Cannabis Oil in Thailand

Cannabis oil in Thailand

What is Thai Cannabis oil?

The cannabis plant contains over 100 natural compounds called cannabinoids. These compounds are responsible for the different properties including the medicinal benefits of the marijuana plant. Of these cannabinoids two most popular are cannabidiol and Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol popularly known as THC has psychoactive properties and causes high head sensations.

While cannabidiol also is known as CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to address several health-related symptoms. Since CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant in the form of oil therefore, is also referred to as cannabis oil in Thailand.
Cannabis oil buzz

The growing awareness of the medicinal properties of cannabis oil has made it a buzzy wellness product. In countries where CBD is legalized to treat various health conditions cannabis the industry is flourishing. You may come across coffee shops selling CBD lattes, spas offering CBD massage, and cosmetics companies introducing CBD based wellness products.

With growing popularity, CBD has become an essential part of the wellness landscape in cannabis legal countries. Several articles in the mainstream media on CBD and its benefits reflect the increasing interest of people to know about this natural compound.

Since new countries are joining the list where medical cannabis is legal, the curious minds want to know what CBD is, how it is extracted, and how it interacts with the body. In Thailand where recent decriminalization of medical marijuana has sparked public interest in the properties of CBD oil. The answers to the above questions can help people understand better about cannabis oil allowing them to make informed consumption decisions.
How cannabis oil is extracted in Thailand?

The cannabis plant is believed to contain up to 40% of CBD. It is acquired from the plant using different extraction methods. Most often, carbon dioxide is used as a solvent to extract CBD from the plant matter. By applying a combination of high pressure and low temperature, the maximum quantity of CBD can be extracted from the plant.

Medical benefits of cannabis oil

The recent legislation in Thailand allows patients to consume medical marijuana for a list of approved health conditions. However, there are several people who want to know if there is any scientific evidence to support frequent claims of cannabis health benefits. The research on the medicinal effects of cannabis is still in preliminary stages.

The initial evidence validates several of the anecdotal claims of medical benefits of cannabis. The emerging scientific research outcome suggests cannabis oil is effective to treat a multitude of mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, and schizophrenia.

The growing scientific evidence also sheds light on cannabis oil’s potential to heal a number of physical health conditions. For instance, a study conducted on rats concluded that CBD can effectively help to address the arthritis pain.

Another study validates cannabidiol’s healing potential to deliver therapeutic relief to human skin issues such as acne vulgaris. Investigating the effects of CBD on human sebaceous gland function, the research found that cannabidiol is a highly effective sebostatic agent.

It is generally believed the therapeutic properties of cannabis oil comes from CBD’s anti-inflammatory character. A number of studies suggest that a combination of lipostatic, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD serve as a therapeutic agent to address the issue of acne vulgaris.

Another CBD research stream exploring complex childhood epilepsy disorder investigated the effects of CBD on this disorder with drug-resistant seizures causing high mortality rates. The findings showed a reduction in the total number of convulsive seizures when cannabidiol was administered. Overall CBD proved more effective in controlling seizures than placebo.

In Thailand, cancer makes the list of approved condition for which patients can seek and use medical cannabis. Despite popular anecdotal accounts of cannabis cancer healing properties, there is little research to investigate anti-cancer properties of CBD.

The preliminary scientific evidence, however, started emerging to show that CBD possesses anti-cancer properties. In addition, CBD also helps to manage the cancer treatment-related severe side-effects.

How does cannabis oil interact with the body?

In order to clearly understand the body CBD interaction, it is important to comprehend the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS regulates important body functions such as sleep, mood, appetite, bowel movements, and more.

By maintaining a biological harmony, the ECS plays an important role in the body’s response to environmental conditions such as mental and physical stress. Initially, ECS receptors are thought to be present in the brain and nerves only but later research shows that endocannabinoid system receptors are found across the entire body. They regulate a number of critical body functions such as pain, memory, mood, appetite, sleep, stress, metabolism, immune system, and reproduction system.

Being the most versatile and widespread molecules in the human body, their right balance plays an important role in human health and happiness.
Components of ECS

The endocannabinoid system consists of three components namely receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids. It is important to note these ECS components are present in the body and their function does not depend upon the CBD. It means ECS components keep operating even when one does not consume CBD.

The ECS receptors are of two types: CB1 and CB2, and their job is to keep endocannabinoid intact. The enzymes make the second component of the ECS and they come in different forms but only two forms have the ability to breakdown the endocannabinoids.

Being a part of the central nervous system, CB1 receptors play an active role in the regulation of coordination, movement, pain, appetite, memory, mood, and other functions. While CB2 receptors are part of the peripheral nervous system and are associated with pain and inflammation regulation.

