Smoking tolerance level [1= very illegal 5=virtually legal]: 1
Legislation: Just like most other psychedelic substances, marijuana is highly illegal in Belarus. The law used to distinguish between possession and distribution, which meant people with small amounts could get away for a fine or a suspended sentence. Now the laws have tightened, and depending on your situation and on the mood of the law enforcement officials, possessing any amounts of ganja can cost you anything from huge bribes for several authorities to 8-10 years in prison. It may be easier for a tourist to bribe his or her way out, but it will be a pain in the ass anyway and testing your luck is not recommended.
Law enforcement: It is usually not that easy to get out of trouble as in neighboring countries, like Russia, Ukraine, or Baltic states, where tourists are aplenty and the police are more relaxed towards these things, while bribes are more common. Cops in Minsk are even rumored to break car windows with their elbows now and then, as soon as they see people smoking in the vehicle. Some tell stories about undercover policemen offering drugs to people and arresting them later on, but this is really rare. On the whole, expect a law enforcement agent to mean business if you got caught. Low-level authorities are not that easy to be bribed, as anti-corruption laws are strict. The legislation gets more flexible for you if you have contacts among the officials of higher ranks.
Stay away from dealers and known drug spots as much as you can, as a police raid may happen at any time and you might be busted for no good reason. The police got a plan of raids and arrests they have to stick you, so even if a cop is friendly to you, he will have to detain you because of the plan. Smoking in public is absolutely not recommended, and if you have to smoke outdoors, make sure you control the situation so that no local militia come out of the blue. Lighting up your pipe in the country is in most cases a better idea than doing so in urban areas, so if you have buddies with a car, go rural, if it’s summer.
The general strategy if you want to get high in Minsk is getting a local acquaintance who has experience with these things. Attempting to get high on your own is risky.
Where to buy marijuana: Street purchases are extremely rare even for local marijuana consumers. It is not common to buy drugs in the streets of Belarus at all, and it will stay uncommon for the nearest years. Minsk does not get lots of tourists and the laws are tough, so street trade is nonexistent. Little has been heard of drug deals in bars, too.
One of the known spots is Zimniaya street in the industrial suburbs of Minsk, a scary location with shabby houses inhabited by mean-looking gypsies and lurking gangs on plenty of cheap booze. The gypsies are mostly engaged in heroin distribution, but if you would like to see the seamy side of Belarusian drug life, pick a daring local who would take you there. Getting some weed is possible, but this is a quest few locals dare to embark on.
In general, probably the only relatively safe and reliable way of getting any weed in Minsk is using your local friend who has contacts. Though marijuana is not popular at all, unlike alcohol, many young people at least know someone who might know someone. All you have to do is get into the right company. Don’t discuss drug-related issues with people you don’t quite know. Try not to get involved into the process of obtaining weed as much as you can. The safest way is to have it delivered to you, but the price will be higher.
Marijuana prices: Asking Minsk locals about weed brands in most cases sounds like bitter irony. As marijuana distribution is heavily oppressed, you don’t have much to choose from. You can get clipped leaves for about $10-$15 per matchbox. The quality varies between very low and average, though the high will be lighter and less lasting.
If you are very lucky, you can get locally produced buds of comparatively high quality. In most cases you will get either leaves or rough, heavy skunk. The price for buds and skunk is normally $15-$20 per gram. Don’t be surprised by the size of this ‘gram,’ it will be probably something more like 0.6-0.7 real grams. It is perfectly normal for Minsk, and customer care in this business is poor.
Hash is uncommon, but if there is some, the prices will be the same as skunk. If your local guide knows someone serious, discounts on major purchases can be offered. The skunk usually delivers a hard, powerful high which is a lot less coarse and physical than Amsterdam brands.
More information: Watch out. It is advised not to carry drug-related paraphernalia and marijuana when you take a walk through the street. If you have to have these things on you, try to stay out of trouble. Though there are lots of policemen in the streets, they don’t search and arrest people for no reason at all. Though, if you do something seriously illegal, it may be dangerous, as even a pipe can be counted as crime evidence.
Try to smoke indoors or in a company of people who own a car which can take you out of dangerous areas right away.
When you are high, you can take a walk without any fear. If you don’t do anything obviously illegal, hardly anybody will understand you have been smoking. Most cops have little or no experience with detecting a person on any drugs. Pretend to be drunk if the situation gets too serious.
