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Thailand, Cannabis, and You: What to Keep In Mind
Some come to Thailand for the food, others go for the drinks. But in recent years, there’s a new reason to visit the Kingdom: for the smoke.
Cannabis in Thailand is legal for recreational and medicinal use as of 2023. Weed can be easily bought at various dispensaries across the country. However, extracts that contain THC levels above 0.2% are still illegal.
If you’re interested in coming over to Thailand to indulge in some quality zaza, this is everything you need to know, including the details on just how legal weed is in Thailand and where to get your fix once you’ve touched down.
Facts to Know about Cannabis in Thailand
We understand if you’re asking now: “Are you sure weed is legal in Thailand now? Like, really, really sure?” Yes, we’re absolutely certain that ganja, kush, or whatever you want to call it is indeed legal in the Land of Smiles.
To put your mind at ease, here are some facts to know about cannabis in Thailand right now that summarizes the ins and outs of weed in the country.
Marijuana is legal for both medicinal and recreational use
The legality of marijuana in Thailand actually started back in 2018, when it was approved for use as treatment in medical settings. Things really kicked off in June of 2022, when the whole cannabis plant was decriminalized.
You don’t need a prescription to enjoy smoking weed for recreational purposes. Just be sure to do it somewhere private like at home or at a designated smoking area.
Anyone who’s smoked the stuff at least once knows that it smells, and you will get heat for doing it in public. You can be sure that cops are going to get on your case if you blaze in public, since it’s a smell nuisance. Get a room!
Cultivating or selling cannabis requires permits
While anyone (provided they’re at least 20 years old) can enjoy a good high, growing the product itself is an entirely different story. Authorities still want to maintain tight regulations on who can grow marijuana plants, as well as who can distribute it.
As a tourist, it’s going to be hard to secure either permits to grow or sell ganja commercially, since you probably won’t have the documents required for either.
Extracts containing more than 0.2% THC are still illegal
Even if smoking the plant itself is fine now, extracts like oils, resins, and waxes of THC (the main psychoactive compound in cannabis) are still Category 5. In other words, it’s still illegal to have anything over 0.2% THC.
This may come off as a bummer for some hardcore herb enjoyers since they say 20 – 30% is the real threshold for high quality products, but that’s the reality in Thailand for now. Best to play it safe and not push your luck.
Taking weed products in or out of the country is a no-no
Even if weed is legal in Thailand now, don’t go thinking you can fly high going in or out of the country! Any part of the marijuana plant (as well as cannabis extract procuts we were just talking about) still aren’t allowed to cross the border.
This is just as well, anyway. Not all countries have legalized weed just as Thailand has, meaning they still treat the substance as contraband. We can’t stress how dangerous it is to bring Kush with you on the flight back home.
Do NOT risk it – you can and will get caught and be made to face the consequences!
Where to Get Weed in Thailand: Dispensaries, Cafes, and More
Now that you understand the nature of how legal weed is in Thailand, we’re sure you’re curious where the best spots are for getting some good grass. These are some spots the local community agrees on as reliable spots to get your fix.
| IMPORTANT NOTE |
|---|
| You may notice that all of the locations we’ll be listing down are physical, brick-and-mortar locations. You may be wondering why we omitted online sellers in this section. This is because the sellers you find online through places like LINE don’t always have the proper licenses. And buying from a dealer that doesn’t have a license can land you in some very hot water. Buying online may be the most convenient option if you’re a lazybones, but we still think that buying in person at a reputable shop is the reliable option. Aside from the fact that you’ll be sure you’re buying from a licensed dealer, you also have the chance to be sure that you’re getting the right amount and quality of product for what you paid for. |
Highland Café
One of the popular spots for getting your fix in Bangkok, they’ve been active since 2018 ever since cannabis was declared legal for medicinal use.
They used to work within the limits of using the plant to enhance their offerings, operating as a simple cannabis-themed cafe, but things have changed since then.