When enzymes breakdown endocannabinoids, these components try to bind with receptors. The CBD leaves its effect on the body by helping these components to bind with the receptors.

At the moment, there is no information to explain how CBD helps components of ECS to bind with the receptors. The researchers believe that CBD activates the receptors which in turn provide composure to the broken endocannabinoids. This CBD receptors interaction result in several health benefits for the human body.

The effect of CBD goes beyond endocannabinoids and influences non-endocannabinoids such as cannabidiol modulate a non-endocannabinoid receptor called 5 ht serotonin receptor. The role of this receptor is critical in controlling psychotic disorders.

The scientific evidence shows that CBD reduces chronic pain by affecting endocannabinoid receptor interaction.

A study involving rats found that CBD can effectively reduce the pain response to surgical procedures. Another scientific study found that Oral CBD administration significantly relieved sciatic never pain and inflammation in rats.
Where to find cannabis oil in Thailand?

In this far east country, cannabis is neither for everyone nor it is available everywhere. To get your hands on the legal CBD oil, you need to qualify two conditions. First, patients with approved ailments are entitled to apply for cannabis oil. Second, such patients need to get a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner. The patients with a medical certificate can go to any of the cannabis clinics or authorized public hospitals.

Under the new law, the consumption of marijuana is only permitted for medical purposes. The recreational use of the drug is still illegal and can be subject to fine and jail sentence.

The Thai government is aspiring to become a regional hub for medical cannabis. As well as, the officials are trying to attract more and more tourists to the country.

If you are a foreigner and visiting the country, you can bring your stash with you. For the purpose, all tourists need to follow a set procedure. All foreigners with a valid medical certificate showing they suffer from an approved medical condition can purchase cannabis oil from designated clinics and hospitals.

Final thoughts

Cannabis oil is believed to possess useful medical properties that help address several ailments. The scientific evidence validates several of cannabis anecdotal benefits. However more research is required to truly understand the medical benefits of cannabis oil.

The consumption of cannabis oil in Thailand is subjected to heavy regulation. Therefore, knowledge of related laws is very essential before making any consumption decision. Any violation of medical cannabis law can invite serious consequences in the form of fine and jail term.

Update: Weed whiplash: ‘Arrest’ order for dispensary operators revoked after spreading confusion, fear

Thailand’s budding legal cannabis scene was reeling in confusion this morning after a new government order instructed police to arrest anyone selling weed without “permission” – despite the fact no such permission exists.

One of the people currently working on amendments to the bill to regulate weed told Coconuts this morning that the current free-for-all was never intended, and that yesterday’s new order instructing police to “arrest and prosecute” those selling or exporting cannabis without permission was intended to close the legal loophole which has existed since legalization on June 9.

Update: Weed whiplash: ‘Arrest’ order for dispensary operators revoked after spreading confusion, fear

“Dispensaries should never have existed in the first place,” said the woman, who is working with the parliamentary committee to beef up the much-anticipated Cannabis Act. Describing herself as opposed to cannabis liberalization, the doctor spoke on condition of anonymity as she was not authorized to speak to the media.

Buds are being weighed on a scale at The Dispensary by Taratera. Photo: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

She said that cannabis may only be sold at approved clinics, which would be consistent with officials’ repeated insistence it is meant for “medical purposes” only.

“Those dispensaries should close their shops now,” she said.

That will be crushing news to the legions of longtime advocates and instant entrepreneurs who have hurried to open storefronts in recent weeks.

Several dispensary owners told Coconuts this morning that the health ministry order left them uncertain what to do, whether to open their stores, or how to obtain permission to do so – an uncertainty parroted even by the police.

“I don’t know what to do next. I’m lost at sea,” said one dispensary owner who spoke on condition of anonymity, for fear of unspecified repercussions.

Kajkanit “Gem” Sakdisubha, works behind the counter at The Dispensary by Taratera. Photo: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

With cannabis recently designated a regulated medicinal to support the setting of an age limit by emergency decree, yesterday’s new order was signed by Narong Saiwong, deputy secretary of public health. It gave no timeline for when it would be imposed.

None of the order pertains to consumption – people are still free to spark up their stash as they were before, regardless of their reason. In fact, the man credited with leading the legalization charge – Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul – promised yesterday that weed would not be re-criminalized.

But the immediate effect was to throw the rapidly growing community of dispensaries into disarray, with some immediately closing and others taking a wait-and-see approach.

A representative of The Dispensary by Taratera on Silom Road said it has stopped selling buds with THC content until it acquires permission from the authorities.

Asoke-area dispensary owner Chokwan “Kitty” Chopaka this morning announced that she would also no longer sell buds at her shop until it received official approval.

