Thailand WeedMaps - Cannabis Dispensaries - Thai Weed Map of Thailand: shop

Showing posts with label shop. Show all posts

An Expat’s Guide to Cannabis in Thailand

In Thailand, we call marijuana gan-chaa (กัญชา), derived from the original Sanskrit term ganja, a favored synonym for the Devil’s lettuce in many countries around the world and an easy one to remember.

It is hard to believe that as this article in being published, Thailand has had legal weed for exactly eight days and yet there are already a few legal dispensaries open (and selling out of stock), there has already been a major 2-day weed-themed festival, and cafes, restaurants, and bars are already cashing in on the trend by selling THC-laden products along with more innocuous CBD and hemp offerings for various health benefits. Yes, you can get high legally in Thailand now but it is important to know the laws so you do not cross a line that could get you in trouble.

Mary Jane was first approved for medical use with a certificate back in 2018 and rumors quickly spread that full decriminalization would soon follow.

On the 8th of May, 2022, in an unprecedented move, Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand’s minister of health, announced that the government would distribute one million free cannabis plants to Thai citizens. People across the country signed up and received their baby plants to help them begin to grow and cultivate ganja at home for personal use. Finally, on June 9th of 2022, marijuana leaves and flowers (of any potency) were completely removed from the narcotics list.

Another step in the right direction happened almost immediately when Thailand announced they would release prisoners serving time for cannabis related offenses. Prisons were surveyed and viable candidates were elected. At the time of writing, 3,071 men and women were freed from behind bars.

On the 17th of June, 2022, Thailand woke up to the news that a new law was to be passed which requires all companies selling cannabis must have a medical licence. The actual wording of the bill sets the 20-year age minimum for buying cannabis and states it is not for use by or sale to pregnant women. The bit about prescriptions went under under debate, but after a few days of panic, dispensaries went back to business as usual.

In some more surprising news, Airports of Thailand’s Security Department reported that there was no law against people of legal age flying domestically with cannabis. Though, we personally probably won’t be risking that situation any time soon.

At the time of writing, the Cannabis and Hemp Act of Thailand is still in draft form. As Thailand leans into this cash crop and tourism magnet, things can still change and new laws and restrictions might still come into play. Keep up to date on the current situation, that is your responsibility as a visitor in Thailand.

Are You SURE Pot is Legal?

Yes. We are sure. In the beginning, it was thought that there would be a tonne of loopholes for the police to bust you with your doobie. People predicted that the laws would lack transparency, that you would need permission, that it would only include low THC level cannabis-adjacent products. But, when the big day finally came, Thailand was shockingly transparent with the laws and they were far more favorable to stoners than people expected. But there are still limits. Be informed.

Are You SURE these Laws Apply to Expats and Tourists?

Yes. We are sure. You are subject to the exact same laws surrounding marijuana in Thailand as Thai citizens, with the exception of various restrictions about applying for import export licenses (see below). Be warned though, that you can’t just become a weed dealer. The regular laws that apply to your job in relation to the type of visa you hold still apply. If you work in Thailand, you must hold a legal Thai visa and work permit for the job you are doing. Please don’t think you can sling herb on the side of your English teaching gig.

Why The Mixed Messages?

Basically, the international media has gotten a lot wrong about the Thai laws. Many reputable sites have consistently said that the weed we are allowed to buy now is not potent, that it is low in THC and not the primo kush we were hoping for. The reality is that NO new law has yet been written. The only thing that happened is that cannabis was taken off the narcotics list. This means that things are still up in the air as the government eventually pases new bills to regulate its use.

People under the age of 20 are not allowed to buy or use it (same as alcohol in Thailand). Officially, extracts are STILL on the narcotics list, so they are still illegal. But weed itself; flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds have no restrictions at all on them. No one is yet regulating weed potency and you can easily buy very strong sticky icky all over the country right now.

Learn The Laws

Don’t just believe us though, read for yourself and stay up to date on the changing situation. Here are the exact words according to Thai law at the time of writing.