People recognize that Highland was the first dispensary to openly sell weed to the public!
Today, they carry a wide assortment of strains and products for getting your high. They’re an especially reputable dispensary since they make sure to test the potency of their strains before giving it a spot on their menu.
Aside from that, Highland is also active in the community as an organizer for a lot of cannabis festivals that happen in town.
Highland Café
Address: 12 7 Lat Phrao Rd, Khwaeng Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok
Operating Hours: 4:20 PM – 11:30 PM Daily
THE DISPENSARY Sukhumvit
— From @thedis.th
Probably one of the classiest joints (pun intended) for getting some bud in Bangkok. The Dispensary Sukhumvit goes for this modern, almost lab-like vibe with their product laid out for display in glass jars, with details on each of the strains they carry.
They’re powered by Taratera, a Thai corporation dedicated to bringing the benefits of cannabis to the common people, both through commercial ventures like The Dispensary as well as through educational campaigns to inform people.
People have noted that their staff members are very friendly and accommodating to English speakers. If you’re out in the city, The Dispensary Sukhumvit (as well as their other branches throughout town) is a great option when stocking up on dank.
THE DISPENSARY Sukhumvit
Address: 571 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
Operating Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM Fridays and Saturdays; 10 AM – 9 PM Daily
Chopaka.Shop
— From @kittychopaka
Chopaka.Shop is the brainchild of Kitty Chopaka, one of Thailand’s most prominent activists for cannabis. An advocate for free information and fair access to cannabis for Thai citizens, she’s recently set up shop in Bangkok.
One of the specialties in her shop are weed gummies. They don’t have enough THC in them to induce a high or anything – remember the 0.2% rule? – but they’re definitely a special experience worth trying out.
Other than that, enthusiasts both local and international praise the high quality of their product. Kitty’s said that this is only possible because of her close partnership with local suppliers, which is pretty cool.
Chopaka.Shop
Address: 423 425 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
Operating Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM Daily
Sukhumweed
— From @sukhumweedindustries
Sukhumweed Industries focuses on their regenerative organic farming process in partnership with small community farms to get their product just right. The opening of their Bangkok location had huge hype, leading to a sold out first day!
The hype hasn’t died today, since the shop’s always busy. Enthusiasts of every level and background come through to check out their stuff, with the staff more than happy to give the breakdown on each of their strains on hand for them.
Sukhumweed is a venture of Beer Masayavanich, a political activist for the legalization of cannabis in Thailand. He’s made good use of the decriminalization of weed in recent years, and Sukhumweed’s success on the scene is proof of that.
Sukhumweed
Address: 52, Sukhumweed, 3 Sukhumvit 42 Phra Khanong, Klongtoey, Bangkok
Operating Hours: 11 AM – 9 PM Tuesdays to Fridays, 2 PM – 9 PM Saturdays
Available Cannabis Strains in Thailand
While veteran weed enthusiasts might know their strains like the back of their hand, we’re here to break down the basics for those just trying out the green stuff for the first time while in Thailand:
| Strain | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Indica | ⮕ Gives the user a calm, relaxed, high ⮕ Can relieve pain ⮕ Can stimulate the appetite ⮕ Commonly used when winding down at night. |
| Sativa | ⮕ Gives the user a boost of energy ⮕ Improves focus and creativity, as well as promotes positive emotions ⮕ Commonly consumed in daytime use. |
| Hybrids | ⮕ Crossbreed of indica and sativa strains, combining certain aspects of both to achieve certain effects. |
Just as plants and animals can have different species, marijuana also has its own variants. Not all weed is grown equally – each strain has its own characteristics and effects you’ll be able to observe when you take a puff.
| Note: The effects and characteristics we describe here are based on how the majority of the community describes each strain. It’s possible that the experience you get out of smoking certain strains can be different from how most people describe it to be. This is normal! Our bodies process THC and CBD differently, meaning your experience of an indica, sativa, or hybrid might be different from everyone else’s. |
