Weed in Daegu: Understanding Cannabis Laws in South Korea’s Historic City
Daegu, a major city in South Korea, is known for its rich history, textile industry, and vibrant culture. However, when it comes to weed (cannabis), Daegu, like the rest of South Korea, has extremely strict laws. Unlike in some Western countries where cannabis has been legalized or decriminalized, South Korea enforces a zero-tolerance policy on marijuana use.
Is Weed Legal in Daegu?
No, weed is completely illegal in Daegu and all of South Korea. The Narcotics Control Act strictly prohibits the possession, use, sale, or distribution of cannabis. The penalties for violating this law include:
- Up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million KRW (around $38,000 USD) for possession or use.
- Harsher sentences for selling, distributing, or smuggling, which can lead to life imprisonment.
One of the most unique aspects of South Korean drug laws is that South Korean citizens can be punished for using cannabis even outside the country. For example, if a South Korean smokes weed in a legal country like Canada or Thailand, they can still be arrested and prosecuted upon their return.
However, medical cannabis was legalized in 2018, making South Korea the first East Asian country to do so. That said, the medical cannabis program is extremely limited. Only specific cannabis-based medications, like Epidiolex and Sativex, are permitted, and they require strict government approval. Recreational marijuana remains completely illegal.
How Do People Get Weed in Daegu?
Due to the severe legal consequences, accessing cannabis in Daegu is extremely risky. However, some underground sources still exist. Some ways people try to obtain weed include:
- Black Market Dealers – Small-scale dealers operate secretly, often using encrypted messaging apps.
- Foreign Connections – Some expats and international travelers bring cannabis from abroad.
- Smuggling from Overseas – Authorities frequently seize cannabis shipments from countries where it is legal, such as the U.S., Canada, and Thailand.
- Dark Web Transactions – Some users attempt to purchase cannabis online through hidden marketplaces, though this method is highly monitored by law enforcement.
South Korean authorities actively monitor drug-related activities, and Daegu’s police force has been cracking down on illegal substances in recent years. Drug-related arrests have increased, and law enforcement uses undercover officers, cyber monitoring, and drug-sniffing dogs to catch offenders.
Who Uses Weed in Daegu?
Because of the harsh legal consequences, cannabis use in Daegu is rare. However, some groups of people may still use it, including:
- Expats and Foreigners – Some international residents or visitors from countries where weed is legal may try to access it.
- College Students and Young Adults – A small number of young people experiment with cannabis despite the risks.
- K-pop Idols and Celebrities – Some South Korean celebrities have been caught using marijuana, leading to public scandals.
- Medical Cannabis Patients – A tiny number of people can access prescription cannabis-based medications with government approval.
The Future of Weed in Daegu
There are no signs of cannabis legalization in Daegu or South Korea in the near future. While South Korea has made small steps in allowing medical marijuana, recreational cannabis use remains highly illegal, and the government shows no intention of changing its stance.
Anyone considering using weed in Daegu should be aware of the severe penalties and strong law enforcement efforts. The risks simply aren’t worth it.