Laws About Category V Narcotics

The most relevant law is the law which states what drugs are still “category 5” narcoticsaccording to the Thai Ministry of Health. It is in Thai and the Thai wording is the only legal authority. But the gist of it is that extracts from all parts of cannabis or hemp plants are category 5 narcotic if they contain THC levels over 0.2% by weight.

This means that extracts like oils, tinctures, and resins are totally illegal if they have pretty much any THC in them (remember that high-quality kush these days has up to 20% or even 30% THC).

Non-potent CBD products are acceptable. Products which promote sound sleep and tout pain-relieving qualities are okay, but the law specifies domestic products only, meaning nothing imported is legal at all. Thailand wants the profits that come with legalized ganja to stay in Thailand.

Laws About Edibles

Sadly, the less-than-0.2-percent rule applies to edibles. The process of extracting the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) cannabinoids from the plant and infusing them into food and beverages qualifies as creating an extract.

This seems to be a contradiction to what people in Thailand are seeing in the market right now. Everywhere you look, shops are popping up specializing in weed snacks, ads on our social media are trying to sell us cannabis candies, even chain restaurants are cashing in, serving ganja on their pizzas! So what is that about?

Laws About Vaping

Also important to note that vaping is illegal in Thailand. And not just for the wacky tobacky. As vaping is a relatively new practice, the law which pertains to e-cigarettes is section 20 of the Customs Act of Thailand. It prohibits the importation of e-cigarettes and vapes, meaning if you are using one, you must have illegally imported it. If you are caught with one, the fine is up to 30,000 Baht and a possible jail sentence of up to 10 years.

Vaping weed will give the police the opportunity to double down on your punishment. Illegal possession of mariguana extracts over 0.2% could be up to 5 years in prison and a fine up to 100,000 Baht. Please obey the Thai laws.

Law Regarding Importation of Marijuana

Section 26 of Chapter 2 of the Thailand Narcotics act of 1979 is still relevant to the importation of marijuana extracts. This law states that no person shall produce, dispose of, import, export or possess narcotics of category IV or category V. Please do not try to bring edibles, oils, or any other cannabis product into Thailand from abroad.

There are certain conditions under which a Thai citizen can request a license to produce, import, export, dispose of, or possess narcotic substances under the category 5 narcotics list. But the licenses are tightly controlled and not a viable option for a foreigner in Thailand.

Laws About Growing Marijuana

Thai authorities are encouraging people to grow their own plants at home, they are even giving them away to Thai citizens. Their official reason for doing this is to encourage people to use their homegrown marijuana for personal use to treat various health conditions. This is the official line, and this is why some people have been suspicious. Some of the things the government representatives have said publicly seem to condemn smoking for fun.

Laws About Smoking Bud

You can smoke weed in private places anywhere in Thailand. This means your home or designated spots like bars and cafes that have made a “private” space for smoking weed. BUT you may not smoke in public places.

While there is no official law about this right now, police are ready to implement the law of public nuisance to clamp down on public blazers. The fine for this crime is up to 25,000 baht and/or three months in jail. Even the famously diligent Thonglor police made a public statement that they would not bother people possessing, buying, or selling weed. Just be cool, man. Smoke inconspicuously.

Laws About Medical Marijuana

The FDA in Thailand approved all hospitals of the Public Health Ministry to prescribe medical marijuana. On top of this, at least 25 specialist cannabis clinics were set up in 2020 to treat people in Thailand. So, if you have one of the approved conditions such as chronic pain, migraines, or insomnia and you talk to your doctor, you could score all kinds of oils and products that are technically not available to the public. Just keep your medical marijuana card on you at all times.

Laws About Driving or Riding Stoned

Common sense should tell us not to go around operating heavy machinery, cars, motorcycles, or anything else while high. But people still do these things, so let us reiterate that just because you are allowed to be high DOES NOT mean that you are allowed to partake in reckless endangerment. Just because the Thai law specifically relating to weed and driving has not been written, does not mean it is legal.

Other laws exist to cover your behavior if you are being irresponsible. Section 43 of the Land Traffic Act of 1979 states that a driver can’t operate a vehicle if they are incompetent to drive or if they drive with carelessness or recklessness. Just don’t imbibe and drive.

The Good Stuff – Where Do We Get It?