Owners of the Sukhumweed dispensary in Soi Sukhumvit 42 said it was open today and selling buds as usual while a lawyer was dispatched to determine what permission was required.

Soranut ‘Beer’ Masayavanich at his own Sukhumweed dispensary in Soi Sukhumvit 42 in Bangkok. Photo: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

Not even the police had any insight into what it all meant, or how to prosecute violators. Thonglor police chief Col. Duangchote Suwanjaras told Coconuts this morning that he and his team will meet later this week to seek “clarity” on the new order.

“We will discuss later this week for clarity on this,” he said. “Right now, the Cannabis Act hasn’t been enacted yet, so we have to look into the other laws and see which ones we can enforce.”

When weed became fully legal June 9, it was a free-for-all as no regulations had been prepared to regulate its sale or consumption. While parliament works on finalizing a bill that would codify a regulatory framework, speculation has run wild that it will either support the new status quo or drop a new set of draconian prohibitions.

What definitely doesn’t exist, yet, is any form of license or process for obtaining permission as required in the new order.

A customer inspects their weed purchase at Bangkok’s Highland Cafe on June 9, 2022, the first day cannabis was decriminalized. Photo: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

The order also says that since cannabis has been classified as a controlled medicine, people cannot conduct research, export, sell, or process it without the express permission. The order also specifies that permission is to be obtained from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine in Bangkok, or provincial health departments in other provinces.

It states that, “for public order,” the health ministry would notify the Royal Thai Police and officials under existing traditional medicine regulations to prosecute any violators.

Another Bangkok dispensary owner, who refused to give his name for fear of legal repercussions, said that while his dispensary had opened this morning, it quickly closed after staff saw what they believed to be an undercover police officer walk in and take several photographs before leaving. They feared officers might return to raid the store.

A man smokes a joint on June 12, 2022, at the Thailand 420: Legalaew event. Photo: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

He said dispensary owners should set up an association or network to share useful information and advice, especially during a “confusing time” like this.

Several calls to the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine went unanswered this morning.

Police to seek ‘clarity’

Among the issues police chief Duangchote said police will discuss included how to test the level of THC, the psychoactive compound that gets people high. Currently, people can possess cannabis, no matter the THC content, but extracts such as edibles, oils or hashish cannot exceed 0.2% THC.

“We have to find out about that for sure, too,” Duangchote said.

Addressing public confusion about the new order, the chief vowed to find clarity as soon as possible. He did not signal any imminent crackdown or arrests.

“We don’t want to scare people off, but of course something has to be done because right now [cannabis sales] have been way out of line.”

Pot smokers and cannabis advocates on April 20, 2022, hit Khaosan Road to celebrate Weed Day. Photo: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

Duangchote referred to the increasingly common sight of people selling cannabis openly in the street, sometimes in plastic bag like candy – alongside the amulets, vegetables and sex enhancement products widely found on sidewalks.

Duangchote said it poses a risk to minors.

Public health minister Anutin Charnvirakul said yesterday that the Cannabis Act should return to parliament by the end of August. If passed, the bill would then go for royal endorsement.

Buds are being weighed on a scale at Thailand 420: Legalaew event. Photo: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

While there was a surprising lack of organized opposition to legalization before it happened – largely as it flew under the radar – the ensuing moral panic has been compounded by unforced errors and the absence of what would, arguably, be valid and useful rules.

The order comes a few days after hundreds of medical staff and alumni from a prominent university hospital suddenly blamed liberal cannabis policies for encouraging recreational use rather than medicinal and harming youth in a petition urging officials to rein it in with strict regulations.

Where to buy weed in Thailand

Here’s where to buy cannabis right now in Bangkok (Weed Map)

The moment cannabis was decriminalized this past Thursday, a number of dispensaries immediately began selling marijuana ranging from excellent Thai strains to imported insanity weed.

We’ve reported on a number of them, from Highland Cafe north of downtown in the Lat Phrao area, to The Dispensary near Sala Daeng. Here are the locations we have verified that cannabis can be purchased. While this is definitely not a complete list, we will add additional locations to it. Feel free to let us know about other venues out there, especially away from the downtown area

Here are all the locations

Highland Cafe

Operated by Thailand’s premier legalization advocacy group – the same folks who put on the annual 420 Festival – Highland Cafe offers a handful of strains starting at THB450 a gram for a Sunset Sherbert indica all the way up to THB700 for a gram of Sugarcane sativa. If that’s not enough, customers can also order 3.5 grams of any of the cafe’s strains starting at THB1,400.
12/7 Lat Phrao Road
4:20pm-midnight
087-330-8506