Buying pipes and other stuff in Minsk is problematic. Don’t bring devices into the country, don’t buy any in Minsk, and don’t take any with you. Let your local friends assist you. They will be in most cases generous enough to help you out with any of the Belarusian ways to smoke weed. If you are looking for proper contacts, try to make friends with young people who look European enough, don’t seem to have any criminal connections, and are party-goers. Don’t mess with red-faced thugs from industrial suburbs. Pick a nice broad-minded company and you will enjoy your stay in Belarus.
Smoking tolerance level [1= very illegal 5=virtually legal]: 3
Legislation: Like all other Caribbean islands weed is illegal. They mainly target growers but fines for getting caught are around 100$US (200 $BDS) to 200$US (400$BDS) depending on quantity.
Law enforcement: Generally they don`t trouble tourist but if you’re stupid and do it in the open they will catch you. Road blocks are rare (I have yet to run into one..*knock on wood*). You`ll find more police on the South Coast than anywhere else because most of the hotels are located there. If you do run into police just be nice (they can be real nasty if you give attitude) 90% of the time they have a relative or friend that does smoke. I have heard you can bride them (and if doing so use $US) but since I have no had run-ins with them I can`t speak from experience.
Where to buy marijuana: Speaking as a local (Canadian born but lived here all my life) DON’T buy from The Gap on the South Coast. You`ll get either 3 things..(1) weed laced with Coke. (2) Ass-crack weed (weed that was smuggled in someone’s ass) or (3) generally poor weed. There are some good places to get on the South Coast just look for a not-to-shabby Rasta and he can hook you up or just ask a young local late teens-20`s. The best place to get is on the East Coast from any group of guys you see hanging around a corner just have some sense and dont let them scam you.
Marijuana prices: Prices range from 50$US – 80$US for a 1/2 ounce
Vincy – $50US a 1/2 oz
Local – $60US a 1/2 oz
Jam (Jamaican) – at very most $80US a 1/2 oz
Marijuana brands: Most common here is Vincy (Weed from St. Vincent) but you can also get Jamaican and Local.
More information: It is sometimes referred to as grade (as in high grade). No one that smokes here calls it ganja or marijuana. Just say weed.
Was surprised not to see St. Vincent as they are one of the largest producers of weed in the Caribbean second only to Jamaica of course.
Smoking tolerance level [1= very illegal 5=virtually legal]: 5
Legislation: Consumption of both opium and cannabis are traditional in Bangladesh. There are no real local laws that relate to marijuana – just some international treaties that don’t mean much.
Law enforcement: Cops are scarce, but will gladly accept baksheesh if they catch you smoking. The badass mafuggahs in black with black shades will not accept baksheesh, instead you will be “crossfired.”
Where to buy marijuana: Locals, will make connections for you, and it is customary to pay them. Rickshaw drivers almost certainly smoke (these guys work 24+hrs average)
Marijuana prices: 30-300Tk, depending on where,when and who you buy from. Amounts vary from about 1/4 oz -1/2 oz.(wrapped in paper)
Marijuana brands: Fluffy, stringy, seedy stuff, that looks like crap, but does the trick. Looks like some of this stuff is sun-dried, some is greener and sparklier.After smoking 2 cigarette/doobies(no rolling here), I was surprisingly high. This stuff makes you talk and talk and talk then…woah.
More information: Picked up off of an old man in the middle of a rice paddy, for 30Tk, we got about 1/2oz. We went over to the river, and met the village potheads. Watched them make chillums out of reeds,sticks, rocks. The rest of the afternoon was spent smoking in a paddy next to the jungle, and then driving around in the back of a pick-up. Got back just in time for dinner and a tropical electric storm.
Smoking tolerance level [1= very illegal 5=virtually legal]: 4
Legislation: Consumption of both opium and cannabis are traditional in Bangladesh. There are no real local laws that relate to marijuana – just some international treaties that don’t mean much.
Law enforcement: No laws to be forced, and Normally police dont care about tourists
Where to buy marijuana in Dhaka: Gulshan – accross from navana tower (a lady called rani appa) Dhanmondi – green road in a small alley behind a garbage bin. Cannabis is cultivated particularly in the districts of Naogaon, Rajshahi, Jamalpur and Nerrokona in the northwestern region, as well as the hilly districts near Cox’s Bazaar, Banderban, Khagrachhari and Rangamati in the southeast (bordering Myanmar). another reporter added: “Gulshan area or any area..look for small tobacco stalls..(there are many of them).
