Is Marijuana Legal in Thailand?

Thailand was the first Asian country to legalize medical marijuana and decriminalize adult-use cannabis. As of June 9th, 2022, Thais can cultivate as many plants as they’d like as long as they register the number of plants with Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Since decriminalization, the Thai FDA has received thousands of applications, while the medical cannabis industry has helped hundreds of thousands of patients access medical marijuana. However, despite the government and nationwide support of cannabis, consumption in public places is still considered a public nuisance violation, and offenders are subject to fines.

Medical Marijuana Laws in Thailand

Medical cannabis was first legalized in Thailand in 2018, following a landmark policy enacted by Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to allow Thais to use marijuana for medical and cash-generating purposes. In celebration of the new law, Thailand’s government mailed 1 million marijuana seedlings to its residents to encourage them to cultivate them for use.

But before tourists decide to book the next flight to Thailand’s weed wonderland, there are clear boundaries to the law. Thailand’s drug policies clearly state that decriminalized cannabis and cannabis products may only contain up to 0.2% THC. Otherwise, patients must work with their physician to obtain a prescription and pick up products via Thailand’s network of approved hospitals and dispensary clinics.

Additionally, recent changes to the Public Health Minister’s plan now prohibit pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers and individuals younger than 20 from possessing or using cannabis without a doctor’s note.

What to Know About About Medical Cannabis in Thailand

As the first Asian country to decriminalize cannabis, Thailand is a trailblazer in the region. Medical cannabis patients and recreational users should be well informed of the limitations of the cannabis laws in Thailand before purchasing, growing, or consuming marijuana.

Adult Use of Low-THC Products Is Decriminalized

Thailand’s government decriminalized the recreational use of marijuana and encouraged residents to grow cannabis plants and build a nationwide cash crop. But decriminalization doesn’t equate to legality.

Marijuana products must have no more than 0.2% THC per dry weight. This applies to flower, edibles, and any extracted cannabis. The Thai government has yet to draft regulations governing the production and trading of cannabis products, so the laws are somewhat in a gray area.

Further, some vendors sell products with more than 0.2% THC, making them illegal drugs. But because regulation and enforcement are challenging, people are best off playing it safe and only purchasing recreational products with a verified Certificate of Analysis.

Medical Marijuana Is Allowed for Patients With Qualifying Conditions

Patients diagnosed with a qualifying condition may legally obtain marijuana for medical use with higher THC levels with a prescription from their physician. Among the extensive list of approved medical conditions for which patients can access medical marijuana are:

• Allergies
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Anorexia
• Cancer
• Cerebral palsy
• Crohn’s disease
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Inflammation
• Lupus
• Lymphoma
• Migraine
• Opiate addiction
• Pain
• Parkinson’s disease
• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Stroke
• Tourette’s syndrome

Consumption Is Allowed in Certain Places

The consumption of cannabis is illegal in public places, including schools, temples, and public shopping centers. Individuals can smoke marijuana inside their residences or other private locations.

Edibles may be consumed at licensed restaurants approved to serve infused foods. Violating these rules can incur a fine of up to $750 and a three-month prison term.

While there is no limit to personal consumption, the public health ministry advises users against driving after using marijuana.

There Are Many Places to Buy Cannabis in Thailand

Over 5,000 cannabis stores operate across Thailand, with many in large cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. These stores stock legal marijuana products such as flowers, edibles, and oils with less than 0.2% THC and CBD products.

Can You Grow Cannabis in Thailand?

There are no limits to how many plants one can cultivate in Thailand. Residents must register the total number of cannabis plants with the Food and Drug Administration. Those seeking to use cannabis for research, processing, or export must also apply for a commercial use permit.

The Bottom Line

Thailand is at the forefront of Asian countries as the leader in medical marijuana policy. The country has a sizable network of medical marijuana practitioners, dispensaries, and several shops from which to purchase legal cannabis products.