Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Smoking tolerance level [1= very illegal 5=virtually legal]: 2

Legislation: Penalties are pretty stiff.

MARIJUANA:

CATEGORY ONE: Simple Possession. Defined as possession of 20 grams or less.

CATEGORY TWO: Distributor, Vendor. Defined as possession of more than 20 grams and less than 1 (one) pound.

CATEGORY THREE: Trafficker. Defined as possession of 1 (one) pound or more.

HASHISH:

CATEGORY ONE: Simple Possession. Defined as possession of 5 grams or less.

CATEGORY TWO: Distributor, Vendor. Defined as possession of more than 5 grams and less than ¼ pound.

CATEGORY THREE: Trafficker. Defined as possession of ¼ pound or more.

PENALTIES:

CATEGORY ONE: Simple Possession.

Minimum: 6 months in prison and a fine of RD$1,500.

Maximum: 2 years in prison and a fine of RD$2,500.

CATEGORY TWO: Distributor, Vender.

Minimum: 3 years in prison and a fine of RD$10,000.

Maximum: 10 years in prison and RD$50,000 fine.

CATEGORY THREE: Trafficker.

Minimum: 5 years in prison and a fine of more than RD$50,000.

Maximum: 20 years in prison and a fine of more than RD$50,000.

Traffickers must pay a fine of no lesser value than the value of the seized controlled drugs or involvement in the operation, but in no instance less than RD$50,000.

CATEGORY FOUR: Suppliers, Patronizers and Financiers.

Suppliers, patronizers and financiers will be sanctioned with imprisonment of thirty (30) years and a fine of no lesser value than the value of the seized controlled drugs or involvement in the operation, but in no instance less than RD$1,000,000.

Within the parameters of each category of penalty, the judge that presides at the trial and questions the defendant determines the exact sentence.

ACCOMPLICES:

In the case of Simple Possession, persons who are deemed accomplices will be sanctioned with the same penalties imposed on the principal offender. In all other cases, accomplices will be sanctioned with the category of penalty immediately inferior to that of the principal person(s)charged.

Law enforcement: Be very discrete smoking. If you get busted the legal penalties are pretty steep although the police are very corrupt and you will likely be able to buy your way out. Expect a WORLD of hassle if you get caught.

Where to buy marijuana: This is really a place where you have to know somebody (I’m sorry). You’ll never see anyone smoking on the street. Maybe a cool bartender can help but you better visit a few times before risking it.

Marijuana prices: RD$1500-2000 an oz. (US$50-65

Marijuana brands: regular lousyish green stuff with lots of seeds and sticks and a not so great smell (kinda amonialike)

More information: Smoking is widespread but very discrete. If you are here for a couple days forget it. If you’re here for a week or two or more then you might get lucky meeting people at some bars downtown or better clubs. Careful of undercover cops at clubs.