While buying a single cig ask for ganja….either they sell it or know a tobacco stall that does….its sold in prepackaged cones..mostly shwag..but very cheap. Also ask for “choclate” if you are looking for hash” and also: “road 33 gulshan 1 behind road 126 gulshan 1 near the lake
Dhaka marijuana prices: 10 taka is the norm for about a gram – that’s about 13-15 cents USD another reporter added: “dirt cheap….1 dollar for a 1/4”
More information: Although the tolerance or lack of laws on these substance is remarkable the country itself is actually very unsafe and completely unstable with executions happening in the street by the government without trial by jury. “The country continues to suffer from extensive corruption,[15] disorder and political violence…Obstacles to growth include frequent cyclones and floods, inefficient state-owned enterprises, mismanaged port facilities, a growth in the labour force that has outpaced jobs, inefficient use of energy resources (such as natural gas), insufficient power supplies, slow implementation of economic reforms, political infighting and corruption. According to the World Bank’s July 2005 Country Brief, “Among Bangladesh’s most significant obstacles to growth are poor governance and weak public institutions.”[27]” “Bangladesh tops most corrupt list (BBC)” So it’s been the most corrupt country for about 4 years in a row as of 2007. Besid es the government and policemen going around murdering anybody who is different or they don’t like there is widespread theft and rape and the government there is responsible for at least part of those rapes and extortions/thefts. An average person there may only make $2100 a year by the way so keep in mind if you are a foreigner how desperately they will want your money if you have the utter bravery to travel there.
Smoking tolerance level [1= very illegal 5=virtually legal]: 3
Legislation: hashish is illegal in bahrain and so is any related drug
Law enforcement: if u get caught u will definitly spend 2 to 4 weeks in prison and will be interrogated harshly and then released on bail until ur case goes to court. the judge might sentence u to 6 months in prison minimum and 10 years maximum.
Where to buy marijuana: there is no marijuana in bahrain available but hight quality hashish. it is hard to buy it off the streets with no connections but u could always try going to bars in exhibition road and a thai hooker might fix u up if she doesnt she will know someone who will. everybody smokes hash in bahrain but are rely serious about keeping it quite.
Marijuana prices: prices are different with every dealer in bahrain and dealers dont sell it in grams u could get a peice as ur thumb for 20 bd – 50 $
Marijuana brands: mostly hash is smuggled from iran and pakistan
More information: be cool when smoking dont make it obvious and dont do it on the road the best place is to do it in ur hotel room with only pple u know
Smoking tolerance level [1= very illegal 5=virtually legal]: 4
Legislation: Smoking marijuana is illegal in all of the Bahamas. Smoking tobacco, however, is permitted inside and around virtually all establishments.
Law enforcement: The Atlantis is virtually police-free. There are many secuirty guards dressed in all white, but don’t be scared to walk by with a blunt or even offer a hit. Some will even direct you to how to buy it. Numerous cab drivers and security guards told us to stay clear of buying on the beach because of physical danger and possible undercover cop activity.
Saw 1 cop on Paradise Island. Looked like he smokes. They seem real laid back. I don’t think they mess with tourists much, because without them, they would be poverty stricken and destitute.
Where to buy marijuana: I watched the rental guys on the beach sitting under an umbrella getting wasted waiting for a tourist to come up and give them $140 for an hour on a Waverunner. I was approached by a couple other locals who asked “you alright mon?” I watched them roll and smoke continuous blunts while they get paid to do what the rest of us pay to do. Looks like a real tough way to make a living. I think I’m moving. Matched one up with a local, and it was fair
In the Atlantis – Walk through the casino away from the Royal towers. You will reach a circle of shops, stay to the right and exit towards the Marina and Marina village any time after 8 p.m. Look for the biggest blackest guys hailing cabs. They’ll immediately ask if you need a cab. Say no and linger and they’ll pull you aside and ask if you need some green or white. Sometimes the cab routine isn’t even used and they will just ask what you’re looking for.
Marijuana prices: They claim average prices…$90 quarters and $280 dollar ounces. Usually, however, you’ll be asked how much you want to spend, and given given some plastic or newspaper-wrapped nugget…that is if you’re lucky enough to get any nugget. I was offered an “ounce” that could not have been more than 10-12 grams. Be prepared to get ripped off (blow starts at 100 a gram and 300 for an 8-ball).
