Is Weed Legal in Thailand? Why Recreational Use Is No Longer Allowed

Thailand’s brief experiment as Southeast Asia’s cannabis tourism hub has come to an abrupt end. What was once a green paradise for cannabis enthusiasts has transformed into a strictly regulated medical-only landscape. Since June 26, 2025, Thailand restricts cannabis flower (buds) sales to medical use, meaning dispensaries may sell buds only to customers with a valid prescription. For travelers and cannabis culture enthusiasts, this dramatic policy reversal represents a critical shift that demands immediate attention. At Herb, we track these global legal evolutions to keep our community informed and safe. Whether you’re planning a trip to Bangkok or simply curious about international cannabis policy, understanding Thailand’s current legal framework is essential.

• Since June 26, 2025, Thailand restricts cannabis flower (buds) sales to medical use: licensed sellers may sell buds only to customers with a valid prescription.
• Prescriptions must be issued by qualified, locally recognized practitioners and use the PT33 form, with supplies generally limited to up to 30 days.
• Retailers face penalties for non-compliance (commonly cited: up to 1 year and THB 20,000 for certain violations), plus strict recordkeeping and sourcing rules.
• Foreign medical cards are not recognized; you must obtain a Thai prescription to purchase legally.
• Public smoking can trigger public-nuisance enforcement (commonly cited: fines up to THB 25,000, and possible jail).
• Cannabis flower (buds) is regulated as a controlled herb and requires prescription-based sales. Cannabis/hemp extracts above 0.2% THC are treated as narcotics under Thai rules.
• Don’t bring cannabis into Thailand: import/export can violate plant quarantine/customs rules, and some cannabis extracts can trigger narcotics penalties.
• Shop-count and closure figures vary by licensing category and timeframe; among licenses expiring in 2025, only about 1,300 reportedly renewed (figures vary by source and licensing category).
• Emergency room visits reportedly spiked, with the majority of reported cases involving foreign tourists.

Thailand’s journey with cannabis legalization has been a dramatic policy pendulum swing. In June 2022, the country made headlines by decriminalizing cannabis, removing it from the narcotics list and creating what many dubbed “Southeast Asia’s Amsterdam.” This led to a booming market with thousands of approved cannabis businesses operating with minimal oversight. Tourists could walk into shops across Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket to purchase cannabis products without any prescription or identification.

However, this period of liberalization was short-lived. Concerns about public health, youth access, and international treaty obligations prompted a swift reversal. On June 26, 2025, the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) issued the Notification on Controlled Herbs (Cannabis) 2025, which effectively ended open recreational retail. Cannabis flower (buds) was classified as a “controlled herb,” requiring a valid prescription for dispensaries to sell cannabis flower to a customer.

The market impact was immediate and severe. Thousands of shops faced closure or renewal pressure under the new regulations. Among licenses expiring in 2025, only about 1,300 reportedly renewed, though figures vary by source and licensing category. The remaining compliant businesses have had to adapt to stringent new requirements, including verifying prescriptions and sourcing exclusively from Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP)-certified growers. This dramatic contraction of the retail market signals Thailand’s commitment to a tightly controlled medical cannabis program, leaving recreational users and tourists with no legal options for purchasing cannabis flower.

The MOPH’s Notification on Controlled Herbs (Cannabis) 2025 (effective June 26, 2025) fundamentally reshaped the legal landscape for cannabis consumers in Thailand. The most significant change is that recreational access via dispensaries is effectively over: cannabis flower is now prescription-only.

Under the new regulatory framework, cannabis flower (buds) is regulated as a controlled herb, and dispensaries may only sell buds to patients with a valid prescription. Separately, cannabis and hemp extracts above 0.2% THC are treated as narcotics under Thai rules.

The only legal pathway to purchase cannabis flower is through a PT33 prescription form, which must be issued by a licensed Thai medical practitioner. This form is valid for a maximum of 30 days and authorizes a 30-day supply of cannabis. The prescription must be based on a legitimate medical diagnosis, effectively eliminating the casual or recreational purchase model that existed previously.

