Happening HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CANNABIS USE IN THAILAND

Thailand has published guidelines for foreign visitors about the do’s and don’ts of cannabis use and possession in the Kingdom.

The “10 Things Tourists Need to Know about Cannabis in Thailand” English language infographic was published on the Public Health Ministry’s website and Facebook page and warns that, among others, “Smoking cannabis in public spaces, including schools and shopping malls, is illegal”.

According to the Public Health Ministry, smoking cannabis in public in Thailand for recreation is subject to up to three months in jail and a fine of up to 25,000 THB fine or both.

The guidelines also state that while cultivation of cannabis in Thailand is legal, those intending to grow it need to register with the government via the Food and Drug Administration’s ‘Plook Ganja’ application or on its website.

It also stated that bringing in or taking out from Thailand any parts of the cannabis plant, including seeds, is not permitted - even if it is for personal use.

“Only domestic cannabis cultivated in Thailand has been removed from the narcotic drug list. However, imported cannabis plants are still considered on the narcotic list.

“Importing cannabis seeds requires permission from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives,” it said.

The guidelines also state that only cannabis health products that have been approved by the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can be sold legally in the country.

Cannabis products that are intended for medical use are available at public and private hospitals, clinics and medical facilities, as well as pharmacies.

“Tourists visiting Thailand are requested to follow Thailand’s cannabis regulations for safety reasons. When returning home, tourists should check the laws and regulations concerning the use and possession of cannabis and cannabis products in their home country,” the guidelines stated.

The guidelines have been released after Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis when the FDA removed marijuana and hemp from the Category 5 narcotics list on June 9, 2022.

The Ministry of Public Health has also said the guidelines will be translated into other languages, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Russian.

The ministry also reiterated that while it permits use of cannabis and hemp for medical use, recreational use is still prohibited in Thailand.

“10 Things Tourists Need to Know about Cannabis in Thailand”

1. Carrying seeds or parts of the cannabis plant from and to Thailand for personal purposes is not permitted

2. Cannabis cultivation is legal provided growers register on the Food and Drug Administration’s ‘Plook Ganja’ application or via a government website

3. Using cannabis flower buds for research, export, sale or processing for commercial purposes requires official permit

4. Individuals under 20 years old, pregnant women and breastfeeding women are not allowed to consume cannabis except under the supervision of health professionals

5. Possession of extracts containing more than 0.2 percent THC and synthetic THC requires permission

6. Cannabis contained dishes are only available in authorised restaurants

7. Approved cannabis health products are accessible through specific channels