Is weed legal in Bonaire?

No. Despite being a special municipality of the Netherlands, the Dutch tolerance policy does not apply to Bonaire. Cannabis is illegal for recreational, medical, and CBD use under the Opium Act BES.

Can tourists use cannabis in Bonaire?

No. There is no legal cannabis access. Tourists arriving from the Netherlands should understand that Amsterdam rules do not apply here. The airport has screening procedures and enforcement is real.

What are the penalties for cannabis in Bonaire?

Possession can result in up to 4 years imprisonment. There is no threshold for tolerated personal-use amounts, and the Dutch medical cannabis program does not extend to the BES islands.

Cannabis in Bonaire: Laws & Tourist Guide

Current Cannabis Laws

Bonaire is a special municipality of the Netherlands — a direct part of the country since 2010. But the Dutch tolerance policy explicitly does not apply to the BES islands (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Saba). Cannabis is illegal for recreational, medical, and CBD use.

There is no threshold for tolerated personal-use amounts. The Dutch medical cannabis program (via Bedrocan) does not extend to the BES islands.

For Tourists

Bonaire is a small island with active policing and a popular diving destination. Tourists arriving from the Netherlands must understand: this is not Amsterdam. Flamingo International Airport has screening procedures, and enforcement is real.

Come for the reef diving. Leave the cannabis at home.

Current Cannabis Laws

For Tourists

Recent News & Changes