Cannabis in Ribeirão Preto: A Look at the Local Scene

Ribeirão Preto, a city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, is known for its strong agriculture, vibrant nightlife, and university culture. Like many other Brazilian cities, cannabis consumption exists in a legal gray area—officially illegal but widely used. As discussions about decriminalization and medical marijuana continue in Brazil, Ribeirão Preto reflects the contradictions of cannabis laws in the country.

Legal Status of Cannabis in Ribeirão Preto

Brazilian Law No. 11,343/2006 classifies cannabis as an illegal substance, but there is a distinction between personal use and drug trafficking:

• Personal Use – If caught with a small amount, an individual will not face jail time but may receive a warning, community service, or be required to attend drug education programs.
• Drug Trafficking – If caught with larger quantities or if the police believe the person is selling, the penalty can be 5 to 15 years in prison.

One of the biggest issues with this law is subjective enforcement—police officers decide whether a person is a user or a dealer, leading to discrimination and inequality, especially for lower-income individuals.

Where Does Weed in Ribeirão Preto Come From?

The cannabis available in Ribeirão Preto comes from various sources, including:

1. Paraguayan “Prensado” – This is the most common form of cannabis in Brazil. It is a compressed brick of weed, often of low quality and mixed with impurities.
2. Local Growers – Some users in Ribeirão Preto grow their own cannabis to avoid the risks of street purchasing and ensure better quality.
3. Imported High-Quality Cannabis – Some wealthier consumers have access to stronger, purer strains from North America or Europe, often in the form of vapes, edibles, or oils.

Because police are active in urban areas, many buyers avoid street transactions and prefer to use encrypted apps, social media, or trusted contacts.

Cannabis Culture in Ribeirão Preto

Ribeirão Preto has a large student population, mainly due to Universidade de São Paulo (USP) – Ribeirão Preto campus, making it a city where cannabis use is common among young people.

People typically consume cannabis in:

• Private Residences and Parties – To avoid legal risks, many choose to smoke in private.
• University Circles – Some students use cannabis for relaxation, creativity, and stress relief, though consumption on campus is not openly tolerated.
• Nature Spots – The city has parks and green areas where some people discreetly consume weed.

Ribeirão Preto’s music, art, and nightlife scenes also have strong connections to cannabis culture, as many musicians and creatives use it for inspiration.

Medical Marijuana in Ribeirão Preto

Brazil has legalized the medical use of cannabis-based products under ANVISA (National Health Surveillance Agency) regulations. Patients with chronic pain, epilepsy, anxiety, and other conditions can obtain CBD or THC-based medicine, but the process is complicated and expensive.

Because legal medical cannabis is often unaffordable, many patients seek alternatives on the black market.

The Future of Cannabis in Ribeirão Preto

With increasing debates about cannabis decriminalization in Brazil, Ribeirão Preto could benefit from regulation and legalization, allowing for safer consumption, economic opportunities, and improved medical access.

For now, cannabis remains illegal but widely used, with locals navigating the risks and uncertainties of Brazil’s complex drug policies.