Is Cannabis Legal In Thailand: Comprehensive Buying Guide

Legalization History of Cannabis in Thailand

Cannabis became partially legal in Thailand on February 19, 2019, with an amendment to the 1979 Narcotics Act, allowing limited use for medical purposes. On June 9, 2022, the Thai Food and Drug Administration officially removed cannabis from the list of Category 5 narcotics, which means possession, cultivation, distribution, consumption, and sale of any part of the plant is now legal on one key condition that the cannabis must be grown in Thailand.

Regarding recreational use, the MoPH issued additional Notifications after the 2022 delisting, prohibiting the sale of cannabis flowers to minors (under 20), use by pregnant and breastfeeding women, and smoking in public. The MoPH has clarified that cannabis was delisted for medical wellness and economic purposes, not for recreational use.

Since the 2022 delisting, the Thai FDA has registered over a thousand cannabis and other related products, including herbal products, food, and cosmetics.

Before purchasing weed in Thailand, here’s everything you need to know:

Current Legal Status of Cannabis in Thailand

This significant change in cannabis laws has created more opportunities but also uncertainty and fear among the people. One of the main issues of concern is the sale of unregulated cannabis, which is a danger to young people under 20 years old. While the plant is no longer seen as a narcotic, understanding this change in regulations is crucial for anyone looking to explore cannabis in the country.

Legal Regulations

Be aware of the following:

Extracts with more than 0.2% THC, including edibles, food supplements, and cosmetics, are still considered narcotics.
Smoking cannabis in public is prohibited. Smoking outside may lead to being fined up to 25,000 baht and/or 3 months in prison.
Flights within Thailand allow individuals to travel with cannabis flowers, but be careful with the concentrates, extracts, and vaporizers. For strong odors, use an airtight container. Do not forget to leave the lighter in the house. For International flights, make sure that you’ve smoked all of your cannabis before leaving.

Cultivation and use

Cannabis farming has become very popular among enthusiasts and professionals alike. This trend is the result of the growing acceptance and legalization of cannabis with more people exploring its potential benefits and applications across different regions of the country.

Industrial use

Thailand was the first country to legalize the growing, sale, and use of industrial cannabis for medical and other authorized purposes in Asia. The substances’ unprocessed parts were delisted. The ordinary citizen will thus be able to grow, own, and sell cannabis and use it locally without having to acquire a special license. The Narcotics Act still regulates weed and cannabis extracts that contain over 0.2% THC by weight, requiring a license for the production or sale of such products, with only limited exceptions.

Agriculture

Thai citizens are legally allowed to engage in cannabis farming without the need for a license. Cannabis, along with its unprocessed parts and crude resins (excluding cannabis flowers and resins), can be freely traded in Thailand. However, cannabis flowers and their derivatives can only be traded by licensed companies under the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medicines Knowledge Act (1999).

Food

Under the Food Act, finished food products, food supplements, food additives, beverages, and cannabis edibles may include cannabis (excluding flowers) or CBD extract. However, handling these food products requires regulatory approval through a Thai FDA license under the Food Act.

Cannabis Laws

Be aware of the following:

Extracts with more than 0.2% THC, including edibles, food supplements, and cosmetics, are still considered narcotics.
Smoking cannabis in public is prohibited. Smoking outside may lead to being fined up to 25,000 baht and/or 3 months in prison.
Flights within Thailand allow individuals to travel with cannabis flowers, but be careful with the concentrates, extracts, and vaporizers. For strong odors, use an airtight container. Do not forget to leave the lighter in the house. For International flights, make sure that you’ve smoked all of your cannabis before leaving.

There is currently no limit on the number of cannabis plants you can grow at home, but this may change.

Purchasing Cannabis:

20 years old or older can purchase cannabis directly from retailers. Most places won’t ask for ID.

Stop by our store for an extensive selection of premium cannabis products at competitive prices.

Conclusion:

In 2022, the Thai FDA removed cannabis from the narcotics list. As a result, cannabis in Thailand has been used in medicines and included in the economic sectors. Still, the use of recreational cannabis is illegal. The use of the edibles, cosmetics, and food supplements of cannabis is controlled, and the citizens can grow the plants without a license. Meanwhile, high-THC extraction and drug flower handling still come with strict rules. Complying with the laws is important for both locals and foreigners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):