More information: Awesome place. Atlantis was so cool. Everyone in Nassau looks like they burn. However be forewarned…the weed sucks. It’s extremely low quality, tastes awful and is filled with seeds. I highly suggest you buy some nicely flavored blunt wraps, pick out the seeds and stems, and enjoy.
Smoking tolerance level [1= very illegal 5=virtually legal]: 2.5
Legislation: Marijuana is illegal in the Bahamas, and so is any related action.
Law enforcement: Watch out for the cops. Better to avoid them if possible, you never know what they gonna do.
There are undercover cops that sometimes try to sell pot to tourists. If this happens, you can probably bribe the officer.
Law enforcement is abundant in all areas besides across the bridge where the Atlantis is located and at the Straw market
Where to buy marijuana: almost everywhere, with a focus on taxi
drivers. i even had people drive by and offer free samples.
Cab Drivers for sure. Just get into a cab and tell the driver you are looking for GANJA. He’ll probably take you to pick some up. It might cost a little more for the ride, but it’s the only way really. He will probably take you to ghetto nassau, but just stay chillin and you’ll be straight.
Word of warning, take extreme caution buying bud from people who solicit you. The cops are known to do this and you will probably go to jail.
Also Try the Straw Market.
another reporter added: “Everywhere. Upon arrival at my resort I was approached by the bellboy. Then, while walking down the street to the store. Then by the guy who hands out towels. You should have no problem getting weed.”
and also: “Try walking along the port near the straw market at night, there are probably dealers hanging out near senor frogs bar. Luckily late night straw market vendors across from the dealers will happily sell you a pipe ”
and: “EVERY black man that is working in the Straw market will say do you want cigars. This is a cue. Some of the older gentlemen will straight ask you if you want to “party”. These guys are easy going you can have some fun with them.”
Marijuana prices: $20 for a handfull
They are asking $50 for a 1/4oz, but $20 for a 1/4oz seems to be about the rate. You can bargain the price down.
also: “$35 = 1/8th”
and: “Ridiculous tourist prices probably $50 for an 1/8th of seedy schwag ( especially if you look like a chump). Some guys will ask for a $20 bribe to point you towards the dealer (who may be sitting not 5ft away)”
and: “20$ a gram bag”
Brands: seedy dirt weed, but does the job
It may not look like the shit, but it gets the job done. Just make sure your shit aint laced.
schwag full of seeds packaged into dime bags with various logos stamped on them
More information: Smoke the driver down if he takes you to get the herb. Some the rest in your hotel room or the beach (owee)
Smoking tolerance level [1= very illegal 5=virtually legal]: 5
Legislation: Illegal but rarely enforced.
Law enforcement: There is usual only 1-3 police officers on duty at a time and hey are mostly there to make sure drunk tourist don’t get in fights with locals. However occasionally there can be federal Bahamian narcotics officers running through one of the bars usually looking for coke dealers. I’ve never heard of the police going after tourists, but as long as yur smart you should be good. You might see some locals smoking spliffs on he street however i woud be weary during the day just to be smart. Smoking in some of the bars/clubs is tolerated. You can always take a stroll on the beach ..(recommended)
Where to buy marijuana: Just about everywhere. Walking around or driving on a golf cart you will smell locals and tourists lighting up. The best bet to score is at night outside Vicums nightclub. Pretty much all of the locals hanging around outside are either dealing or their friend deals, so you just have to ask. During the day just ask anyone who looks like they smoke and they can hook you up.
Marijuana prices: Prices can vary, it all depends on which middle man your dealing with and how much they want to rip you off because your a tourist. The dealers will probably high ball you so don’t be afraid to haggle a little. It’s hard to ge exactly the weight you want, you almost always get less , just know that going into it. Not sure if they don’t know measurement or if they assume all tourists are idiots. Median price is about $50 for an eighter of Bahaian mangrove grown brown frown.
Marijuana brands: I’m sure there’s some good stuff around, but all the weed i saw was extremely brown, plenty of seeds and stems and tasted not so great. However it gets the job done, highly recommend blunt wraps.
More information: The dealers also sell anything else you want. Weed is the favorite down there though, for sure.
Smoking tolerance level [1= very illegal 5=virtually legal]: 2
Legislation: Marijuana is illegal in the Bahamas, and so is any related action.
