JAKARTA, INDONESIA: Indonesia's vice president believes marijuana should remain an illegal drug, but those who sprinkle it in traditional dishes should escape the eyes of the police, a report said Monday (June 25th).

Indonesians in the westernmost province of Aceh have long used fresh marijuana leaves and seeds in curries and even coffee as a flavouring.

Kalla told reporters that there was "no way" Indonesia would legalise the drug, according to the Jakarta Post. The world's most populous Muslim nation is notoriously tough on drug traffickers and users.

"It's alright to use it as a food seasoning but it should not be fully legalised," Kalla said according to the English-language daily.

Marijuana is categorised as a dangerous illegal substance in the same category as heroin and cocaine in Indonesia.

A kilogram (2.2 pounds) of cannabis grown in the mountains of Aceh can be bought on the streets of the provincial capital Banda Aceh for about 50,000 rupiah, or around 5.50 dollars.