Everything that was said here was true, for the most part. But truth of the matter is Marijuana is extremely popular here, and readily available. Basically you can get the stuff anywhere, even at your local gym. For those of you who don't believe me, head to Body Shop Gym, in SD, and open your eyes a bit.
As for being culturally unacceptable, that's BS. Smoking a J or doing a line, especially among the higher class is no longer that taboo. Will they have a special "4/20" day here, wear Bob Marley paraphernalia, or go to a weed fest? No. Image is still everything. But there are such things, especially in SD, as drug parties. Like I said, you keep your eyes open and the stuff is all around you.
Those who are a bit younger, or have traveled a bit, are much more opened minded to these things. Drugs are concentrated in the barrios, and has that "poverty" stigma, but there is also a double standard when it comes to drugs in the DR. Chastise it in public, smoke your doobie in private. If you are 40+ and live in a bubble you will look at this and say, "Oh, he is so wrong."
How much does it cost? Well, as always that will depend on the supplier and the "risk" he/she will take to supply you. Most small dealers will supply ounces and nothing less. They give you as much as they can, so they don't have to meet you as many times. Also, dealers will only come through referrals. There are also drug delivers in SD, especially in the Gazcue area. These are basically taxi drivers that make home deliveries. It is very common is SD. For those who don't know what they are looking for, then of course SD might seem "prude" when it comes to drugs. My suggestions: Open your eyes.
The risk is high. This is true, as many times, you can be sold out, by the supplier or snitches. You can spend a lot if time in jail and all that good stuff. But at the end of the day, weed is prevalent, easy to get to and it's everywhere. Dominicans aren't as scared of the stuff as DR1ers make it seem. Coke, Ex and basically anything you want is at your fingertips.
Things in the DR have changed....
Mr. Lu