Law enforcement: Tourist map/brochure says that possession of any illegal drug is a “serious criminal offence,” but there are hardly any police around. On the other hand, the Bahamas is a very religious country, and many of the older/religious people seem to think that marijuana is a dangerous drug that causes many problems in their country. So be smart and smoke away from other people, where you won’t be detected, and you won’t have any troubles. Further info from a local reporter says it is true, there are under cover cops that will try to sell you weed & either lock you up or attempt to ask you for money. Beware however not all cops will accept bribes & if you try to they can add an extra charge of bribery to the possession they already got you for.
ALAS there is a light at the end of this tunnel for tourist ONLY. You will not be sent to prison if the amount is under a 1/4 oz. they will simply slap you with a fine which usually run about $1500-$2000. now if you can’t pay the fine your ass is going to prison for sure. Courts are closed on weekends so if you get busted on a weekend you will have to sit in a jail cell at the police station until the courts open on monday.
Where to buy marijuana: I’m very shy about asking strangers, especially considering the above info, but here’s what i did: I went to the Port Lucaya Marketplace, looking for a place that sold pipes. I told the person selling the pipes that “I would like to buy one, if I could find something to put in it.” I was immediately offered a $20, and a few minutes later, a baggie was pressed into my hand. I took a quick look, liked what I saw, bought a few souvenirs, and left with everything I needed. However a local reporter warns of this activity: NEVER BUY ANY drugs in the tourist areas they are crawling with under cops. Port Lucaya market place & surround areas have video surveillance everywhere if you buy anything there & get busted they will have video evidence to go along with the charge. BE CAREFUL HERE. the international bazaar was once an active tourist shopping area but after 2 major hurricanes it never really recovered. this would probably be the best & place to score a sack of the ganja. most the of the shops are closed & the security is really non existent. you can also ask most cab driver to take you for some this is also a safe way but it will cost you extra for sure & some cabbie might be offend if you ask. but this is by far the safest way. the so called ghetto in freeport, looking like a ghetto but bahamain people are general very cool people. you can easy score there you will stand out as a tourist & the people will be more than happy to direct you to one of the many shops within a blocks radius. you will get direct prices 1/4oz are $15 full oz is $50-$60.
Marijuana prices: I didn’t have a scale, but I think i got nearly 2 grams for $20…about the same prices as good bud in the U.S.
Cabbies or tourist hustlers will charge you about doucble or even triple the price. 1/4oz will be $50 for sure & maybe even more.
direct prices 1/4 oz $15
full oz $50-$60
Marijuana brands: No idea. The weed was a little browner looking than I’m used to, but the high was very good; didn’t have to smoke more than a few hits to get there.
More information: If you have to go asking strangers, stick to guys with their big dreads wrapped up under hats. Otherwise, it’s too hard to tell who’s cool and who’s conservative/religious. In general, don’t bother asking women at all; they tend to be more strongly anti-marijuana than the men.
Smoking tolerance level [1= very illegal 5=virtually legal]: 4.5
Legislation: NORML, the international marijuana advocacy organization, said consequences for possession and purchase busts can vary. “The quantity of drugs involved largely determines the everity of the penalty,” NORML said. “Reports are wthdrawn in cases involving a first-time cannabis offense. Afterwards, penalties are defined according to the quantity involved, and can range anywhere from a fine to six months imprisonment.”
Law Enforcement: Vienna police make no special efforts at arresting Marijuana users.
a local reporter added the following story: “In the late 90s I was busted in Austria for bringing a sack from Amsterdam on my way to Hungary on the train. They woke me up early with a knock on my door. I got up and opened it to see two military style police with submachine guns asking to search my bags. I was drowsy and gave permission. I didn’t think they’d find it, but they were increadibly thorough, searching through the pages of books and squeezing out my toothpaste. The room started reeking of Skunk, so I fessed up. They asked what else I had, so I showed them a huge knife I got in Nepal. That wasn’t a problem, but I got taken to the station and had to sign a confession for the weed. They processed me with photos, prints and the works. Then let me go minus the herb and told me I had pled guilty with a suspended sentence. If I get caught there again it’s straight to prison. The cops were pretty cool, but I’d be careful in Austria. Remember, always keep it on your person, nev er in you bags! That way you always have a chance to ditch it, or at least when they search your bags and find nothing you probably won’t have a body search. Be safe!”
Where to buy marijuana in Vienna: One local smoker suggested a pub called Camera as a good place to score. Another said visitors could ask other shoppers at Bush Planet, a local head shop.
