ConsumerIntel360 expects Indonesia to be one of the largest legal cannabis markets in Asia Pacific by 2025. There is already a large-scale acceptance and consumer base of cannabis in the country.

The country is one of the largest drug markets in the Asia Pacific region though largely dominated by illegal channels. Many tourist influxes into the country are centered on the availability of cannabis. The latest count on the number of drug users, despite the shoot at sight orders by Indonesian government, is reported to be around seven million.

Though according to the Schedule I (Highly Dangerous Substance with no Medicinal Value) list of the Narcotics Law of Indonesia, cannabis has been listed as the most restrictive substance; its use has been practiced fairly openly since most users believe that cannabis is less harmful than other substances.

The efforts to criminalize the use of cannabis and making it a zero tolerance offense have failed to deter the users of cannabis in this island nation not only for recreational purpose but also for traditional and therapeutic purposes. In fact, traditionally in some parts of Indonesia, cannabis is still traditionally used in cooking specific meals.

The effort of criminalizing the use of cannabis has also led to the growth of the synthetic cannabinoids markets. Known as the Balloon Effect, the users of cannabis, when restricted to use and distribute cannabis in a particular form, will try and succeed in using and availing it in some mode such as synthetic cannabinoids or Gorilla tobacco as it is popularly known. These synthetic cannabinoids have seldom been sourced over the online platform too.