Cannabis in Hanoi: The Urban Explorer’s Guide

Cannabis Culture in Hanoi

Weed in Hanoi has its own unique vibe. Locals often call it “cần sa” or “tài mà,” slang for cheap, outdoor-grown cannabis. Smoking weed isn’t mainstream here, but among younger crowds and the artistic scene, it’s not uncommon to light up in private.

Most people smoke sparingly—just enough to chill out after a long day or get a creative boost. In Hanoi, the weed culture is more about relaxing and connecting than partying hard.

Sativa vs Indica: What You Need to Know

Before diving into the Hanoi weed scene, let’s break down the two main types of cannabis:

• Sativa: Known for its energizing, uplifting effects. It’s perfect for sparking creativity or enjoying Hanoi’s vibrant café culture.
• Indica: Famous for its calming and sedative properties. Great for kicking back after exploring Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter.

In Vietnam, most street weed tends to be low-grade Sativa. But if you’re lucky (or know the right people), you can score high-quality indoor-grown hybrids with balanced effects.

The Hunt for Weed in Hanoi

My first attempt to find weed in Hanoi started at Hồ Gươm (Sword Lake).



It’s a hotspot for tourists and locals alike, so I figured it would be a good place to ask around discreetly. After a few awkward conversations, a motorbike taxi driver overheard me and offered to help.

He promised “the best” and took me to a hidden spot near Tây Hồ (West Lake).



I handed over 500,000 VND and got a tiny bag of what looked like dry grass. Back at my hotel, I tried it out—it barely had any effect. Total disappointment.

Finding the Real Deal

Frustrated but determined, I kept asking around. Eventually, I met Bao at a rooftop bar in the French Quarter.



He seemed chill and clearly knew the scene. When I told him about my failed attempt, he laughed and said, “Bro, you got scammed.”

Bao explained that the high-quality indoor-grown weed, often referred to as “VIP cỏ” or “đồ xịn,” is no longer sold on the streets. Dealers have moved to Telegram for safety and anonymity. Here’s how it works:

• Step 1: Get an invite to a trusted Telegram group. Bao hooked me up with one.
• Step 2: Browse the menu. It had everything—Sativa, Indica, hybrids—all professionally grown.
• Step 3: Pay in cryptocurrency. Bitcoin or Ethereum is the usual choice.
• Step 4: Delivery. The weed comes in a disguised package, like a cigarette pack, with GPS coordinates and a photo showing where it’s hidden.

I followed Bao’s instructions and finally got my hands on premium-quality buds. The difference was night and day—aromatic, potent, and perfectly cured. Totally worth the extra effort.

How Hanoi Smokes

In Hanoi, most people stick to rolling joints using Vietnamese cigarette tobacco. It’s a bit harsher than Western-style smoking, but it’s what locals are used to. Pipes and bongs are less common, though you might find them in expat communities or among hardcore enthusiasts.

If you’re sharing with locals, don’t be surprised if they roll thin joints—it’s all about stretching out limited supplies.

Tips for Scoring Weed in Hanoi

If you’re planning to explore the cannabis scene in Hanoi, here are some key tips:

• Be Discreet: Asking for weed openly is a bad idea. Keep it subtle.
• Avoid Street Dealers: They usually sell low-quality, outdoor-grown weed that’s barely worth smoking.
• Use Telegram: It’s the safest and most reliable way to connect with dealers offering top-shelf products.
• Have Crypto Ready: Most high-quality weed deals require payment in Bitcoin or Ethereum.

With these tips, you’ll be better prepared to navigate Hanoi’s underground cannabis scene and enjoy the best the city has to offer.