Marijuana Prices in Vienna : 10 euros a gram max
Country: Austria
Time Zone: UTC/GMT +2 hours
Dialing codes: + 43 +1
City tale:
Austria’s leading city, despite an overstated reputation, is not a haven for blue hairs drowsing off to chamber music. Vienna has plenty to offer, including bags of bud and cool places to enjoy the effects. But unlike some other European capitals, like Prague to the north, weed and hash are not widely accepted by the powers that be. Once the seat of the Hapsburgs and their
Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna is now home to about 1.6 million of the country’s 8 million residents. The city, located on the Danube River in northeastern corner of Austria, is an architectural jewel whose famous denizens have included Napoleon, Mozart and Sigmund Freud.
The sexed-up psychoanalyst was reportedly no stranger to drugs, and neither is his hometown. “Marijuana gets all my love,” said a Vienna local named Haze. A gram of pot or hash usually costs between 100 and 130 Austrian schillings ($6 to $8 American). The costs obviously increase with pedigree. An unhappy visitor decreed that “the quality of all drugs is poor,” but another said there is good homegrown from upper Austria available for reasonable prices. “This’ll make your day,” he said of the Vienna weed. One local smoker suggested a pub called Camera as a good place to score. Another said visitors could ask other shoppers at Bush Planet, a local head shop. Vienna is famed for its classic entertainment such as the Vienna Boys’ Choir and lavish New Year’s balls, which shouldn’t be avoided by soft drug tourists. A smoker named Bailey suggested a great time to fire up a joint is “just before the performance in the Vienna Opera House of a great symphony orchestra. Sound plus ambiance.”
But the city offers more modern diversions as well. The blaring hip hop and techno parade of the annual Free Party on Ring Street brings out dancing freaks in silver body paint and purple wigs. Vienna nightlife can stretch early into the morning.
One of the city’ party hubs is the “Bermuda Triangle,” the collection of bars and clubs in the area of Rabensteig, Seitenstettengaße, and Ruprechtplatz streets. Slammer Bar is one of the better choices, located in the heart of the triangle at Seitenstettengaße 5. Volksgarten at Burgring 1 has something for everybody with a bar, beer and wine garden, disco area and live music outdoors.
“The atmosphere here was incredible,” said a visitor named Solbeam, who warned that Volksgarten’s popularity drives up the cost. “Admission was more than my hostel.” Shebeen at Lerchendfelderstraße 4-7 shows episodes of “The Simpsons” every Sunday night, a stoner’s delight. The bar also holds a bladder buster on Tuesdays, offering beers for 15 schillings ($1) until somebody breaks the seal. Tunnel, located at Florianigaße 39, is popular with students and offers live daily music and cheap eats to take care of your munchies. The couches in the laid back Pandora’s Box at Kurzgaße 6 are a good spot for post-smoking relaxation. Other notable names include Centimeter I and II at Lerchendfelderstraße 4-7, Paddy O’Brien’s on Passauer Platz, Blue Box at Richtergaße 8, Nachtasyl at Stumpergasse 53 and P1 at Rotgaße 9. Flex, one of the continent’s hottest dance clubs, is conveniently located in a fairly seedy area well known for street dealers. Take the U2 or U4 Metro to Schottenring and the club is at Donual/Augartenbr along the Danube Canal. But visitors should take caution when searching for party favors.
“It’s all illegal,” said Michael Leidig, a journalist living in Vienna. “You’ll get arrested and locked up if they catch you with anything.” NORML, the international marijuana advocacy organization, said consequences for possession and purchase busts can vary. “The quantity of drugs involved largely determines the everity of the penalty,” NORML said. “Reports are wthdrawn in cases involving a first-time cannabis offense. Afterwards, penalties are defined according to the quantity involved, and can range anywhere from a fine to six months imprisonment.”
Peter Hacker, a United Nations drugs coordinator in Vienna, explained, “If someone only smokes a bit of hash and has no further problems, we don’t take the issue further. There is no one in prison in Vienna for using hash.”
But Leidig added that justice is not color blind, noting that the Vienna police chief has said “he believes [drug use] is endemic in black people.” Therefore, Vienna cops stop and search black people for drugs quite frequently, regardless of whether they are bums or businessmen. “If you come across the border and you’re black there’s a 90 percent chance you’ll get searched for drugs,” Leidig said.