Attention Costa Rica Growers

Hi guys. I am a former grower and am relatively new to Costa Rica and I was thinking about doing some grows out here but i have a couple questions. First is Costa Rica a relatively safe place to grow or am I risking a hefty prison sentence in a foreign country? Also how careful do i have to be about my power usage? Would power companies report a suspiciously high bill to the police? Could they get a warrant just for a power bill or would they need other evidence? Basically any info on growing in costa rica, especially the legal aspect would be very helpful. thanks

I would have to ask, do you know the Costa Rica laws regarding drugs or better yet MJ? not all countries are as lenient as the US, that being the case, why would you take such a risk?

Well that is why I'm asking DeeTee... I want to know if anyone else knows the risk so I can decide if it is worth it or not for me

I know that possession here is pretty much decriminalized for anything less than 200 grams, which is a surprisingly large amount. From the research I've done all I've found is that drug trafficking charges can result in a sentence of 8-15 years but I am having a difficult time finding any details, I want to hear from people who have lived and grown here for some time who might have a better idea on what the penalties are for actually cultivating.

ttt I know I'm not alone here, there have to be some of you on here in Costa Rica

Here Is what I have learned about growing near the equator.
It's a constant 12/12 light cycle. the time's may vary the closer and further you get from the equator, but it's mostly a 12/12 cycle.
There is a distinct wet and dry season.
Indica's are best suited ONLY in the dry season. Mold is prevalent in the wet season no matter how well you take care of them.
Sativa's will get big during the wet season, and tend to stay smaller during the dry season.
Hybrids leaning toward the Sativa spectrum tend to do best in most conditions.
There are micro climates that are conducive to Indica's and mostly Indica's, But on the whole Sativa's and mostly Sativa hybrids are Queen.
The soil is extremely rich.
Landrace Sativa is best grown in this environment. It will excel and be your most productive strain hands down.
The potential for breeding Mold resistant indica's is present , the right selection of genetics is key.

here but is 2 years old....http://webehigh.org/jaco-beach-costra-rica/

Thanks Vostok, thats some really good info. I may do some outdoor stuff if i find the right location and feel safe doing so but it would be my first time, I've always been an indoor grower which is why I one of my biggest concerns is my electrical use, especially since most people down here do not have big power bills I'm afraid it could really stand out. I know how to be discreet, how to keep things odorless ect, my biggest concern right now is the power

ttt

I can tell you a bit about your neighbor Panama, if that helps. Panamanian Law states zero tolerance, but they "give and take" that with a grain of salt. Alot depends on where you are in the country, urban or rural, and it really matters which one. In rural areas here, people grow right out in the garden with their fruits and vegetables. Not massive quantities, mostly just enough for personal consumption. Indoor grows are 99% non-existent. No choppers looking, no fear of "knock and talk", it's about as low-key as you can get. In urban areas, not so much, but the policia basically overlook small things as the countries police focus is on stopping large shipments of weed and coke from Colombia north towards America. So really, it just depends on your location. As for your electric bill, I wouldn't sweat that at all, there are homes that have no air conditioning and homes that are fully air conditioned. Those 2 bills are miles apart and can vary greatly from one house to the next door neighbors house. Unless you are thinking about running 5-1000W HPS's I wouldn't sweat it.

I'm thinking about running 8 1000 watt hps's and 4 600 watt MH's, plus A/C, T5's, About 7 inline fans 8-12 inches, oscillating fans ect

And thanks for the info greenlikemoney. Every bit helps

ttt

come on there has to be someone here who has some experience here

ttt

There are a million and one ways to get F'd in Costa Rica without growing weed. It's bad enough to get busted in the USA, but getting caught in a central American Country could turn out horrible. The upside is that you have some good weed the downside is that you get shanked in prison by a Nicaraguan or spend the rest of your good years fighting for survival.
There is little law enforcement presence in the outer areas, but who knows. I wouldn't trust a tico any further than I could throw them either. They're nice and all, but they have a culture of thievery. They'll either steal your stash and lights or turn you in to save their own hides.
How would you get the equipment there? Go to Panama and tell them you are lighting your street? I doubt any grow equipment would make it through their customs if shipped. They have heavy tariffs so even if you mail yourself some clothes they tax you on it. They know what you send because they xray or open everything. There is also a heave US DEA presence there trying to deal with the narco traffic. That could get you too.
My vote.. No way Jose. Find someone that sells good weed. It's hard to find, but I have seen it.

thaanks for the input sunny. But I wouldnt try to bring anyy equipment in through customs. they have a hydro store here that sells everything

thetrollsmasher said:

thaanks for the input sunny. But I wouldnt try to bring anyy equipment in through customs. they have a hydro store here that sells everything

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Why not ask the hydro store guys about the risks?

polo the don said:

Why not ask the hydro store guys about the risks?

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Would I really get an honest answer or would they just tell me it's fine so they could make the sale?

thetrollsmasher said:

Would I really get an honest answer or would they just tell me it's fine so they could make the sale?

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Any opinion is better than none, and he could drop a valuable tidbit. You never know until you ask. Still, your name is Pedro and you drive a borrowed car there...

As stated, rural areas come down to knowing the locals. You wanna be a big cuidad poppa, chances are you get popped. You're a gringo for Gods sake. You wanna chill at your crib, grow personal stuff, meet some people and share your flowers, different story. Scooby is doing alright in Costa, but if you get frisky with the locals you can expect trouble.