Weed in Cotabato, Philippines: 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 Cotabato. 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 Cotabato.

So, I just touched down back home from Cotabato a couple of days ago, still got that fresh buzz in my head as I’m sparking up this joint of girl scout cookies strain. Man, Cotabato was lit — couldn't have had a better time without those dank buds keepin' me company.

What Are the Rules About Weed in Cotabato?

In Cotabato, weed with a lot of a special component called THC (the stuff that makes you feel high) is not allowed. You can’t just go to a store and buy it like in some other countries. There’s also a kind of weed that doctors can give to sick people, but it doesn’t make you feel high like the other kind.

When I was in Cotabato, I met a local guy named Jason who knows a lot about how things really work with weed in Cotabato. He told me that even though the rules are strict, the police aren’t always super strict about it, especially with visitors.

Laws and regulations of weed in Cotabato

All products with high THC (substance in cannabis that makes you high) above 1% are strictly forbidden for distribution. But in fact according to Jason cops are rather relaxed about weed in Cotabato 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 Cotabato - 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.

Cotabato’s Weed Vibe: What Locals Say

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

The overall attitude of locals to weed is rather relaxed, so you may even feel yourself home in Cotabato after one good joint, telling this from my own experience. Jason shared with me a joint of simply perfect sativa (while he did not know the exact strain). We were smoking outside the bar, and saw other guys doing the same on the other side of the street 😁 So I can definitely say that smoking weed is rather popular in Cotabato.

I’ve asked Jason if he may share contacts of his dealer, cause stuff was out of this world. He told me that his exact dealer does not work with new people, so he will be my dealer during my vacation, which was simply perfect. I wish everyone to find your own Jason in some bar of Cotabato.

Where to Buy Cannabis in Cotabato

So, how do you actually buy cannabis in Cotabato? Jason shared some insights. Big dealers in Cotabato often source their products through the darknet — using services like DrChronic or Bitpharma. They then resell the cannabis to locals and tourists. While this method is possible, it’s not really practical for short-term visitors. Navigating the darknet and waiting for a package can be complicated and time-consuming.

For tourists, the process of obtaining weed in Cotabato 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 Cotabato 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 Jason as my connection so I didn’t have to go through all this hassle.

Questions About Weed in Cotabato

Is Weed with high THC Allowed in Cotabato?

Nope, weed with a lot of THC is not allowed in Cotabato. But if you have just a little bit (less than 10g), the police might not make a big deal about it.

What Happens If You Get Caught with Weed?

If you have a small amount (less than 10g) you probably won’t get into big trouble. The police might just take it away.

Can You Find Weed the Old-Fashioned Way in Cotabato?

It’s possible, but it’s not as common as it used to be. Most people now buy weed through messengers and pick it up from hidden spots.

Can I find high quality weed or hash in Cotabato?

Yes, while quality varies from dealer to dealer.

Can I find hash in Cotabato?

Yes, a lot of dealers sell both weed and hash, so hash is also popular and can be found in Cotabato. Not all dealers have it, but it is still rather popular.

What is the price for weed and hash in Cotabato?

Prices vary from dealer to dealer and usually depend on stuff quality and dealer’s greediness 😂From what I saw - super high quality weed may go up to $20 - $25 per 1 gram (while the more you buy - the lower price you get), and high quality hash was around $30 - $35 per 1 gram. Have not purchased low quality weed in Cotabato so do not know the prices, but should be lower.

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. Modern-Day Cannabis Is A Lot Stronger

We talked about this on the cannabis flower and its influence in the 60s. For one, it’s purer than the illegal “hippie weed” that was imported into the United States. And it’s also been cultivated to increase its THC content, so the high you get from marijuana today is a lot stronger than what your parents or grandparents consumed.

3. 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.

4. Cannabis in the U.S.

Cannabis was classified as a Schedule I drug in the U.S. in 1970, making it illegal at the federal level despite its growing medical acceptance.

5. Different Strains

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