Okay, now that you are all brushed up on what you can and can’t do, how do you get your hands on some of that rockin’ reefer?

There are new shops popping up every minute in Thailand. There are several major dispensaries in Bangkok and just today there was a pop-up shop in the Market Village Huahin Mall on the ground floor, right there between Stabucks and Auntie Anne’s Pretzels were a dozen huge jars full of dank nuggets being openly sniffed and sold with names like Sky Walker, Godfather, Kalifah Kush, and Mobi Dick.

Other than in person shops, there are also a whole bunch of Line and Facebook shops for you to choose from, though we can’t speak to the legalities of these shops, whether they are licenced businesses or just people selling on the side is unknown, but until the laws are rewritten no one seems to care. Everyone is jumping on the bandwagon as fast as they can.

Shops & Dispensaries

Here are a few places you can shop in-person for all of your weedy needs:

Highland Café is the most prominent spot right now. The folks there are heavily involved in the market and one of the main organizers of the recent cannabis festival near Bangkok.

420 Cannabis Bar has several locationsand some very interesting products. Cannabis fried chicken anyone?

The Dispensary by Taratera is the most high-tech (no pun intended) cannabis operation with loads of science behind their goods.

Sukhumweed Dispensary got a lot of attention on opening day and sold out to long lines around the block, but we hear they have quickly restocked most products.

Leaf Cannabis Cafe has been around for a while selling non-THC products in preparation for the boom. They are now ready to serve more than leafy tea.

Chopaka is the brand new space full of fun accessories and bud from Thailand’s queen of Cannabis Kitty Chopaka.
Sensii is the latest dispensary to pop up in Bangkok, conveniently located inside the Tortilla Quemada restaurant so you can feed your munchies with tacos conveniently.
Candyland is the place to go if you are in Thailand’s coastal playground of Pattaya!

Online Shops

Here are a few options for those lazy days when you need your high delivered:

Bloom Asia was one of the first to go public about marijuana in Thailand. They sell a range of THC and CBD products online.

Candy After Dark is happy to send their kushy products right to your home with free delivery if you live near Chiang Mai.

Line Shopping. If you have a Line account (everyone in Thailand should) then you can simply put key words like “kush” into the search bar and get excited by the amazing selection of choice.

Strains, Varieties, Potency, and Prices

Cannabaceae is the family of plants, then cannabis indica and cannabis sativa are the two main subspecies of plants, hybrid is named as such because it is a new strain created by combining both indica and sativa. These are the three main cannabis strains available in Thailand.

In general indica is said to give a more relaxed and mellow effect, and sativa is said to be more energizing for daytime use with hybrid types being anywhere in the middle.

The thing is, these plants have been subject to so much crossbreeding, cultivation techniques and hybridization that the lines are becoming less clear. Cannabis experts are starting to see no difference between some strains and naming new varieties is becoming a bit of a branding exercise more than anything else.

The names of varieties are endless and reading them can sound like the menu for a delicious ice cream shop: Bubblegum, Orange Cream, Cherry Bomb, Girl Scout Cookies, Grape Diamond, Gelato, Truffletini, Mandarin Cookies, Sage n’ Sour, and Strawberry Banana Cream just for a few examples. There are at least 700 of them around the world. Each one has been created to give the user slightly different experiences.

There is no real way to know how weed will affect you, your mood and surroundings as well as what else you have consumed, and even the people near you will affect your experience, someone might feel sleepy on sleepy on sativa, another might feel energized on indica, the best way to figure out what you like is to try a bit for yourself.

In Thailand, quality buds are going for 400 THB to 650 THB per gram on average, and you certainly get what you pay for when it comes to the ganja.

Now, on to You

This is just the beginning for cannabis in Thailand. The news is changing daily, people are very excited and some are getting a bit carried away. When you suddenly remove all restrictions in a country that has had very strict drug laws for an eternity, there is going to be a settling-in phase.

As the first couple of days of decriminalization passed, Thailand saw kids who ate too many edibles freaking out and checking themselves into hospitals, scaremongering began, rumors of immediate restrictions being enforced popped up in the news and were refuted hours later by someone higher up. This is normal, and we will still have to wait and see where Thailand will land when all the new laws are in place.

