Bangkok, June 2022. Unbeknownst to us that time, we were in the middle of history – as it happened. Cannabis had been decriminalized in Thailand and the country was undergoing a paradigm shift like never before.
This happened after our trip to Maeklong Railway and Amphawa Floating Market. We were dropped in Mo Chi Vit station and found ourselves in a night market. While walking around, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a familiar symbol that seemed to beckon.
I approached the stall and thought to myself “Must be CBD products” but I was then told that cannabis was now legal in Thailand and currently only in the form of edibles but the subsequent months, they would be moving to legalize smoking as well. (This was in 2022, now smoking is decriminalized as well just to be clear).
In this article, I’ll be going through all you need to know about Cannabis in Thailand so you can have a high and responsible time in the Land of Smiles.
2024 Update on Cannabis in Thailand
Thailand, the first Asian country to decriminalize cannabis in June 2022, is now facing a major policy reversal with its new conservative coalition government. This shift comes only 18 months after the nation saw a boom in its cannabis industry.
The new government, which took power late last year, is pushing for legislation that restricts cannabis use strictly for medical purposes. A draft bill released by the Health Ministry proposes severe penalties, including fines and up to one year in prison, for recreational use.
This bill reflects Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s commitment to modify cannabis laws, focusing solely on medical and health purposes, and outlawing public smoking, advertising, and marketing of cannabis products.
The decriminalization of cannabis in 2022 had led to a widespread emergence of cannabis dispensaries, cafes, and festivals, significantly boosting tourism and benefiting local businesses.
However, former Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized that the intention was never to promote recreational use in public. The move towards stricter regulations has been met with disappointment from the cannabis industry and advocacy groups, who argue that it undermines the economic benefits and public involvement in the sector.
History of Cannabis in Thailand
Cannabis has a long history of use in Thailand, dating back to ancient times when it was used for medicinal and religious purposes. So in a way, it’s been deeply ingrained in Thai culture in the past and is only recently making a resurface.
In traditional Thai medicine, cannabis was used to treat a variety of ailments such as pain, inflammation, and insomnia. However, in the early 20th century, Thailand began to view cannabis as a social problem and criminalized its use and possession.
In 1979, Thailand became one of the first countries in the world to enact strict anti-drug laws, which included harsh penalties for cannabis-related offenses. This led to a reduction in cannabis consumption but also contributed to the growth of a thriving black market for cannabis.
In recent years, there has been a growing global movement towards the legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational use. Thailand has followed suit, with the government passing legislation in 2018 to legalize medical cannabis.
In June 2022, Thailand finally decriminalized cannabis. I remember being so surprised seeing cannabis pop up shops all around the country.
Is Cannabis Legal in Thailand?
Under the current laws, cannabis use is allowed for private recreational use and medical purposes as long as the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content is below 0.2% by weight. Although the use of cannabis for medical purposes was legalized in 2018, it remains illegal to sell or distribute any extracts that contain more than 0.2% THC, which is the primary compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana.
Here’s what else you should know:
- Individual households can grow a limited amount of cannabis, starting with up to six potted plants, provided they register with the appropriate authorities.
- It is not allowed to bring seeds or any parts of the cannabis plant to or from Thailand for personal use.
- But, you can even fly with weed domestically.
- People under 20 years old, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women are not allowed to use cannabis unless under the supervision of health professionals.
- Authorized restaurants are allowed to serve dishes containing cannabis.
In summary, you can possess and smoke weed. You can simply go buy bud from shops, smoke it in private or in designated smoking areas similar to Amsterdam’s coffee shops.
Is CBD Legal in Thailand?
The use and possession of CBD (cannabidiol) is legal, provided that the product contains less than 0.2% THC. The legalization of CBD was actually what paved way for cannabis decriminalization in the first place. It’s readily accessible in Thailand, and you can simply order it online. It’s also possible to enter and exit Thailand with your own CBD oil supply.
Is Cannabis Oil Legal in Thailand?
No, cannabis oil, weed oil, THC oil, vaping oil, wax, dab, and other extracts processed from cannabis plants are illegal. This is because they’re much more concentrated and would more than likely not pass the 0.2% THC threshold. Not to mention that vaping has always been illegal in Thailand so you might end up crossing two laws if you vape cannabis oil, the punishment might be much more severe.
Is Hash Legal in Thailand?
No, hashish, also known as hash, is considered a concentrated form of cannabis and is therefore illegal due to its high THC content. Though they might be readily available in Thailand, it’s better not to risk impending on any of the recent cannabis laws. Just remember that the current threshold is at 0.2% THC, anything higher would be considered as illegal.
Are Edibles Legal in Thailand?
Yes, they are legal but edibles and drinks cannot contain more than 0.2% THC. This means that edibles, CBD oil extracts, gummies, and other similar products are legally allowed to contain only trace amounts of THC. Though I must admit the chocolate edibles we had in Bangkok were definitely not 0.2%, so I’m sure there are plenty of shops out there that are going above the legal amount.
What is Cannabis Called in Thailand?
Cannabis is commonly known as “Ganja” in Thailand. The term “Ganja” has its origins in India, where it is used to describe the dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. The word “Ganja” is derived from Sanskrit. Derivatives of “Ganja” are also used in several languages such as Khmer in Cambodia and Lao in Laos.
Can Tourists Smoke Cannabis in Thailand?
Yes, it’s possible to smoke weed in Thailand as long as you do so in private. Smoking cannabis in public spaces is against the law and you can be fined or arrested. According to the Public Health Act in Thailand, the penalty for smoking cannabis in public includes up to three months of jail time and a 25,000 THB (750 USD) fine.
Can You Smoke on the Street in Thailand?
No, smoking cigarettes or cannabis on the street or in any public space in Thailand is illegal. Thailand has taken a strict stance against smoking in public areas, including temples. The government has implemented a nationwide smoking ban in public places. This ban includes all forms of smoking, including cigarettes, cigars, and electronic cigarettes.
Is Cannabis Expensive in Thailand?
Cannabis in Thailand is affordable with cheaper cannabis strains having prices from 200 THB – 500 THB ($5 – $15 USD) per gram. I’ve seen prices for around 50 THB (1.50 USD), but the high might not be the best in the market. The more expensive strains may cost up to 900 THB (around $30 USD) per gram. In the provinces such as Chiang Rai, you can get it for even cheaper as I saw plenty of pop-up shops there as well.
How much is a Cannabis Joint in Thailand?
Pre-rolled joints can range from 100 THB – 300 THB (3 USD – 8 USD) with very little difference in quality. Nowadays, you can find plenty of cannabis pop-up shops all around the city so you can easily find joints. The only thing to be mindful of is of course, you can not smoke it in public places.
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Book Your Accommodations
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- Kiwi.com – my go-to for booking and finding the cheapest flights and it’s helped me save tons of money. They do virtual interlining which is connecting flights from airlines that do not codeshare, so you can find routes that you wouldn’t be able to find normally.
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- GetYourGuide – is one of the best places to find unique tours and activities. I found that it’s an excellent way to meet fellow travelers and create fond memories. They are not only limited to tours as they also offer niche services such as skip-the-line tickets or private transfers.
Catch a Ride
- Rentalcars.com – nothing beats the freedom of the road, Rentalcars.com is the world’s largest online car rental service. They operate across 160 countries so they’re the perfect partner to work with if you find yourself wanting a ride.
