Thailand: Cannabis Is Now Prescription-Only — What Travelers Need to Know

Thailand has effectively ended leisure use. Cannabis flowers are re-classified as “controlled herb”; sales are prescription-only (max. 30 days per script). Advertising, online sales and vending machines are banned. Violations can bring up to 1 year in jail or 20,000 THB in fines. The government is also considering returning cannabis to the Narcotics list—further tightening is possible.

The key points in 60 seconds

• Re-classification: Since late June 2025, cannabis flowers are treated as a controlled herb. Sales are medical only and strictly recorded (effective upon publication in the Royal Gazette).
• Prescription required: You can buy only with a doctor’s prescription (including Thai/Chinese traditional medicine practitioners; max. 30 days per script).
• Penalties: Retail sales without a prescription basis: up to 1 year in jail or 20,000 THB fine. Advertising/online/vending are prohibited.
• Public smoking: Treated as a public nuisance under health law. Fines up to 25,000 THB and/or up to 3 months in jail are possible.
• Outlook: Authorities are weighing a full re-criminalization (Narcotics). Details remain in flux.

What this means for travelers

Can I buy without a prescription? No. Shops may sell only to patients with a valid prescription. Many former “recreational” stores are switching to medical dispensing—no script, no legal sale.

Beach/street smoking? No. Public consumption can be prosecuted as a nuisance offense. Tip: If medically prescribed, consume only in private.

What about CBD? Extracts up to 0.2% THC remain generally permitted, but flower is prescription-only. Keep labels and receipts.

Can I bring products in/out? Import/export is tightly regulated. Don’t carry cannabis or products across borders.

Driving after use? Drug-DUI is illegal. Never drive after consumption.

How to access medical cannabis (residents & long-stay visitors)

1. Doctor’s visit (traditional Thai medicine practitioners included) → diagnosis & indication.
2. Prescription stating the exact quantity/duration (max. 30 days).
3. Purchase from licensed medical dispensaries; transactions are recorded.
4. Carry your prescription (photo/copy) and avoid public use.

Prices, availability & the scene

• Many of the previously widespread dispensaries must transition—fewer “recreational” shops, more medical outlets.
• Tourism: Authorities warn about penalties; travel media echo the changes—expect stricter checks.

FAQ

Is possession without a prescription a crime?

The new rules primarily target retail sales, not mere possession. However, without proof of legal purchase—and especially with public use—your risk rises. Don’t chance it.

Can I get a “quick” prescription?

Some outlets reportedly coordinate with nearby clinics. This is legally risky—only a genuine medical indication counts.

What penalties do shops face?

Sales without a prescription basis can bring up to 1 year in jail or a 20,000 THB fine, plus potential license revocation and additional sanctions.

Will full re-criminalization happen?

The government is considering a return to the Narcotics list. Further steps are possible; we’ll update when official.

Legal notice

This guide is for information only and not legal advice. Rules can change quickly; when in doubt, consult official sources (e.g., TAT or Immigration).