Cannabis culture in Thailand: A new high in lifestyle

[webfact]

Cannabis has woven its way through the fabric of Thai culture for centuries, intertwining with both the spiritual and the everyday. It’s been a journey of highs and lows, from sacred ceremonies in the lush hills of the North to the shadowy corners of prohibition. But you’re stepping into a story far from over; it’s a narrative that’s just finding its second wind.

 

Imagine a Thailand where cannabis isn’t just a plant but a pivotal part of life. From the ancient rituals of indigenous tribes to the bustling streets of Bangkok, cannabis has shaped traditions, medicine, and even cuisine. Now, as the tides of legislation turn, Thailand is on the cusp of rekindling its long-lost green flame, merging age-old customs with the new wave of cannabis culture.

 

Rise of cannabis tourism

In recent years, Thailand has emerged as a significant destination for tourists with a keen interest in the cannabis culture. This transition stems from pivotal legal adjustments and the burgeoning presence of cannabis businesses catering specifically to enthusiasts. Let’s delve into how these changes are shaping the landscape for both locals and tourists.

 

Photo taken by Alesia Kozik

When did Thailand legalize cannabis?

The landmark moment came on June 9, 2022, when Thailand made history by removing cannabis from the Category 5 narcotics list, making it the first country in Asia to do so. This bold step allowed for the cultivation and personal use of cannabis, thus paving the way for a new era in Thai society. The government’s move, aimed at medical purposes, inadvertently stimulated a thriving culture around cannabis, influencing both the local lifestyle and the tourism sector.

 

Is marijuana legal for foreigners in Thailand?

If you’re a foreign visitor intrigued by the cannabis landscape in Thailand, you’re in luck. The decriminalization encompasses both locals and tourists, permitting the legal purchase and consumption of cannabis within the country. However, it’s crucial to be aware of specific cannabis regulations. For instance, individuals under 20, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers are prohibited from using cannabis. Additionally, the sale of cannabis through vending machines or online platforms is not allowed. For a seamless experience, ensuring compliance with these regulations is paramount.

 

Are there weed coffee shops in Thailand?

Yes, following the decriminalization, there has been a noticeable surge in cannabis-themed establishments, particularly cannabis shops and cafes. These trendy spots offer a wide array of cannabis-infused products, from beverages to baked goods, aligning with Thailand’s reputation for culinary innovation. It’s important to note that while these establishments provide a unique cultural experience, they must operate under strict cannabis regulations.

 

Owners of such establishments must obtain a cannabis license, ensuring that their business practices adhere to the legal framework set by the Thai government. This measure is designed to regulate the industry and safeguard consumer interests while allowing the blossoming of a cannabis-infused gastronomy scene.

 

In navigating this evolving landscape, tourists are presented with an unparalleled opportunity to explore the integration of cannabis into Thailand’s rich cultural tapestry. Whether it’s through the lens of medical use, culinary exploration, or simply experiencing the local lifestyle, Thailand’s cannabis culture offers a diverse array of experiences awaiting discovery.

 

by Konain Asif

Photo taken by Washarapol D BinYo Jundang

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-01

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

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[jvs]

Yes it has been part of Thai culture for centuries and legal or not legal people will continue

to use it.

All the doom sayers who made predictions about the total collapse of society have been proved wrong.

Of course there should be some rules about the use of it.

Like the Beatles said :"Let it be".

 

[quake]

Cannabis culture in Thailand.

Skin up.

 

[Cabradelmar]

Thai stick is legendary. Ganja has been part of Thai life way longer than any expat currently living here has been alive. But legalization has been a bit of a curse though. It just made the people who can't handle the truth more annoying.

[bradiston]

I wonder whether they will bring in the recrimilisation bill considering how many businesses opened as a result of decriminalisation. Doesn't it qualify top of the list of soft power attractions? You know, the old lure and skewer game so popular here? Where's Nepobabe when you need her?

[Jiggo]

6 hours ago, jvs said:

Yes it has been part of Thai culture for centuries and legal or not legal people will continue

to use it.

All the doom sayers who made predictions about the total collapse of society have been proved wrong.

Of course there should be some rules about the use of it.

Like the Beatles said :"Let it be".

 

Or Get Back

[sherwood]

Been smoking,eating the stuff for 50 years.

I don't own anything apart from house,land and an old car but I'm happy.

Cue the fabeled reset. Feck em. Leave pot alone and stop demonizing it, my opinion.

[MangoKorat]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

In recent years, Thailand has emerged as a significant destination for tourists with a keen interest in the cannabis culture.

I don't believe that for a minute.  People all over the world smoke weed in their home countries whether its illegal or not.  In many countries where it is illegal, the cops are not interested - they have other fish to fry.  I can't imagine anyone I know wanting to visit Thailand simply to have a joint or two when they're already doing that every day at home.

 

Then there's the question of quality.  Since everyone's jumped on the bandwagon, the only stuff I've seen is total rubbish - especially compared to what's easily available in Europe for example.  Granted the Thai price is far cheaper but much of it is still junk.