Some low-THC products may be available, but legality depends on product type and Thai FDA rules. Do not assume that products below 0.2% THC are automatically retail-legal without checking the specific product category and applicable regulations. For the average cannabis consumer seeking the traditional psychoactive experience, the prescription-only model for flower represents a fundamental shift.

The new regulations establish clear penalties, primarily targeting sellers and dispensaries:

• Dispensary non-compliance (e.g., selling without verifying a valid prescription, failing to follow recordkeeping rules): Up to 1 year in jail and a THB 20,000 fine (approx. $640 USD, varies by exchange rate)
• Public consumption / public nuisance: Fines up to THB 25,000 (approx. $800 USD, varies by exchange rate), with possible jail time
• Illegal advertising: License suspension or revocation
• Unlicensed operations: Criminal prosecution with variable penalties

Note: Specific penalties for consumer possession without a prescription are not consistently documented across primary legal summaries in the same way as dispensary penalties. Regardless, travelers should treat all cannabis flower as requiring a valid prescription and avoid assuming leniency.

In 2025 alone, authorities filed 7 criminal cases and issued 82 suspensions for various violations, signaling a serious commitment to the new regulatory framework.

Despite the crackdown on recreational access, Thailand’s medical cannabis program remains operational and accessible to those who follow the proper procedures. The system is designed to provide legitimate medical access while preventing diversion to recreational users.

To access medical cannabis legally in Thailand, patients must follow a three-step process:

1. Obtain a Prescription: Consult a licensed Thai medical practitioner (doctor, pharmacist, dentist, or certified traditional medicine practitioner) who can issue a PT33 prescription form. This requires a legitimate medical diagnosis justifying cannabis treatment.
2. Purchase from a Licensed Dispensary: Only buy from dispensaries that verify your prescription and source from GACP-certified growers. Dispensaries must maintain strict recordkeeping and comply with all sourcing rules. Some business models may integrate on-site clinicians, and certain on-premise consumption rules can require medical supervision.
3. Consume Responsibly: Legal consumption is restricted to private residences, licensed medical facilities, or designated treatment areas. Public consumption remains prohibited and carries significant fines.

The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) oversees the certification of both practitioners and growers, ensuring that the medical cannabis supply chain meets quality and safety standards. This integration of traditional Thai medicine with modern cannabis therapeutics reflects Thailand’s unique cultural approach to the plant.

For those seeking to understand the medical cannabis landscape in other regions, Herb’s dispensary directory provides a comprehensive guide to licensed retailers in legal markets, offering a stark contrast to Thailand’s restricted system.

The policy reversal has had a profound impact on Thailand’s tourism industry, which had begun to capitalize on the country’s cannabis-friendly reputation. The “green rush” that saw tourists flocking to Bangkok’s cannabis cafes and Chiang Mai’s weed shops has effectively evaporated.

Before the 2025 regulatory shift, cannabis tourism was a significant economic driver, particularly in major tourist destinations. According to Reuters, Thailand’s cannabis industry was estimated at around $1 billion before the changes. Bangkok alone hosted hundreds of cannabis shops catering specifically to foreign visitors. However, the new regulations have forced a complete industry transformation. Many tourist-focused businesses, unable to meet the new compliance requirements around prescription verification and GACP-certified sourcing, have simply closed their doors.

The remaining dispensaries have shifted to a medical-only model that is less appealing to the casual tourist. The inability to purchase cannabis flower without a Thai medical consultation and prescription has eliminated the convenience that once made Thailand attractive to cannabis travelers.

For foreign visitors, the legal risks are substantial. Thai authorities have reported a spike in emergency room visits related to cannabis use, with the majority of reported cases involving foreign tourists. Many tourists arrive unaware of the law changes, assuming the liberal policies of 2022 to 2025 are still in effect.

Consequences for tourists caught with cannabis can range from fines and confiscation to detention, deportation, and even criminal prosecution. Penalties and enforcement can vary; do not assume leniency. The enforcement approach is increasingly strict, particularly in areas with high tourist traffic. The Thai government has issued warnings to foreign visitors about the updated regulations.

The Thai government’s decision to reverse course on cannabis liberalization was driven by a combination of public health concerns, social issues, and political considerations.

