other stuffs here in Portugal, then email or telegram us. I have runners available all year round and we sell top shelf buds and quality stuffs.
interested
gimme some then. how do i contact you
Biggie will get your green needs in Portugal sorted out. His buds are too shelf and you won’t regret dealing with him.
Ah, the wonderful Biggie.
Please guys, don’t fall for this.
Can you email me am staying for a week and looking for 14g of good bud my number is I’ll tell you in an email please get back to me am going to Algarve mate
Yu in albufiera jerulo im landing later would like some good weed
Hi I’m after a 50 euros of weed or hash be great if you could help
Can u help me ??
Interested
I need in Braga
Also interested. In albufeira
Hit me if you are in Portugal for legit supply
Or did we contact you wicket or wats app if you got decent stuff I’ll buy . Ps I’m no mug or stupid trust me
@ben did you find any contact yet?
What part are you in. I’m in C bronco now and going to travel for some
Hi guys! Some weed hunter is looking for a decent stash, price does not matter as long as it get u to space! I’m in sagres now! Will be in faro later!
Hey Jau just wondering if you had any luck. Just landed in Lisbon 🙂
Need weed can u help in aberfria
Hi just read your comment! I’m heading to Faro on Saturday! Any chance u managed to get a contact or get hold of any and you can help me out ! Many thanks
In Portugal fi couple days an wanna link a draw of sum piff who can help me
Biggie will get your needs handle without any trouble.
Please guys, don’t fall for this.
Hi. Is there anyone who can help me to get some weed in lisbone?
Hey in the North Apúlia any luck?
In Vilamoura. Looking for some decent weed
Hello im in Lagos Portugal I cant find weed or hash !? Somebody help me
I’m not selling weed. This is an educational article to explain Portugal’s approach to drugs.
Hi Paul can you contact me I’m planning to go to Lisbon.
Who is biggie and where is he?
Hit Biggie if you’re in town and need help…he is the guy to connect with.
I’m sure.
Please guys, don’t fall for this.
Hi I am going to Portugal in nine days.can you pls give a good dealer contact number in Lisbon .thanks
Hey im in Lisbon did you find someone?
So am ere now in algaerve just come just wondering if anyone can help me out an Ano wot nice weed is
All this just to get some tea bags WTF!
If your the plug hit me up, I’m in albufeira!
How can I get hold ov him asap am ere 2 weeks an I need some thanks ??
Is there any legal coffee shops in algarve
No, it’s not legal here. It’s decriminalised, which means you won’t go to jail for it or get in any serious trouble.
Hello i m on Porto, call me if you can help
Need sum smoke albufeira
All this just to get some tea bags WTF!
If your the plug hit me up, I’m in albufeira!
is it hard to find a source if you speak Portuguese have not been there in 30 years
Am ere now can u help
In alvor been here since yesterday and can not seem to find any weed. I have 3 people who want. Can anyone point me in the right direction
Hey Paul,
Legit supply of what looking specifically for heroin and oxys.
Looking for cannabis in Praia da Luz
Hello.
I am a Latvian American citizen that works with a small family Medical Cannabis dispensaries.
I personally seen the benefits and is remarkable.
How could I find the department that gives licenses etc for research and development of medical cannabis? I have been trying to google but no luck.
I plan on retiring in Portugal or Spain. I appreciate the feedback
Al de la Cuesta
Looking for some weed in vilamoura
Olá Al de la Cuesta
Coincidência…..Tenho nacionalidade portuguesa estou me aposentando, me mudando para Portugal com objetivo parecido com o seu. Quero investir no mercado de cannabis medicinal se for possível, em especial pesquisa.
Hello Manoel,
I am a Portuguese citizen and am looking at investing in the medical marijuana business in Lisbon or the south depending on legislation, would you like to discuss a possible business venture?
Respond and we can discuss further.
Hello Albar,
Any luck with this? Also looking for the same.
I’m in albuferia looking for some.
Found anything yet? Same here
Hey mate I’m in need of some green. Came all the way from New Zealand
What part of Portugal?
Need weed in aberfria any on help
Need weed man can u help
You pipe ins lamb lick !
In Albufeira for 7 days someone help me get some decent smoke