Is cannabis legal for foreigners in Thailand? Know the rules

[webfact]

Thailand’s stance on cannabis has undergone a significant transformation, making it a hot topic among entrepreneurs and tourists alike. With the plant’s removal from the Category 5 narcotics list on June 9th, 2022, the gates have seemingly opened for a burgeoning cannabis industry. But what does this mean for foreigners looking to partake in or start a cannabis business in this vibrant country?

 

 

The new regulations have sparked interest worldwide, promising opportunities in a market that’s ripe for innovation. However, it’s not a free-for-all; the Thai government has put in place specific measures to ensure the industry thrives responsibly. Foreigners eyeing this green rush must navigate the legalities, from possession limits to cultivation rules.

 

For those considering a cannabis venture in Thailand, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. While the country shows a progressive approach, it’s essential to grasp the nuances of the law to ensure compliance. After all, starting a business in a foreign land comes with its set of challenges, and the cannabis sector is no exception.

 

What are the current cannabis laws?

 

Photo by Matteo Paganelli on Unsplash

Thailand made a significant policy shift on June 9th, 2022, as the government decriminalized cannabis by removing it from the Category 5 narcotics list. This landmark decision permits Thai citizens to cultivate and vend cannabis, exclusively for medical purposes, transforming the industry’s dynamics overnight.

 

Regulatory efforts followed swiftly to ensure controlled growth. Personal use of cannabis is now permissible; however, it’s confined to private spaces. Public consumption remains strictly illegal, reflecting the government’s caution in balancing new freedoms with social responsibility. This decision has spurred the growth of a cannabis market that’s dynamic yet currently operates in a regulatory gray area.

 

Tourists and foreign nationals should note that while the market is in flux, awareness of the existing framework is paramount. The current state of the law is critical to understand:

 

Eligibility for Cannabis Use: Foreigners must adhere to eligibility requirements, including restraint from public consumption and compliance with medical-use regulations.

Who can consume cannabis?

As Thailand emerges as a pioneer in Asia by decriminalizing certain aspects of cannabis, the country has seen a rise in intrigue among locals and foreigners alike. However, it’s crucial to understand that there are specific rules that dictate who can legally consume cannabis in this Southeast Asian nation.

 

 

Where Can You Consume It?

The freedom to consume cannabis in Thailand doesn’t mean it’s permissible everywhere. Private properties are often deemed acceptable for consumption, provided the property owner allows it. Nevertheless, there are places where cannabis enthusiasts must tread carefully. Designated smoking areas in some establishments may permit cannabis use, but consuming cannabis in public spaces is a major taboo, enforced with the risk of fines or imprisonment. It’s also worth noting that cannabis edibles are restricted to consumption within authorized restaurants that align with regulated guidelines.

 

by mahatee niramitrsathit

Photo by Erik Mclean on Pexels

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-23

 

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[stoner]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The new regulations

 

what new regulations ? you mean the proposal that has been drawn up. 

[smedly]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Personal use of cannabis is now permissible; however, it’s confined to private spaces. Public consumption remains strictly illegal

you wouldn't think so in pattaya with foreigners openly smoking it in bars, I don't mind except for the pungent smell

[Tropicalevo]

Interesting that the 'rules' never mention smoking cannabis, just 'consuming' it and only for medicinal reasons.

[NextG]

13 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

Interesting that the 'rules' never mention smoking cannabis, just 'consuming' it and only for medicinal reasons.

Which rules? Interesting in what way? In your imagination?

 

[quake]

It's all going to pot.

Skin up. 

 

[248900_1469958220]

As usual...everything is clear as mud in this country.....looking to invest in Thai lithium anyone? ....Well, at least the roads are safe. 

 

[Tropicalevo]

51 minutes ago, NextG said:

Which rules? Interesting in what way? In your imagination?

 

To help you in your moment of need.

From the heading of the article.

 

Is cannabis legal for foreigners in Thailand? Know the rules

[NextG]

12 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

To help you in your moment of need.

From the heading of the article.

 

Is cannabis legal for foreigners in Thailand? Know the rules

No that we have clarified that…. 
Interesting in what way? In your imagination?

Allow me to help you in your time of need… 

No one is going to be offended by someone putting a drop of oil sublingually. So it goes without saying that they are referring to smokers who might disturb others with the smoke and smell. 
 

Edited January 23 by NextG

[PJ71]

2 hours ago, smedly said:

you wouldn't think so in pattaya with foreigners openly smoking it in bars, I don't mind except for the pungent smell

This may have been a one off if you've actually witnessed this at all, in the weed cafes for sure but i highly doubt you've seen foreigners smoking it openly in bars.

[smedly]

33 minutes ago, PJ71 said:

This may have been a one off if you've actually witnessed this at all, in the weed cafes for sure but i highly doubt you've seen foreigners smoking it openly in bars.

oh yes I have 

[Andrew65]

4 hours ago, smedly said:

you wouldn't think so in pattaya with foreigners openly smoking it in bars, I don't mind except for the pungent smell

I've tried it in the past and quite liked it. However, as you say, it's not a nce smell, very 'sour' and 'pungent'.

 

[BritManToo]

1 hour ago, PJ71 said:

This may have been a one off if you've actually witnessed this at all, in the weed cafes for sure but i highly doubt you've seen foreigners smoking it openly in bars.

