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Contents
Introduction
Thailand made global headlines in 2022 by becoming the first Southeast Asian country to decriminalize cannabis, attracting thousands of curious tourists. For a short time, Bangkok and Chiang Mai were filled with dispensaries and cannabis cafés, making Thailand a surprising hotspot for “weed tourism.”
But things have changed dramatically. In 2025, the Thai government reversed course—cannabis is now strictly limited to medical use only, and tourists must beware of severe restrictions. What was once a traveler’s paradise for cannabis enthusiasts can now result in heavy fines, arrest, or even jail time if rules are ignored.
If you’re planning a trip, here’s what every tourist needs to know about the current cannabis laws in Thailand.
The Current Rules
- Medical use only: Cannabis can only be purchased with a valid prescription from a Thai doctor. Tourists are not eligible.
- No public smoking: Lighting up in public areas is illegal and can lead to fines up to 25,000 Baht or 3 months in prison.
- Licensed shops only: Only government-approved dispensaries can sell cannabis products, and they require proper records.
- Restrictions apply: Cannabis cannot be sold to people under 20, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers.
- THC limits: Products with more than 0.2% THC remain tightly controlled.
Where Can You Consume?
Consumption is only legal in private spaces, such as your home or hotel room (with permission). Cafés and restaurants may serve cannabis-infused food or drinks, but these must remain under the 0.2% THC limit. Tourists should beware—smoking on the beach, in a bar, or even outside your hotel could get you in serious trouble.
Can Tourists Buy Cannabis?
The short answer: No. Since 2025, only Thai citizens with medical prescriptions can legally purchase cannabis. Tourists are not allowed to buy or possess it, and attempting to do so from unlicensed vendors puts you at risk of prosecution.
Impact on Tourism Cannabis in Thailand 2025.
Thailand’s brief experiment with cannabis liberalization sparked a booming weed tourism industry, but the government crackdown has left travelers confused and disappointed. Many dispensaries have closed, and foreign visitors are being warned: cannabis is no longer for recreational use.
Final Advice for Tourists
If you’re traveling to Thailand in 2025, beware of outdated information online. What was true in 2022 or 2023 is no longer valid. Cannabis is now medical-only, tightly controlled, and off-limits for tourists. To avoid fines, arrest, or even deportation, enjoy Thailand’s incredible culture, food, and beaches—but leave cannabis out of your travel plans.
