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Cannabis Legislature Summarised

A breakdown of Thailand’s cannabis legislature would be the following: CBD or “hemp” based cannabis products are completely legal in Thailand. Marijuana can be homegrown if approved by the Thailand government. Approved homegrown cannabis is created with medical intent.

Marijuana with THC content of 0.2% or more must be used only for medical purposes and registered with the Thailand Food and Drug Administration. Individuals must receive a medical prescription for marijuana from a physician. They can go to approved government hospitals or cannabis clinics to do so.
If one is caught using a marijuana product with 0.2% THC content or higher for recreational use, he or she can be sent to jail for an extended period and may have to pay high fines.

Cannabis being officially decriminalised, in essence, means components of the plant including the bud and seeds can now be legally used for medical or science-related reasons. Decriminalisation is not a pass for one to go smoke marijuana for recreation. This is still a serious offense in the country of Thailand.
Is marijuana legal in Thailand 2022?

Yes, starting Thursday marijuana is legal in Thailand. In the past, asking if weed was legal in Thailand would have raised eyebrows. However, Thailand has recently changed its tune and the answer is not as straightforward as it once was.

On January 25th, 2022, cannabis lovers rejoiced as Thailand became the first country in the Asian region to decriminalize the plant. This is quite the contrast to other Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia and Singapore, where possessing large amounts of marijuana can lead to the death penalty. According to the latest announcement, the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) will remain in control over extracts that contain over 0.2% by weight of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the psychoactive ingredient that causes people who use marijuana to get high.

The latest rules and regulations for smoking weed legally in Thailand

Given that marijuana will no longer be illegal in Thailand starting June 9th, 2022, health authorities have urged the public to smoke on private property. Otherwise, they could get arrested for causing an “odor-based nuisance.”

The Department of Health sent orders to related agencies about the “inappropriate use” of cannabis and a warning that it could lead to arrests and will be charged for causing public nuisance under health laws. People who indulge in smoking cannabis can also face arrest if a nuisance case is filed against them. After the first warning, repeat violations will be fined THB ฿2,000 and a month in jail.

There is no limit on the potency of cannabis. However, creating secondary products such as hashish or oils with a potency of over 0.2% will be condemned. The parliament is yet to pass a bill that would forbid creating any such secondary substances.
The future of marijuana in Thailand

Decrimilazing weed would free smokers from legal anxiety; prisoners would be granted amnesty and released after June 9th. Note that drug convictions count for a large share of Thailand’s overcrowded jails. We will have to wait and watch how the new act will help the country in the long term, but for now, people in the Land of Smiles are waiting for the big day with a big smile and, obviously, a lighter!
What the delisting of cannabis means

Some people wonder what delisting marijuana means if it cannot be smoked recreationally. Essentially, the delisting of cannabis from the Narcotics Act allows for the plant to be more widely used for medical and scientific purposes. It permits the use of cannabis in medical and various health-related products as well.

Cannabis is an ingredient that has been prevalent in Thai traditional medicine for centuries. Until the 1930s, medical marijuana was legal and used to relieve pain and help with fatigue. Just two years ago in 2020, Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize marijuana production and use it for medical purposes.

Even though smoking recreationally was not possible, growing marijuana at home is another story. Thai people can grow weed at home, but it has to be for personal use only (and therefore in small amounts). Those who are interested in growing on their own must first register with the authorities. It is worth noting that it remains a grey area as certain regulations and laws still apply

Where to buy weed in Pattaya right now

Pot Hole Cafe Bar Dispensary

This is not only a dispensary, but also a nice and big reggae-style cafe and bar with a pool table! Their website has detailed menu info (unlike most places around), and customers rate Pot Hole highly for being a good place to chill and watch sports.

See Pot Hole Cafe Bar Dispensary’s website

383/7-8, Moo 9 Soi Pot Hole Nongprue, 084-279-6383. Open daily, 12pm-12am.

Jacky Land

If you’re looking for a weed cafe situation where you can sit on your laptop, drink some coffee or liquor (you do you!), and smoke some dope, this is your spot.

29 Soi Lengkee, 065-850-3433. Open daily, 10am-11pm.

The Old Weed Men

Easy to find and right on the Walking Street, this dispensary’s got bud, oils, and a variety of edibles and beverages. Prices are on the ‘higher,’ side, according to customers.

See the Old Weed Men’s Instagram page

84 Moo 10, 080-602-6175. Open daily, 24 hours.

The Elephant Pattaya Cannabis Store

This cool cannabis shop in south Pattaya has dark tones, light vibes, and markets itself a great place to get high and chill. The store sells quality weed and specializes in premium edible treats like cookies, brownies, and caramel popcorn.

