What the sources say
| Point | What is written | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Possession, use, production, trafficking | zero tolerance; long prison sentences or the death penalty | UK Foreign Office (gov.uk), read 30/10/2026 |
| Cannabis | illegal in every form: medicinal, oils, creams, CBD, THC, edibles, vapes | Foreign Office |
| Bringing drugs into Bali | life imprisonment possible | BNN Denpasar, quoted by local media |
| Personal use or possession | secondary legal guides cite 4 to 12 years in prison, sometimes with rehabilitation; figures differ between sources | secondary sources |
| Magic mushrooms | listed among narcotics according to secondary sources; the Foreign Office does not mention them | secondary sources |
| Testing | urine or blood sample if police suspect use; a positive result leads to arrest | Foreign Office |
Cases can take a long time and cost a lot (Foreign Office). This page is not legal advice: read your own foreign ministry's Indonesia advice.
Traps in Bali
- Raids on venues popular with foreigners. Police carry them out regularly, especially in Bali.
- Free samples and parcels. Criminal groups push travellers to carry drugs: do not let yourself be persuaded.
- Medicines. Some opioid or amphetamine-based treatments can be treated as narcotics; travel with the prescription and ask the Indonesian embassy.
- Airport. Screening is strict and also applies to transit baggage. See scams and safety in Bali.
If you are arrested
Ask for your consulate and a lawyer. Travel insurance does not cover an offence but covers accident and illness. See also what is forbidden in Bali.
FAQ
Is medical cannabis accepted in Bali?
No: the Foreign Office says medicinal cannabis, oils and CBD are illegal.
Is the death penalty applied to tourists?
It is provided for the most serious offences such as trafficking.
What if someone offers me drugs?
Refuse and walk away; offers can be a trap.
The Ubud Authority editorial team
