Cannabis in Thailand has gone through major legal shifts in recent years, leaving many tourists unsure of the current rules. The law classifies marijuana as a controlled substance, meaning it is not fully legal for recreational use. Medical cannabis remains permitted, but only under strict guidelines.
For travelers, this creates a mixed picture: while cannabis shops and cafés exist, the law continues to restrict who can buy, use, or sell these products.
Smoking in public is banned, sales to minors and pregnant or breastfeeding women are prohibited, and importing or exporting cannabis is tightly regulated.
Anyone considering cannabis tourism should treat Thailand’s framework as medical-only with limited exceptions, and stay aware of evolving laws.
Top things to remember
- Medical use only: cannabis is legal in Thailand, strictly with a prescription.
- Public use is banned: smoking in public can lead to fines or jail.
- No border transport: bringing cannabis into or out of Thailand is illegal.
Overview of Cannabis Laws in Thailand
Cannabis laws in Thailand have shifted multiple times over the last decade, creating some confusion for visitors.
Currently, marijuana is classified as a controlled substance. This means recreational use is not legal, but medical cannabis is still permitted under prescription. Patients can obtain cannabis-based products from licensed doctors, pharmacists, or traditional medicine practitioners.
Carrying cannabis for personal medical use is permitted with proper authorization. However, smoking or vaping in public places is prohibited under the Public Health Act, with fines of up to 25,000 Baht. Unauthorized sale or possession of high-THC products may result in heavier penalties, including jail time.
Products with less than 0.2% THC are allowed, such as CBD oils, cosmetics, and food supplements. Anything stronger requires a prescription.
The rules apply equally to both locals and visitors. Tourists should be aware that dispensaries often sell cannabis under the medical-use framework, but prescriptions may not always be requested.
Despite the visible cannabis scene, laws remain stricter than they appear.
Medical Marijuana Status in Thailand
Medical cannabis is legal in Thailand, but it is now tightly controlled under new rules introduced in June 2025.
Patients must have a valid prescription, which is only granted for five specific conditions: insomnia, chronic pain, migraines, Parkinson’s disease, and loss of appetite. Prescriptions are limited to 30 days and can only be issued by licensed doctors, pharmacists, dentists, or practitioners of Thai and Chinese medicine.
To qualify as a patient, individuals must undergo a medical consultation and receive approval from an authorized professional. Cannabis can only be purchased through licensed dispensaries that source from certified farms. Online sales, vending machines, and advertising are strictly banned, and cannabis cannot be sold in certain areas like temples, schools, or public parks.
Tourists face the same requirements as Thai residents. Accessing cannabis flower buds for smoking or other medical purposes requires a doctor’s prescription, and buying without one is not permitted.
While dispensaries are common, Thailand’s government has made it clear that cannabis tourism is no longer encouraged under this medical-only framework.
Buying Cannabis in Thailand
Cannabis can be legally purchased in licensed dispensaries and clinics, which Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration regulates.
As of 2025, there are more than 11,000 approved dispensaries across the country. These outlets must source their products from certified farms and hold distribution licenses, with sales restricted to those aged 20 and over. Pharmacies and hospitals may also dispense cannabis oil and other medical products under prescription.
Tourists may buy cannabis in Thailand, but only for medical use and with the proper authorization from a doctor or licensed practitioner. Recreational sales were re-criminalized in June 2025, meaning foreigners cannot legally purchase cannabis for leisure purposes. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are strictly prohibited from buying or using cannabis unless medically approved.
Prices vary depending on the product and THC content. In dispensaries, cannabis flower has been reported to sell for 200–600 Baht per gram (around USD $5–15), while CBD oils, gummies, and topicals are often priced higher.
Where You Can and Can’t Use It
Knowing where cannabis can be used in Thailand is essential, as the laws draw a sharp line between private and public spaces.
Public consumption remains banned, with fines of up to 25,000 Baht or even short jail terms for those caught smoking or vaping in streets, parks, or other shared spaces.
In contrast, private use is permitted, meaning that residents and visitors can consume cannabis at home or in accommodations such as hotels or Airbnbs. However, policies differ, so it is always best to check with the property first.
Travelling there with Weed
Tourists often wonder if they can bring cannabis into or out of Thailand, but the answer is straightforward: they cannot.
Both import and export are tightly prohibited, and anyone caught at customs faces heavy fines, confiscation, and likely arrest. Airport security is strict, with baggage checks specifically designed to intercept controlled substances, including cannabis flower, seeds, or extracts.
Even with a medical prescription, crossing borders with cannabis is not permitted. For travelers, this means cannabis should only ever be purchased and used inside Thailand, never carried in or out of the country.
Law Enforcement and Risks
Understanding how Thai law enforcement approaches cannabis helps tourists avoid unnecessary trouble. Police in Thailand treat cannabis infractions seriously, particularly since the law was tightened again in 2025.
Public use or unauthorized possession can result in arrest or fines, and officers in tourist areas may be especially vigilant. While reports of corruption exist in other contexts, travelers should assume that violations will be met with formal penalties rather than leniency.
Scams also exist, with some foreigners tricked into carrying cannabis or offered products illegally by street dealers. For visitors, the safest choice is to stick to licensed dispensaries and follow the rules carefully.
Cultural Attitudes
The cultural response to cannabis in Thailand is more complex than the legal one, reflecting both tradition and modern tourism.
Cannabis, or “ganja” in Thai, has historical roots in traditional medicine, but recreational use remains controversial. In big cities and tourist hubs such as Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai, dispensaries are common, and the sight of cannabis shops is no longer unusual. However, public consumption is frowned upon, and many locals consider smoking weed openly disrespectful.
While there is a small but growing community around cannabis culture, tourists should remember that Thailand’s government discourages cannabis tourism and that social acceptance is far from universal.
Useful Local Tips
For those navigating Thailand’s cannabis scene, a few practical tips can make the experience smoother.
If you want to refer to cannabis locally, the word “ganja” (กัญชา) will be understood. Official events or festivals dedicated to cannabis are not common, especially since the government has tightened rules again.
Still, some lounges and private cafés offer discreet spaces where cannabis users gather. As for accommodation, some guesthouses and private rentals may be “420-friendly,” though it is always safer to confirm directly with the owner before booking.
Staying respectful and low-key will help tourists avoid problems while still enjoying the legal side of cannabis in Thailand.
Final Advice and Disclaimer
Cannabis laws in Thailand continue to shift, and what is allowed today may not be tomorrow. Laws can change quickly; always check the latest local rules before making any decisions about use or purchase.
For tourists, the safest approach is to treat cannabis as a medical-only substance, available through licensed outlets and with restrictions on where and how it can be consumed. Public smoking is prohibited, bringing cannabis across borders is illegal, and penalties for breaking the law can be severe.If you choose to include cannabis in your travel plans, do so smartly, discreetly, and respectfully. Following the rules not only helps avoid legal trouble but also shows consideration for local culture and communities.