See the Elephant Pattaya Cannabis Store’s Facebook page

57/28, Moo 10, 092-662-5899. Open Sun-Fri 4:30pm-1am; Sat 4:30pm-2am

Big Bud Dispensary

A compact little shop offering a variety of strains, as well as stuff for your smoking needs like papers and bongs. They do delivery if you’re looking for your weed to come to you.

See Big Bud Dispensary’s Line account

33, 148-149 Soi Buakhao, 081-067-6961. Open daily 10am-2am

Blow Cannabis Coffeeshop Lounge and Bar

A spacious and bright shop complete with green astroturf and big plush beanbag cheers, Blow sells a variety of sativa and indica strains, as well as hybrids, plus pre-rolls. They’ve also got Hashish THC 20%, THC oil, and CBD oil.

316, Soi Buakhao, 080-003-7733. Open daily 12pm-12:15am

Candyland Pattaya

Self-labeled as a THC and CBD pharmacy and cafe, Candyland advertises their cannabis oil and cannabis flowers at the shop as 100 percent organic. If you’re thirsty, they also sell coffee, tea, slushies, shots, and cocktails.

See Candyland Pattaya’s Instagram page

168, Soi Boomerang, 092-210-3648. Open Mon-Sat 12-11pm; Sun 4-11pm

Cannabeach Shop

Cannabeach sells a range of smoking equipment like trays and bongs and they’ve got a variety of strains on offer, including but not limited to Top Shelf Truffle, OG Kush, Sour Diesel, Gorilla Glue, and Cherry Pie.

216, Pattaya Sai 2 Rd., 06-354-4962. Open daily 1-10pm

GanjaWitch Shop

A one-stop smoke shop ready to roll out the ‘green’ carpet for its customers, selling various strains and oils. For the DIY folk, they sell hemp and cannabis grow kits. And if you want weed merch, they’ve got socks, lanyards, keychains, and other weed-themed products for sale.

See GanjaWitch Shop’s website

Tipp Plaza, 219 D4, Beach Rd., 065-674-1555. Open daily 11am-10pm

The Budtender – Ganja Dispensary

If you’re looking to be spoilt for choice, check out The Budtender – Ganja Dispensary. They have 30 strains plus and counting on their menu, along with relevant products for your smoking needs like rolling trays and papers.

See The Budtender – Ganja Dispensary’s Facebook page

594/14, South Pattaya Rd., 086-008-8199. Open daily 12-2pm

Speakeasy – Cannabis Revolution

A cannabis cafe in downtown Pattaya that lets you try before you buy. The shop has two lounge areas and boasts premium quality marijuana flowers, seeds, CBD oils, food, and accessories. With your weed, enjoy a cold beer, juice, or coffee along with music.

See Speakeasy – Cannabis Revolution’s website

316/68, Soi Buakhao, 062-636-2065. Open 11am-10pm

Murphy’s Pub Bud’s & Spud’s

Set up in a shamrock green Irish-style pub in south Pattaya, Murphy’s where you want to go if you’re craving a Guinness with your cannabis. They offer free delivery anywhere in Pattaya.

See Murphy’s Pub Bud’s & Spud’s website

Soi Khao Noi.

La Choza Jomtien Beach

Set on Jomtien Beach, La Choza has a bright fireball red storefront with a long bar to drink and smoke at. Find Super Skunk, Gorilla Cookie, hashish, brownies, Mexican food and more. Delivery and pickup available.

See La Choza Jomtien Beach’s Facebook page

Soi 9 Jomtien Beach, 064-948-2050. Open daily, 11am-12am

Food vendors and operators have capitalized on the relaxation in the law and come up with a range of new products featuring the weed.

Anyone can now grow cannabis plants at home following registration with authorities via a mobile app as well as use and sell them in Thailand. The change in the law comes after the country decriminalised cannabis and hemp on June 9, making it the first country in Asia to remove the plant from its narcotics control list.

The main purposes of the plant's legalization are for health and medical reasons as well as economic benefits but not for recreational use.

Food vendors and operators have capitalized on the relaxation in the law and come up with a range of new products featuring the weed. These range from noodles to pasta, brownies to cookies, and coffee to juices to serve the needs of consumers who are interested in experimenting with the happy edibles and users who don't like to smoke pot but enjoy the sensation it gives.

To sell and serve marijuana-based food and drink products, food vendors and operators must abide by the regulations, the main one being that the edibles must contain less than 0.2% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by weight. A higher percentage in cannabis and hemp extracts remain illegal.

THC is the main component of cannabis responsible for making people feel high.

Cannabis powder for cooking. (Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae)

Raising awareness about how to properly use the plant

Experts have expressed concerns over public health and safety following complaints about using marijuana in cooking.

“The cannabis edibles may not be for everyone. Consuming too much of the weed can make you sick,” said Dr Suwannachai Wattanayingchoroenchai, chief of the Department of Health.