 

It must also be considered that strictly speaking, only medicinal use is legal in Thailand.  How long before the BIB realise the opportunities there and start tapping up all the guys on Beach Road happily puffing away?

 

"Doctor's note?" "No officer".........."500 baht!"

 

Beats the hell out of stopping Thai motorbikes and fining the riders 50 baht for not wearing a helmet.

Edited February 1 by MangoKorat

[jvs]

I will ask them as soon as they wake up ok?

[Colabamumbai]

Always good to have a Canadian hand in the dirt in Thailand. 

[Bday Prang]

2 hours ago, MangoKorat said:

It must also be considered that strictly speaking, only medicinal use is legal in Thailand.  How long before the BIB realise the opportunities there and start tapping up all the guys on Beach Road happily puffing away?

                     I agree with the rest of what you wrote but not with the above, the issue of medical / recreational appears to only exist in the minds of a few anti cannabis stalwarts on here and is based purely on something they apparently  heard Anutin say ,   At present despite what  they may wish to think nobody has been prosecuted  for growing buying or smoking cannabis since all this started, there have been a few  rare instances of sellers getting a bit of hassle  for not having the paperwork in order, and that is probably due to rival sellers complaining rather than any crack down by the authorities, currently it is in practice legal, for whatever the reason for its use, 

                      You can't honestly think that the only reason the police are not already " tapping up the guys on beach rd puffing away" is because they haven't cottoned on yet,

to the possibilities to scam people over this?   They are not tapping people up, because they can't  simple as that.  If they could they would,

                       Its not unheard of for the police to extort money out of people , especially foreigners, and  in all sorts of ways, even, for allegedly breaking imaginary non existent laws, common when driving for example, And they are not shy of nabbing tourists for not wearing helmets on motorcycles but they seem to leave the smokers alone

                        Maybe they just didn't hear what Anutin was supposed to have said.       or maybe they know that legally they are powerless and rightly or wrongly  believe that the pot smokers are well aware of this,   Just before the legalization the police were heavily criticised for arresting an old couple with a couple scraggy plants . they were told in no uncertain terms to back off , by some one with authority  ,   looks like the order has not yet been rescinded .  Long may it continue eh?

                           

[Bday Prang]

3 hours ago, bradiston said:

I wonder whether they will bring in the recrimilisation bill considering how many businesses opened as a result of decriminalisation. Doesn't it qualify top of the list of soft power attractions? You know, the old lure and skewer game so popular here? Where's Nepobabe when you need her?

They wouldn't give a $hit about sending a few high street shops or small level farms to the wall,  Things will be totally different for the likes of Anutin or any other high rankers who have probably  invested  a considerable amount they won't losing anything

[StayinThailand2much]

Living the high life in Thailand - with cannabis...

[hotchilli]

19 hours ago, webfact said:

. It’s been a journey of highs and lows,

Since Anutins interference it's been more on the low side.

[Datsun 1200]

It is, and has always been a "medicinal herb" just because the Yanks made it illegal in 1935, mainly to screw with the main users by far, "Black Jazz Musicians" . Then they made "Refer Madness", (listed it as like Schedule one = Heroin etc) and other mega propaganda, and then "forced" other countries to follow.  

The Great Satan strikes again, war mongering Yanks as usual, like a World Cancer really ; (

 

IH

[bradiston]

1 hour ago, Datsun 1200 said:

It is, and has always been a "medicinal herb" just because the Yanks made it illegal in 1935, mainly to screw with the main users by far, "Black Jazz Musicians" . Then they made "Refer Madness", (listed it as like Schedule one = Heroin etc) and other mega propaganda, and then "forced" other countries to follow.  

The Great Satan strikes again, war mongering Yanks as usual, like a World Cancer really ; (

 

IH

Wrong there. Canada was the first to criminalise it in 1923. Your anti US bs has got the better of you. Check it out:

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legality_of_cannabis

 

Seems South America is the best bet for carefree cannibal raisin uptake. Asia the worst.

[Cabradelmar]

And let the work arounds begin... 2000 THB for 1 year... lot more people are now looking into getting medical cannabis cards in anticipation of de-legalization. This was the same thing that happened in the USA when states lagged approving recreational weed. There is no way to put the ganja genie back in the bottle unless they make medical weed illegal as well.

 

https://thai.news/news/thailand/thailands-first-digital-cannabis-card-network

[kiwikeith]

On 2/2/2024 at 12:39 AM, bradiston said:

I wonder whether they will bring in the recrimilisation bill considering how many businesses opened as a result of decriminalisation. Doesn't it qualify top of the list of soft power attractions? You know, the old lure and skewer game so popular here? Where's Nepobabe when you need her?

Does this article mean that tourists don't need a medical to buy ganja,considering that it's supposed to be legal for medical use only??

[daveAustin]

Bit of a fluffy puff piece!

People don’t come here for weed, but it adds to the experience of a laidback Thailand.

 

Only a sham government run by ancient dinosaurs with their own poxy agenda would want to disrupt that.