Thailand's cannabis landscape has undergone dramatic changes since 2022. After becoming the first Asian country to decriminalize cannabis, Thailand reversed course in June 2025, re-criminalizing recreational use while maintaining a medical-only framework. This guide explains exactly what's legal, what's not, and what foreigners need to know.
The regulatory environment remains fragmented, with pending legislation expected to create a unified cannabis law. Until then, the rules described here represent the current enforcement reality as of December 2025.
Current Legal Status (December 2025)
The June 2025 Regulatory Change
On June 25, 2025, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin introduced new regulations that took effect the following day. These regulations classified the cannabis flower (buds) as a controlled herb under the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medicine Knowledge Act B.E. 2542 (1999).
This classification is important: cannabis flowers are NOT reclassified as a narcotic under the Narcotic Act. Instead, they're regulated under the traditional medicine framework, which has different (and generally less severe) penalties than narcotics violations.
Critical Point for Tourists
Many tourists arrive in Thailand expecting cannabis to be legal based on 2022-2024 news coverage. This is no longer accurate. Recreational use has been re-criminalized. Purchasing from dispensaries without a prescription, consuming in public, or buying from unlicensed vendors can result in fines up to 25,000 THB and imprisonment up to 3 months.
Timeline: 2022 Decriminalization to 2025 Re-Criminalization
The Cannabis Regulatory Whiplash
Medical Cannabis Legalized First in SE Asia
Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to legalize medical cannabis, allowing use under strict medical supervision.
Full Decriminalization First in Asia
Thailand's FDA removed cannabis from the narcotics list. Possession, cultivation, distribution, and consumption all became legal. The government announced distribution of one million free cannabis plants to households.
Rapid Industry Growth Gray Area
Over 18,000 cannabis stores opened across Thailand. Industry valued at over $1 billion. Dispensaries operated in a legal gray area - technically medical-only but rarely enforcing prescription requirements.
Draft Restrictions Published Warning Signs
First draft of new restrictions released, signaling government intent to tighten regulations.
Comprehensive Bill Proposed Tightening
Ministry of Public Health proposed comprehensive bill to regulate cultivation, production, import, export, sale, and advertisement.
Re-Criminalization Major Change
Political crisis led to regulatory overhaul. Cannabis flower classified as controlled herb. Recreational sales banned; medical prescription required. Cannabis tourism explicitly prohibited.
Political Irony Uncertain Future
Anutin Charnvirakul (the "Cannabis King" who pushed for 2022 decriminalization) became Thailand's 32nd Prime Minister. Raises questions about potential future policy changes.
Current Status Enforcement Active
Hybrid regulatory framework combining medical-use system with 2022-2024 legacy rules. Enforcement increased in tourist areas.
What Tourists CAN and CANNOT Do
The following lists clarify exactly what activities are permitted and prohibited for tourists and foreigners in Thailand as of December 2025.
What You CAN Do
- Obtain medical cannabis with a valid Thai prescription from a licensed Thai practitioner
- Purchase CBD products containing less than 0.2% THC from licensed retailers
- Consume prescribed medical cannabis in private spaces only
- Visit licensed clinics to discuss medical cannabis options (some serve foreigners)
What You CANNOT Do
- Purchase cannabis buds without a valid Thai prescription
- Consume cannabis recreationally (even in private)
- Consume cannabis in any public space
- Bring cannabis into Thailand (even with a foreign prescription)
- Take cannabis out of Thailand (under any circumstances)
- Purchase from unlicensed street vendors
- Use foreign medical marijuana cards or prescriptions
- Smoke near schools, temples, or religious sites
Foreign Prescriptions Are NOT Valid
Your medical marijuana card from California, Canada, or any other jurisdiction has no legal effect in Thailand. You cannot bring cannabis from your home country, even with a valid foreign prescription. You must obtain a new prescription from a licensed Thai practitioner.
Penalties for Recreational Use
Violations of Thailand's cannabis laws can result in significant penalties. The severity depends on the nature of the offense and the circumstances.