People who experience an overdose-like effect may be nauseous, have a dry mouth, and be thirsty. Many may feel dizzy, vomit, sweat and suffer anxiety and fear, he added.

“If you have an increased heart rate, chest pain or problem walking and a hard time breathing or even hallucinations, you should see a doctor,” the expert said.

Cannabis affects everyone differently, Dr Suwannachai noted. It usually takes about 1 to 3 hours to take effect.

“Keep an eye on how weed in food and drinks affects your body following a meal,” the doctor said.

He urged food vendors and operators who use marijuana as an ingredient to strictly comply with the rules to ensure consumers' health and safety.

The Department of Health recently issued guidelines on use of the plant in cooking following the legalization.

According to the guidelines, food operators must inform customers that dishes or drinks contain cannabis or put up a sign to alert them. They must also follow the recommended portions as instructed by the Thai Food and Drug Administration. A warning that those under 18 of age, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers should avoid the edibles must be posted and it is forbidden to give information about the weed's potential benefits in treating diseases.

Dr Suwannachai advised adding just 1 to 2 leaves of cannabis to a menu item no matter the cooking method – boiling, steaming or frying. Diners should also limit themselves to eating no more than two meals featuring cannabis each day.

“Make an order for cannabis-based dishes and regular dishes. You should avoid driving or operating a machine following the meal. It can cause an accident or damage.” he said.

Jessada Denduangboripant, a lecturer at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Science, meanwhile advised avoiding using the plant's buds which contain a high level of THC and other parts including the branch, the stem and the root.

“Use only the leaves for cooking,” he said.

However, a recent study conducted by a team of researchers in biochemistry at Chulalongkorn University found more than 30% of random samples of cannabis-based drinks exceeded the legal THC limit. Over 30 samples of beverages including tea, coffee and soda mixed with a dose of THC from shops and cafes citywide were collected for the study.

The THC limit set by the Public Health Ministry is less than 0.015 milligram per 100 milliliters of drink.

Greening out on cannabis

Laced with THC, cannabis edibles can be risky for some users especially when it comes to overconsumption and accidental ingestion.

People have complained about adverse health effects as they mistake cannabis-based foods for regular foods, and are urgent food vendors to inform consumers when foods they serve are cooked with marijuana.

A Facebook user using the Sirijan Teerawan account posted a warning about 'greening out'. The user said she ingested a bitter gourd soup she bought from a food vendor that she did know contained cannabis. She felt dizziness and vomited and also experienced thirst and a dry mouth, and found it hard to swallow two hours after the meal. The symptoms persisted for two days so she sought medical attention. The doctor who treated her said she was greening out.

“Some people said they feel high when using it. But I felt very sick. Be careful if you're inexperienced in taking marijuana,” she said.

A 43-year-old woman from Buriram said she had a really bad day after accidentally ingesting Chinese roll noodles featuring marijuana and urged food vendors to clearly post a sign.

“Vendors should use it responsibly. They have harmful effects on kids, the elderly, pregnant women and those with certain health problems,” she said.

Legalization sparks concerns about misuse among youth

Concerns were also raised over the recreational use of marijuana among children due to widespread use following the plant's decriminalization.

On the same day, the country made cannabis legal, the Royal College of Pediatricians of Thailand issued an open letter calling on the government to ban the use of cannabis and weed-based products among those under 20 of age without a doctor's approval.

Cannabis use among children can affect the developing brain, the letter said.

Many have complained about the move to legalize cannabis without any controls, especially the lack of any law prohibiting underage use.

There is currently no law in place regulating the proper use of weed, though a public nuisance violation in the case of smoking pot in public can land the user a jail term of 3 months and/ or a maximum fine of 25,000 baht.

The Cannabis and Hemp Act will be used as a tool to control, administer and restrict the cultivation, processing, and use of cannabis and hemp. But a new draft law on the plants control is now being considered in parliament.

A few weeks ago, Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul issued regulations to designate cannabis and hemp as controlled plants, banning the plants for people under 20 of age, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers unless they have permission from doctors.

The Ministry of Education later banned the plants from all schools nationwide. The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine's Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, meanwhile, issued a ban on cannabis use in foods and drinks on the university's premises.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt also declared all schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration as cannabis-free zones, banning the sale of food and drinks mixed with the plants.

The announcement came after four males including students age 16 and 17 years were admitted to the hospital for a cannabis overdose. One died.

The 16-year-old was treated in an intensive care for an overdose, while the 17-year-old had palpitations after consuming the weed.

Ready or not, Thailand finally made it legal.

Cannabis cookies are not your grandma's cookies. Learn about the plant, and its effects which can be harmful as well as beneficial, follow the rules, and use it safely and responsibly