Weed in Daejeon: Understanding Cannabis Laws in South Korea’s Science Hub
Daejeon, known as South Korea’s “Silicon Valley”, is a major center for research, technology, and innovation. However, when it comes to weed (cannabis), Daejeon—like the rest of the country—has some of the strictest drug laws in the world. Unlike in parts of North America and Europe, where cannabis is legal or decriminalized, South Korea enforces a zero-tolerance policy on marijuana use.
Is Weed Legal in Daejeon?
No, weed is completely illegal in Daejeon and all of South Korea. Under the Narcotics Control Act, cannabis is classified as a highly restricted drug, and any form of possession, consumption, sale, or distribution is punishable by severe penalties. These include:
- Up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million KRW (around $38,000 USD) for personal use or possession.
- Much harsher sentences, including life imprisonment, for large-scale trafficking or smuggling.
One of the most unusual aspects of South Korean law is that citizens can be prosecuted for using cannabis even if they do so legally in another country. This means that if a South Korean smokes weed in Canada, Thailand, or the U.S. (where it is legal in some states), they could still be arrested and punished upon their return to South Korea.
However, in 2018, South Korea became the first East Asian country to legalize medical cannabis. This law allows only a few cannabis-based medications, such as Epidiolex (for epilepsy) and Sativex (for multiple sclerosis), and requires strict government approval. Recreational marijuana remains completely illegal.
How Do People Get Weed in Daejeon?
Despite the heavy penalties, a small underground cannabis market still exists in Daejeon. Some of the ways people try to access weed include:
- Black Market Dealers – Some individuals operate secretly, using encrypted messaging apps.
- Foreign Contacts – Expats or international travelers sometimes bring cannabis into the country illegally.
- Smuggling from Abroad – Authorities often seize cannabis shipments from North America and Southeast Asia.
- Dark Web Purchases – Some people attempt to buy cannabis through illegal online marketplaces, though this method is heavily monitored by law enforcement.
South Korean authorities take drug enforcement very seriously, and police in Daejeon frequently conduct undercover operations, cyber investigations, and drug raids. The government also uses sniffer dogs at airports and border control to detect smuggling attempts.
Who Uses Weed in Daejeon?
Although cannabis use in Daejeon is rare due to the strict laws and high risks, some people still take the chance, including:
- Expats and Foreigners – Some international students and professionals, especially from countries where weed is legal, may seek access to it.
- College Students and Young Adults – A small number of young people experiment with cannabis despite the legal consequences.
- K-pop Idols and Celebrities – Some South Korean entertainers have been caught using cannabis, leading to major scandals and career damage.
- Medical Cannabis Patients – A very small number of people use government-approved cannabis-based medications.
The Future of Weed in Daejeon
For now, there are no signs that South Korea will legalize recreational cannabis anytime soon. Although medical marijuana laws have slightly loosened, the government maintains a strong anti-drug stance, and public opinion largely supports strict cannabis enforcement.
Anyone considering using weed in Daejeon should understand the severe penalties, strong law enforcement efforts, and social stigma attached to cannabis use. The risks far outweigh the benefits.