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Public consumption | Fine up to 25,000 THB + up to 3 months imprisonment |
| Unlicensed possession | Up to 1 year imprisonment + 20,000 THB fine |
| Illegal sales (unlicensed) | Criminal prosecution, business closure, potential blacklisting |
| Import (smuggling) | Immediate seizure and criminal prosecution |
| Export (any amount) | Strictly illegal - severe penalties including imprisonment |
| Consumption near schools/temples | Enhanced penalties - enforcement prioritized |
Important Legal Context
Ignorance of the law is never accepted as a defense in Thai courts. The fact that cannabis was legal in 2022-2024 does not protect you from prosecution for violations after June 2025. Police are especially vigilant in tourist areas.
Dispensary Status in 2025
The status of Thailand's thousands of cannabis dispensaries remains complex. Here's what you need to know:
Licensed Dispensaries
- Still operating: Many licensed dispensaries continue to operate under the new medical-only framework
- Prescription required: All sales of cannabis buds now require a valid Thai prescription
- Verification: Legitimate dispensaries will verify your prescription before selling
- CBD products: Can be sold without prescription if they contain less than 0.2% THC
Unlicensed Vendors
- Still visible: Many unlicensed vendors continue to operate, especially in tourist areas
- Buyer beware: Purchasing from unlicensed vendors is illegal
- No protection: If you're caught buying from unlicensed vendors, you face prosecution
- Product safety: Unlicensed products have no quality control
High-Risk Tourist Scenarios
Police in tourist areas are aware that many visitors expect cannabis to be legal. Street vendors who openly display cannabis products may be operating illegally. Just because something is openly sold does not mean it's legal. You bear full legal responsibility for your purchases.
The Pending Cannabis & Hemp Act
Thailand's cannabis regulations remain fragmented because comprehensive legislation has not yet passed. The Cannabis & Hemp Act, under review since 2024, would create a unified regulatory framework.
Expected Provisions
- Cannabis Control Board (CCB): New governing body to oversee the entire industry
- Unified Licensing System: Single authority for all cannabis-related permits
- Clear Definitions: Harmonized rules and terminology
- Complete Penalty Structure: Standardized consequences for violations
Current Regulatory Gaps
Until the Cannabis & Hemp Act passes, the following issues persist:
- No single cannabis law - fragmented ministerial directives
- No unified licensing authority - multiple agencies involved
- Inconsistent enforcement - varies by location and circumstance
- Legal ambiguity in edge cases
Recommendations for Foreigners
Given the current regulatory environment, here are practical recommendations for tourists and expats:
- Verify current laws before traveling: Regulations can change rapidly. Check with the Thai embassy or official sources before your trip.
- Never possess cannabis without a valid Thai prescription: Foreign prescriptions have no legal effect.
- Keep all documentation: If you legally obtain medical cannabis, keep your prescription and receipts on hand at all times.
- Consume only in private spaces: Even with a valid prescription, public consumption is prohibited.
- Never attempt to transport cannabis: Do not bring cannabis into or out of Thailand under any circumstances.
- Avoid unlicensed vendors: Just because something is openly sold does not make it legal.
- Stay updated: The regulatory landscape is evolving. Monitor Thai government announcements.
If You Need Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis remains legal in Thailand. If you have a legitimate medical need, see our guide on how foreigners can access medical cannabis in Thailand. Licensed clinics in Bangkok, Phuket, and other cities can evaluate your condition and issue valid prescriptions.
Related Cannabis Guides
Key Takeaways
- Recreational cannabis is ILLEGAL as of June 2025
- Medical cannabis remains LEGAL with a valid Thai prescription
- CBD products (under 0.2% THC) are legal with restrictions
- Public consumption is prohibited in all cases
- Import and export are strictly prohibited
- Foreign prescriptions are not recognized
- Penalties can include fines up to 25,000 THB and imprisonment
- Enforcement is active especially in tourist areas
Thailand's cannabis experiment from 2022-2024 attracted global attention, but the regulatory pendulum has swung back toward restriction. While the framework is less punitive than full narcotic classification, recreational use is no longer permitted. Foreigners should exercise extreme caution and not assume that past rules still apply.