But for now, as of mid June 2022, you can come to Thailand, blaze up a jazz cigarette, rip bongs, pass the dutch, and enjoy your 420 moment… or should we rephrase “420” to better represent Thailand’s special day? Yes! Henceforth, “96ing” is the new euphemism for the good herb in The Land of Smiles!

THE WAR FOR WEED IN THAILAND

Korat, Thailand —

For three years, Lek secretly cultivated her cannabis plants in rural northeastern Thailand, still afraid of arrest by authorities wielding tough drug penalties despite the promises of a gradual loosening of the law.

On June 9, cannabis was effectively decriminalized and she finally emerged from the underground weed scene to become a legitimate grower, part of an army of newcomers to the most-hyped market in Thailand.

“We’re in a ‘vacuum period’ so anyone can practically do anything for now,” said Lek 34, whose full name is Piyatida Jantra, as she prunes her 100 or so plants in Korat.

The area is the gateway to Isaan, a region of rice and sugar farmers facing plummeting prices for their staples and in desperate need of a new cash crop.

Thailand is the first Southeast Asian country to take such liberalizing steps, recognizing the medicinal — and economic — benefits the plant may bring.

The country’s journey toward becoming a paradise for cannabis consumers and entrepreneurs is unexpected in a kingdom where successive governments have taken a zero-tolerance attitude toward drugs.

The change began with a 2019 election pledge by Anutin Charnvirakul, a connected billionaire with big political ambitions, who promised to unlock the law to help farmers in the Isaan area with a new cash crop primarily for the medicinal market.

Entrepreneurs learn how to grow cannabis plants at a cannabis farm in Chonburi province, eastern Thailand on June 5, 2022.

Isaan is the most highly populated part of Thailand and will be crucial in securing votes in the next general election, scheduled in the first quarter next year.

Turning on the tap to billions of dollars of new potential revenue also was warmly welcomed by the monopolies that dominate the Thai economy — and backed by the army-linked government, in which Anutin serves as health minister.

Major corporations and rich private investors got ahead of the law, buying up vast plantations to grow cannabis in the best soils across the north and northeast, and establishing factories to extract premium CBD oil.

That left them in a position to seize market share when last month’s decriminalization made it legal to grow, trade and use all cannabis products, from the leaves and stems to the bud.

Legally restricted for medicine or food

Currently, cannabis is in theory restricted to use in medicine or in food and must contain less than 0.2 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that creates the “high.”

In practice, it is a legal gray area that has ruled out prosecutions under drug laws; there is currently not even a minimum legal age to buy or sell it.

A cannabis bill is due in the coming months to detail exactly what can and can’t be done.

For smallholders like Lek, there are fears it will be written with the interests of large corporations in mind, rather than homespun businesses like hers.

“The government needs to go all the way … where every household can grow their own, no more controls,” she told VOA News.

“But once the law is passed, I guarantee you there’s only going to be one big group of capitalists who will gain.”

'Amsterdam of Asia'

At present, cannabis chaos pervades the kingdom: Tourists are openly smoking joints on the famous Khao San Road in Bangkok, while some Thais have appeared on TikTok videos seemingly unable to move after eating marijuana brownies. The government has urged cannabis growers and users to be responsible and discreet.

“The main goal of weed legalization is still for medicinal benefits, to boost the economy and wellness,” the prime minister’s spokesperson told reporters on June 29.

“We ask that everyone cooperates during this vacuum period until the official law is passed.”

Weed aficionados are celebrating a law change allowing a long-hidden culture into the light. It’s also stirring a major market opportunity and research into the benefits of a plant found native in Thailand for centuries.

FILE - People smoke weed to celebrate the legalization of cannabis at the Thailand: 420 Legalaew! weekend festival hosted by Highland in Nakhon Pathom province on June 11, 2022.

“Everyone will have their own space within this industry,” said Chokwan “Kitty” Chopaka, an advocate and entrepreneur who has been bombarded by inquiries since opening her dispensary in downtown Bangkok a couple of days after it became legal.

“It’s not just growers, sellers and consumers … we still also need researchers, accountants, marketeers, product photographers.”

Other industry insiders say there is no rolling back the law.

