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)
- Doctor’s visit (traditional Thai medicine practitioners included) → diagnosis & indication.
- Prescription stating the exact quantity/duration (max. 30 days).
- Purchase from licensed medical dispensaries; transactions are recorded.
- 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).