Lots of bars encourage it, they even provide ashtrays.

[Trippy]

1 hour ago, PJ71 said:

This may have been a one off if you've actually witnessed this at all, in the weed cafes for sure but i highly doubt you've seen foreigners smoking it openly in bars.

I've smoked weed in bars after asking permission, it's private property. 

[Kenny Boy]

1 hour ago, PJ71 said:

This may have been a one off if you've actually witnessed this at all, in the weed cafes for sure but i highly doubt you've seen foreigners smoking it openly in bars.

See people smoking it in bars all the time in Pattaya, even the staff sometimes.

Some bars have signs saying ‘weed friendly’

[JackGats]

Edibles only in restaurants? That's new. Smokables only in smokeries then.

[bamnutsak]

I think the "rule" translates as something like "Smoking cannabis in public where it is a nuisance, is prohibited."

 

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016662

[Seppius]

I always ask in a bar if it's OK, most don't seem to mind these days, except clubs

[BritScot]

21 minutes ago, Andrew65 said:

I've tried it in the past and quite liked it. However, as you say, it's not a nce smell, very 'sour' and 'pungent'.

 

I've not smoked in 40 years and still disagree with the smoking ban in pubs but then again I do like the smell of the green leaf, and the smell of a 2 stroke motorbike engine.....

[Andrew65]

3 minutes ago, BritScot said:

I've not smoked in 40 years and still disagree with the smoking ban in pubs but then again I do like the smell of the green leaf, and the smell of a 2 stroke motorbike engine.....

I gave up smoking cigarettes 3 years ago (smoked for 44 years), after returning to the UK in 2018  from 20 years living in Thailand. What was my biggest motivation to give up? The cost. I can't afford £400 a month for cigarettes, plain & simple.

[ABCDBKK]

The retail cannabis scene catering to foreign tourists in Thailand has to have some of the highest prices in the world for sub-par looking weed and with average THC levels. Grade-B looking buds for 700 Baht (US$20) a gram (being pawned off as high-end flower) is very common place. The shops are often large and nicely designed, and with big investments made to induce a high quality looking presentation, but the product itself is often far less inspiring. 

[Trippy]

3 minutes ago, ABCDBKK said:

The retail cannabis scene catering to foreign tourists in Thailand has to have some of the highest prices in the world for sub-par looking weed and with average THC levels. Grade-B looking buds for 700 Baht (US$20) a gram (being pawned off as high-end flower) is very common place. The shops are often large and nicely designed, and with big investments made to induce a high quality looking presentation, but the product itself is often far less inspiring. 

You're just going to the wrong shops.

Edited January 23 by Trippy

[ABCDBKK]

2 minutes ago, Trippy said:

You're just going to the wrong shops.

Have never gone to any of the shops. 

[Trippy]

8 minutes ago, ABCDBKK said:

The retail cannabis scene catering to foreign tourists in Thailand has to have some of the highest prices in the world for sub-par looking weed and with average THC levels. Grade-B looking buds for 700 Baht (US$20) a gram (being pawned off as high-end flower) is very common place. The shops are often large and nicely designed, and with big investments made to induce a high quality looking presentation, but the product itself is often far less inspiring. 

 

1 minute ago, ABCDBKK said:

Have never gone to any of the shops. 

Then who wrote your post, chatgpt?

[bamnutsak]

2 minutes ago, ABCDBKK said:

Have never gone to any of the shops. 

 

 

But that didn't stop you from offering your "expert" review of one or more shops.

 

10 minutes ago, ABCDBKK said:

The retail cannabis scene catering to foreign tourists in Thailand has to have some of the highest prices in the world for sub-par looking weed and with average THC levels. Grade-B looking buds for 700 Baht (US$20) a gram (being pawned off as high-end flower) is very common place. The shops are often large and nicely designed, and with big investments made to induce a high quality looking presentation, but the product itself is often far less inspiring. 

 

 

Very odd.

[hotchilli]

7 hours ago, stoner said:

 

what new regulations ? you mean the proposal that has been drawn up. 

And Anutin will challenge.

[Hokeus]

14 minutes ago, ABCDBKK said:

The retail cannabis scene catering to foreign tourists in Thailand has to have some of the highest prices in the world for sub-par looking weed and with average THC levels. Grade-B looking buds for 700 Baht (US$20) a gram (being pawned off as high-end flower) is very common place. The shops are often large and nicely designed, and with big investments made to induce a high quality looking presentation, but the product itself is often far less inspiring. 

Personally I much prefer all the LINE App shops passing off bunk Thai-brick-weed as Grade-A/30%-THC high quality bud, but at only 5% of the price of the tourist high-street fleecers. 😂

[PJ71]

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

Lots of bars encourage it, they even provide ashtrays.

Wow, i'm surprised at that.

 

I'm not in the bars much but have never experienced it when i have been.

 

 

[EVENKEEL]

2 hours ago, PJ71 said:

This may have been a one off if you've actually witnessed this at all, in the weed cafes for sure but i highly doubt you've seen foreigners smoking it openly in bars.

Oh please, I know one bar owner who has to chase away weed smokers to somewhere more discrete.

[arick]

The marijuana plants in this country are dead as a doorknob I don't think there's any TCH in any of them.

You could smoke the whole crop and nothing would happen to you could still walk in a straight line wouldn't even feel anything. 

 

 

Edited January 23 by arick