Thai Weed: What Travelers Need To Know

Not long ago, Thailand had some of the strictest drug policies in the world. But now the country is getting into the weed business.

In June, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration made marijuana and hemp use legal by removing it from the Category 5 narcotics list.

The Thai government passed a law that will let its people grow and sell marijuana for medicinal use, with the vision of Thailand becoming a go-to destination in Southeast Asia for herbal remedies. However, as is often the case, there are several conditions attached to this new opportunity.

The legality and laws around THC are rather confusing: we’ll explain it all

The main hallucinogenic compound in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) must contain very low levels for food or medicine products. And although Recreation use of marijuana is no longer illegal in Thailand, it remains unclear how to buy and sell it as legislation has not yet been drafted to regulate its trade. Public smoking of marijuana is still not legal.

Thais have been exploiting the legal loopholes since June’s announcement. As you read this, there are tables of weed on Bangkok’s Khao San Road that surpass the legal THC limit; in Chiang Mai, a tourist is most likely enjoying a potent marijuana cocktail; and bongs are being smoked openly somewhere on a Thai island. Although all of these scenarios go against the law, they have been allowed thus far.

Here’s what we presently know for people traveling to Thailand.

The medicinal use of marijuana is legal

Thailand became the first country in Asia to legalize medical cannabis use in 2018. If you need cannabis for medicinal purposes with a THC level of 0.2% or less while in Thailand, you can get a prescription from an authorized hospital or clinic. Keep your legally-obtained weed product to yourself, and you’ll be fine.

As of recent, this legislation has been updated to ban people under the age of 20, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers from using cannabis unless they have a doctor’s permission. On top of that, Thailand’s Sangha Supreme Council has issued a rule that Buddhist monks and novices are not allowed to smoke or grow cannabis but lifts the restriction if it’s for medicinal purposes. However, decriminalization gives unlicensed vendors the confidence to sell products that contain much more THC than what the government allows. If you’re cautious and want to avoid any legal trouble, especially since you’re in Thailand as a guest, it’s best to stick within the safe channels of purchasing medicinal THC products from network-approved hospitals and clinics.

Eating & drinking marijuana

According to the law, food and beverage products that contain cannabis for medical purposes must have less than 0.2% THC; however, these rules are not being followed in Thailand.Since June, many restaurants and cafes have been lacing their food with cannabis since it became decriminalized. For example, one company debuted a fish sauce made with marijuana, and there are already pot-infused drinks available for purchase at convenience stores throughout the country. However, researchers from Thailand’s top university found that 30 percent of these products contain more THC than what is legally allowed.

Although it’s technically not allowed, many people believe that consuming marijuana is a safer way to get high than smoking it. If you’re caught smoking marijuana, you could receive a fine or even go to jail.

The ins and outs of recreational use of marijuana

Although people in Thailand use marijuana more openly now that it has been decriminalized, this does not mean that it is legal.

The Thai government is hoping to discourage people from smoking marijuana in public by enforcing a little-known law. According to the Public Health Act, it is considered an “act of public disturbance” if someone is smoking and/or smelling weed in public. If caught violating this law, you could be fined 25,000 baht (about $700) and spend up to three months in jail.

Recently, Thailand’s Public Health Minister said that marijuana use for recreation may be liberalized in the future. However, as of now, it would be best if visitors to Thailand kept their recreational marijuana use discreet meaning don’t do it where others can see.

Can I bring my own cannabis products to Thailand now?

No. Bringing cannabis or hemp-based products into Thailand, including gummies, is still illegal according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. These products are classified as Category 5 Narcotics, which carry a high risk if you’re caught bringing them into the country.