One of those is Siriya Thepcharoen, based at Siam Cannabis Land in Chonburi, eastern Thailand, which includes a museum, vast underground laboratories growing weed strains like “White Widow” and a plantation. She said the mission of her company, NUSA CSR, is to help make Thailand the global hub for medicinal marijuana use.

“We are targeting medical tourists with certain conditions like insomnia, stress, Alzheimer’s, and for the elderly who also want to come to Thailand for R&R,” she told VOA.

“But we will also target young people who may travel here for recreation, seeing Thailand as the ‘Amsterdam of Asia.’”

THAILAND NEWS

Days and Their Corresponding Colors in Thailand

Did you know that in Thailand each day of the week is associated with a different color? Wearing the correct color on the correct day is said to be lucky, but there’s more to it than that. This part of Thai culture is influenced by Hindu mythology

Renting an Apartment in Thailand: The Ultimate Guide

Renting an apartment in Thailand is an exciting prospect. But before you start your search for the perfect condo, you’ll want to read up on how the process differs from renting in your home country. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know, from pricing to lease contracts to deposits to utility bills…Read More

The Boiler Rooms of Thailand – How to Avoid Investment Scams

A fool and his money are soon parted, as the saying goes. But it’s not just fools that have lost their savings in Thailand to fraudsters; it’s people like you and me. The worst thing about it is, the scammers are usually our fellow countrymen – hailing from the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, US,

Retiring In Thailand? Here’s the Most Useful Guide Ever Compiled

If you’re planning on retiring in Thailand, there’s a bunch of things you need to consider, some of which you probably haven’t yet thought of. And that’s the purpose of this post; a checklist of sorts to make sure you have everything covered. First we will look at where to live and the pros and cons

Naughty Nightlife in Thailand: A Tourist’s Guide to Bars, Girls & Pay for Play

It’s no secret that hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to Thailand each year for the naughty nightlife. This has given Thailand a reputation as a “sex tourism” destination, which is a little unfair, since it is just a small part of Thailand and, while somewhat unique in its delivery

How to Lease Land in Thailand: A Foreigner’s Guide to the Law

A lease agreement in Thailand enables a foreigner to maintain a long term interest in the country through land. Lease permitting, a house can be constructed on the land and registered in the foreigner’s name. A lease arrangement is suited to a number of situations, including: Someone who wants to retire in Thailand

A List of Prohibited Jobs for Foreigners in Thailand

I often get asked about job opportunities in Thailand for specific industries, and “Can I move to Thailand and work as a [enter job here]. The answer is usually no – because Thailand prohibits foreign nationals from working in many areas of industry. The large majority of the restricted positions are trades

Cannabis Law in Thailand: A Guide to Growing & Smoking Marijuana

Thailand’s Marijuana laws have evolved dramatically in recent times. What was once considered an illegal drug, unsafe for society, is now legal, mostly. Thailand approved the decriminalization of cannabis, agreeing that the Health Ministry drop cannabis from its list of controlled drugs. Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed an announcement removing the drug from Category 5

Motorbike Safety in Thailand: 12 Must Follow Holiday Tips

Many travelers, and those relocating to Thailand, don’t give riding a motorbike a second thought until they arrive and realize it’s the easiest and cheapest way to get around. Suddenly, without having planned it, you find yourself out on the open road on a machine you have zero experience of operating.

40 Easy Isaan Words & Phrases You Can Learn Today

Isaan refers to Thailand’s northeastern region, the largest area of Thailand. The word is also sometimes spelt Isan or Esarn. The reason for its separate identity is a history of war and people displacement. Without delving too far into the history here, see Wikipedia for that

How Much Does it Cost to Holiday in Thailand?

It’s always a difficult question to answer because a holiday in Thailand can be as cheap or expensive as you like. I suppose this can be said for most countries, but Thailand is different. It really is an all-budget country.

