Cannabis in Yerevan: How to Find the Real Deal

What’s the Deal with Cannabis Laws in Armenia?

Armenia is not exactly the most cannabis-friendly place on the map. The laws here are tough, so tread lightly if you’re exploring the scene:

• Possession: Getting caught with even a small amount can result in fines, a court appearance, or worse.
• Public Use: Smoking in public is a big risk and will likely lead to trouble with the authorities.
• Trafficking: Selling or distributing cannabis carries severe penalties, including long jail terms.

Cannabis is not widely accepted in Armenia, and the stigma around it means most people keep their use very private. That said, the underground community is there—it’s just super discreet.

How Armenians Smoke Their Green

Cannabis use in Armenia is low-key, but when people do smoke, they’ve got their style. Here’s what you can expect:

• Joints: The most common way to smoke weed is rolling it into a joint, often mixed with tobacco to make it last longer.
• Homemade Pipes: For those without rolling papers, DIY pipes are a popular choice, usually made from household items.
• Private Sessions: Smoking is a behind-closed-doors affair, usually among trusted friends or in remote spots.

You’re unlikely to see anyone lighting up in public, so don’t expect a 420-friendly vibe like you’d find in Amsterdam or California.

The Hunt for Weed in Yerevan

My journey to find cannabis in Yerevan started in the city’s vibrant spots like Republic Square and Northern Avenue.



These areas are buzzing with energy, but trying to find weed? That’s a different story.

I spent hours checking out bars, cafes, and even asking a few locals (carefully, of course), but the responses were mostly cold shoulders or polite refusals. The cannabis scene here is tight-knit, and outsiders don’t get easy access.

Street Deal Gone Wrong

After hours of frustration, I finally stumbled upon a street dealer near Cascade Complex.



The guy seemed shady but willing to sell, so I went for it. He handed me a small bag for 30,000 AMD, and I was on my way.

Back at my place, I opened the bag, and it was clear I’d been duped. The weed was dry, crumbly, and had barely any smell. Smoking it confirmed my suspicions—it was low quality with hardly any effect. Lesson learned: street dealers are a gamble.

Finding the Good Stuff

Just when I was ready to give up, I met Arakel, a chill local I bumped into at a teahouse near Victory Park.



We got talking, and when I mentioned my weed woes, he laughed and said, “You’ve been looking in all the wrong places.”

Arakel explained how most dealers in Yerevan have gone digital, using Telegram to handle business. Here’s how it works:

• Finding a Dealer: You need an invite or referral to connect with trusted sellers on Telegram.
• Payment: Deals are done in cryptocurrency, usually Bitcoin, to keep transactions untraceable.
• Delivery: After payment, you get a GPS location and a photo of the hidden package. The stash is often disguised in something like a cigarette pack.

Arakel hooked me up with a reliable Telegram contact, and within a day, I had my package. The quality? Night and day compared to my earlier purchase. Fresh, fragrant buds with a smooth smoke and a solid high. Worth every dram.

Tips for Navigating Yerevan’s Cannabis Scene

If you’re planning to explore cannabis in Yerevan, keep these tips in mind:

• Stay Discreet: Public use or asking random people is risky and can lead to trouble.
• Avoid Street Dealers: The quality is often poor, and there’s a high chance of getting ripped off.
• Use Crypto: Most online dealers operate with cryptocurrency, so set up a wallet beforehand.
• Find a Trusted Local: Someone like Arakel can save you a lot of time and hassle.

With the right connections and some patience, you can enjoy Yerevan’s hidden green scene without too much hassle.