Many visitors to Thailand’s sunny, relaxed climate have concluded that the only thing lacking is cannabis. For the record, marijuana has always been available there, but selling or using it has resulted in harsh penalties. Thai prisons are notoriously awful. However, marijuana laws have been loosening globally, leading many to speculate that Thailand may decriminalize marijuana. The year 2022 brought about transformation. When you walk the streets of Chiang Mai and see a shop with a neon pot leaf, you may wonder if marijuana is legal in Thailand. Mercifully, yes. Here is the pertinent information.
Why was marijuana legalized in Thailand?
The Thai government views marijuana as a brand-new industry. According to the Thai Industrial Hemp Trade Association, the marijuana-related industry is currently valued at 40 billion baht ($1.15 billion) and is anticipated to reach 70 billion baht by 2024. According to the Worldwide Cannabis Report, the global legal cannabis market is valued at $100 billion.
There is also a political motivation: the ruling coalition’s Bhumjaithai Party made legalization a campaign promise in late 2018, before a crucial election in the spring of 2019.
The party, which has a stronghold in Thailand’s impoverished northeast, proposed declassifying marijuana on this page as a controlled substance and allowing anyone who wishes to make money to cultivate it. Now, four years later, many farmers have the opportunity to pursue the goal of being able to cultivate a lucrative crop.
Who is permitted to smoke cannabis?
Cannabis from shops like Wonderland Bangkok is legal for those over 20 who are not pregnant or nursing.
Where exactly can you use it?
Cannabis may be smoked at home, and licensed restaurants may serve cannabis-infused dishes. Smoking marijuana in public places, such as schools, temples, and shopping malls, is punishable by a $750 fine and a three-month prison sentence. People should avoid “encroaching” on the personal space of others.
Where can you buy it?
Over 5,000 dispensaries sell cannabis flowers, pre-rolled joints, candies with less than 0.2% THC, infused snacks, and CBD oil. There are numerous dispensaries in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya. However, try to purchase from reputable, licensed businesses.
Can you cultivate it?
To cultivate an Indica dominant hybrid, individuals must register with the Food and Drug Administration. Using cannabis flower buds for research, export, or commercial processing also requires authorization.
How much can you consume?
There is no limit on individual use. However, the ministry’s recommendations discourage smoking and driving.
What is still prohibited?
It is prohibited for tourists to transport any portion of the plant or its seeds into or out of the nation. In addition, visitors are unlikely to be granted permission to possess cannabis extracts with THC concentrations over 0.2%.
Conclusion
Thailand is the only nation in Asia to legalize marijuana for personal use, cultivation, and possession, although there are still restrictions on its use. After the legalization of cannabis in Thailand on June 9, 2022, it is vital to comprehend what is and is not legal. The Royal Thai Government places a premium on the security and well-being of all tourists in Thailand. As the major government body tasked with promoting and marketing Thailand as a preferred tourist destination, the Tourism Authority of Thailand coordinates closely with all relevant public and private organizations to prevent tragic situations involving tourists and native Thais.