The primary justification for the policy reversal was the emergence of what authorities described as a public health crisis. Emergency room data showed a dramatic increase in cannabis-related incidents, including cases of cannabis-induced psychosis, addiction, and adverse reactions. Many of these reported cases involved foreign tourists who were unfamiliar with proper dosing or consumed products of unknown potency.

Youth access was another major concern. The proliferation of cannabis shops near schools and residential areas raised alarms about the impact on young people. The government argued that the 2022 decriminalization lacked adequate safeguards to prevent underage access or educate users about responsible consumption.

The policy shift also reflected changing political dynamics. A new government elected on a more conservative platform viewed the cannabis liberalization as a failed experiment that damaged Thailand’s international reputation. Concerns about compliance with international drug control treaties, particularly from the United Nations, also influenced the decision.

Culturally, there was growing unease about the transformation of traditional Thai neighborhoods into cannabis tourism zones. Complaints about public smoking, odor, and the general atmosphere in areas with high concentrations of cannabis shops contributed to public support for re-regulation.

For international travelers, Thailand’s cannabis regulatory changes represent a significant shift that requires careful planning and awareness.

Thailand maintains strict enforcement at all points of entry. Do not attempt to bring cannabis products into Thailand: import/export can violate plant quarantine and customs rules, and some cannabis extracts can trigger narcotics penalties.

Even more importantly, travelers should understand that cannabis use in their home country before travel does not exempt them from Thai laws. While past consumption elsewhere won’t be penalized, any possession or use within Thailand will be subject to the current legal framework.

• Assume all cannabis flower requires a prescription: Unless you have a valid Thai medical prescription, treat all cannabis flower as off-limits.
• Research before you travel: Check the latest cannabis laws before your trip, as policies can change rapidly.
• Avoid cannabis-themed tourism: Many businesses still advertise cannabis experiences, but these are now restricted and risky without proper prescriptions.
• Seek medical care if needed: If you experience adverse effects from cannabis, seek medical attention immediately. Thai hospitals are equipped to handle cannabis-related emergencies.

For those interested in cannabis travel in legal markets, Herb’s travel guides provide up-to-date information on destinations where cannabis tourism is still permitted and regulated. You might also explore how other countries handle cannabis policy, such as Spain or Portugal.

The Thai cannabis industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation, with businesses forced to adapt or exit the market entirely.

The dispensaries that have managed to renew their licenses under the new regulations have implemented several key adaptations:

• Prescription verification: Ensuring all sales are backed by valid PT33 prescriptions with rigorous recordkeeping
• Quality control: Sourcing exclusively from GACP-certified farms to ensure product consistency and safety
• Compliance focus: Implementing strict reporting systems to meet government requirements
• Traditional medicine integration: Leveraging Thailand’s rich heritage of traditional healing practices to create unique medical cannabis offerings

Many businesses have also shifted their focus to hemp-derived products that comply with Thai FDA rules for their specific product category, allowing them to maintain some presence in the market while navigating the prescription-only restrictions for cannabis flower.

The long-term outlook for Thailand’s cannabis industry suggests a bifurcated market: a tightly regulated medical sector serving legitimate patients and a separate hemp industry focused on compliant, lower-THC products. The government’s emphasis on quality control, medical oversight, and compliance indicates that this regulatory framework is likely to remain in place for the foreseeable future.

For international cannabis businesses, Thailand’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the volatility of cannabis policy in emerging markets. The rapid shift from liberalization to re-regulation highlights the importance of building flexible business models that can adapt to changing legal landscapes.

To stay informed about global cannabis industry developments and policy changes, readers can subscribe to Herb’s newsletters, which provide bi-weekly updates on the latest trends, legal developments, and market insights.

Thailand’s dramatic policy reversal underscores the importance of staying informed about global cannabis laws. As the world’s cannabis landscape continues to evolve, with some countries moving toward legalization while others tighten restrictions, having a reliable source of accurate, up-to-date information is crucial.

At Herb, we’re committed to providing our community with the knowledge they need to navigate the complex world of cannabis. Our editorial team covers legalization efforts, policy changes, and cultural developments worldwide, ensuring that our readers are always ahead of the curve. Whether you’re interested in the latest strain information, product reviews, or legal updates, Herb’s comprehensive resources are designed to support informed decision-making.

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