п»їConsuming cannabis in Thailand: what tourists need to know about marijuana rules.
After easing the ban on the recreational drug, Thailand has created a вЂweed Wild West’ with confusing rules. So what are tourists allowed to do?
Rebecca Root in Bangkok.
Mon 9 Jan 2023 19.00 GMT Last modified on Fri 20 Jan 2023 11.46 GMT.
Since the delisting of parts of the marijuana plant as a narcotic last year, cannabis cafes and weed dispensaries have become common in Thailand. But confusing government amendments to the laws and continued debate about what should be permitted has created what has become known as “a weed Wild West” that could land tourists in trouble. “Since legalisation, no one really [knows] whether we have the correct information”, says Kitty Chopaka, an independent cannabis advocate based in Bangkok.
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The ministry of public health has published a new guide, and “as long as tourists follow a set of a few simple rules. there’s nothing to fear”, says Mendel Menachem at cannabis information hub High Thailand. So what is allowed, and what is out of bounds?
Who can consume cannabis?
People older than 20 and who are not pregnant or breastfeeding are legally allowed to consume cannabis.
Where can you consume it?
Smoking it can be done inside an individual’s residence, and cannabis inside food can be consumed at a licensed restaurant. Smoking marijuana in public places such as schools, temples and shopping malls can lead to a 25,000 baht ($750) fine and a three-month prison sentence. As a rule, Chopaka says, people should be aware of not “encroaching” on other people’s space.
Where can you buy it?
There are more than 5,000 weed stores across the country, selling the cannabis flowers, pre-rolled joints, edibles with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) level below 0.2%, infused foods and CBD oil. In cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Pattaya, dispensaries can easily be found. “But try to buy things from reputable, licensed places,” Chopaka says.
Can you grow it?
In order to cultivate cannabis, individuals must register with the country’s Food and Drug Administration. A permit is also needed to use cannabis flower buds for research, export or processing for commercial purposes.