Thailand Airport Taxi Guide: Pricing for Fares to Your Hotel

One of your first considerations when arriving in Thailand will be; “how do I get from the airport to my hotel”? It sounds simple enough, but depending on where you arrive, the options and pricing will differ. In this article, I cover a few of the most popular holiday destinations, so that you’ll know what

A Guide to Thai Spirit Houses

Spirit houses are common in Thailand and no doubt you’ve seen them outside homes, hotels, malls and even on farmland. But what are these spirit houses and why do people have them? Ask a Thai and the answer you’re likely to get will be something along the lines of “to keep the ghosts happy”

The Thailand Pass Guide – Your Questions Answered

Thailand has a new system for entering the country called the Thailand Pass. It is a free, web-based system that manages your entry to Thailand. Regardless of your visa status or nationality (except Thais), you will need a Pass. The Pass is required for both air and land border entry. The requirements for entry

A Renter’s Guide to Deposits & Conflict Avoidance in Thailand

If you’re renting a condo or an apartment for more than one month in Thailand, you will have to pay a deposit. Two month’s rent paid upfront is standard, though the law states that landlords with more than 5 properties are only allowed to take a month’s deposit.

Everything You Should Know About Buying Land in Thailand & 12 Steps to Avoid Getting Ripped Off

As a foreigner, whenever you talk about buying land in Thailand, some smart Alec pops up and says, “You can’t own land in Thailand, so ner”! While this is sort of true, the law doesn’t restrict foreigners from owning land in all instances, which we’ll discuss in a moment.

My Personal Travel Insurance Recommendations (includes over 70s)

Traveling is an incredibly rewarding experience that changes your perspective on the world, on life, and on yourself. It’s exciting and, once you’ve booked, all that’s on your mind is taking off starting your adventure. But while traveling is a largely positive experience, things can go wrong. You’re stepping into the world of the unknown

The Definitive Thailand Acronyms Guide

Do you know your TIT from your TOT, your BKK from your PATTS, or your 555 from your OMB? You don’t care, right? I know, acronyms have got way out of hand. I blame social media and lazy kids. But hey, if you can’t beat ’em you might as well join ’em.

Drug Laws in Thailand: Know the Facts Before You Travel

Thailand’s drug laws are very strict, except for marijuana, of course, which is now legal, albeit with some restrictions on public use and age limit. Narcotic & psychotropic drugs, however, are still very much illegal. There’s certainly no slap on the wrist for getting caught with a small amount of cocaine or a few pill

Sin Sod – What Should You Pay to Marry Your Thai Girlfriend?

You will find a huge amount of misleading information online regarding Sin Sod, and conflicting experiences can be found plastered all over forums and blogs. So, when a foreigner wants to marry his Thai girlfriend and the inevitable subject of Sin Sod arises, it is no surprise that he becomes confused

How to Open a Thai Bank Account: Choices, Requirements, Reader Experiences

If you’re working, retiring, or frequenting Thailand then it makes sense to have a bank account. Why? Because using foreign credit and debit cards involves high fees, on top of local ATM charges. And then there’s the frustration of cards being rejected by ATMs. Opening a Thai bank account isn’t the same process at every bank

Taxes For Expats – A Review of the US Filing Service for Expats

If you’re an American living abroad, be that in Asia, Africa, or Europe, you can’t ignore your US tax filing requirement. It doesn’t matter whether you are a retiree, a digital nomad, or somewhere in between, you must ensure that you are complying with the law. The US tax system is arguably the most complicated…Read More

iVisa Review – How Does It Work & Is It Worthwhile?

iVisa is an online visa service that issues visas and travel documents online. Sometimes it’s easy to apply for a visa through an embassy website, while at other times the process is complex, hard to follow, and an all-round hassle you could really do without. Oftentimes you have to visit an embassy or consulate

CANNABIS TOURISM THAILAND

Many Countries around the globe are moving forward towards legalizing the growth and the Consumption of Cannabis. Thailand became one of these Countries after approving the Legalization of Growing Cannabis with Specific Standards and Regulations. The Country is Considered to be the First in South East Asia to legalize Growing Cannabis for Medical Purposes . It will also Launch Cannabis Tours Programs for International and Domestic Tourism.

Provinces where it’s Legal to Grow Cannabis

The Government has Legalized Growing Cannabis in only 8 Provinces around the Country. These Provinces are: Mae Hong Son, Lampang, Samut Songkhram, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Phatthalung and Chon Buri.