Sukhumweed

Founded by child actor-turned-weed cultivator Soranut “Beer” Masayavanich, Sukhumweed is a one-stop shop for all things green. You can buy a very decent domestic strain called Thai Loy for THB250 per gram or one of their many imported strains. Minimum orders for imported bud are 3 grams to 3.5 grams, starting at THB1,750. Not only that, gear ranging from bongs, rolling papers, pipes, and grinders are available.
Soi Sukhumvit 42 near Rama IV Road
2pm to 9pm daily
063-928-1888

The Dispensary by Taratera

Kajkanit “Gem” Sakdisubha, works behind the counter at The Dispensary by Taratera. Photo: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

Selling buds grown from farms across the country, The Dispensary features multiple weed strains in jars on the counter and shelves that customers can take home to blaze. Prices at the temporary shop, founded by a man who got into cannabis to ease his dying father’s pain, range from THB400-800. Rolling papers are available too.
1/4 Sala Daeng 1 Alley, Silom
11am-7pm, Tuesday-Sunday
063-979-8686

Chopaka

This shop opened by Kitty Chopaka, formerly of Highland, sits under a hard-to-miss neon weed leaf sign and began selling cannabis Thursday. Buds range from THB555 for Sunrise Sherbet to THB888 for Gorilla Jamaica.

There is a catch however. Although the shop is open 10am to 10pm every day, weed, for some reason, is only sold 10am to 4:20pm Monday to Thursday, and 4:20pm to 10pm Friday to Sunday. Apart from buds, people can buy rolling papers, storage jars, and gigantic wooden bongs.
423/425 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana
10am-10pm dailyMedical Cannabis Shop

Socialite and provocateur Leena Jungjunja has been selling THC-loaded products since ever since she opened her two-floor shop in 2019. The second floor is marketed as a medical clinic for patients struggling with pain. At the clinic, located in Pratunam, she sells a variety of CBD products as well as THC sprays and, of course weed that starts at THB500 per gram.
Indra Square, 2nd Floor, Ratchathewi
10am to 10pm (Clinic 10am-6pm) daily

Leaf Cannabis Cafe

One of the first places selling CBD-based products, Leaf Cannabis Cafe has expanded its menu to include bud with prices starting at THB600 per gram (THB800 if ordered online).

Apart from the weed, it sells a CBD menu including brownies ranging from THB100-250, donuts (THB300), cookies (THB150-200), popcorn (THB200), jellies (THB150) as well as CBD oils (B1,290) and THC oils (5ml for THB990 and 10ml for 1,890).
470 Soi Suan Phlu (Sathorn 3 Thung Maha Mek, Sathon)
9am-7pm daily
02-007-6699

Bong Party

Long the go-to place for smoking gear, Bong Party has begun selling weed strains at prices ranging from THB400-800.

Located next to the alley leading into the Srinagarinda Train Market, the shop currently only sells bud directly at the shop, no delivery service is available. Of course, if you need equipment, they have a massive inventory of cleaning brushes, grinders, rolling paper and bongs. Many bongs. There are bongs made from glass and silicone to more unorthodox designs including R2D2s, skulls, rockets, dicks, etc.
5/6 Wang Ngam Alley, Nong Bon, Prawet
1-9pm, daily
089-130-8808N’

Louis’ Happy Buds

A weed truck on Khaosan Road? The tourist hotspot can now easily buy some weed at the parked green-colored truck parked located at Beer Buddy. The truck opens irregularly, at 7pm to midnight.
181 Khaosan Road
7pm-midnight

Sensii

Opening Saturday, June 18, Sensii is at Mexican restaurant Tortilla Torquemada in Soi Sukhumvit 21/1 near the Asok intersection. Its owner Colin Stevens, one of the first foreigner operators of a dispensary, said the name is a play on sensimilla, the Spanish word for the seedless female buds which contain high levels of THC.

While its stock of strains is being finalized, prices will range from THB500-600 for mid-range herb, THB800-1000 for top-shelf product, and over THB1,000 for rare and exotic strains.
Noon to 9pm, Tuesday through Sunday
41/1 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana

Four Twenty

Photo: Google

Four Twenty is located at Manfarang Restaurant in Soi Sukhumvit 22. The shop launched with 10 mostly indica-dominant hybrid strains such as Girl Scout Cookies and Gorilla Glue. Prices start at THB420 per gram and come in amounts ranging from 1 gram to 5 grams. For insta-blaze, they also sell pre-rolled joints for an additional THB100.
Noon-midnight, Tuesday-Sunday
Manfarang Restaurant, 12/3 Soi Sukhumvit 22, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khlong Toei

No Man’s Land

A hidden rooftop bar and cafe in Charoen Krung is selling four strains of weed with prices starting at THB450 per gram. Pre-rolled joints are also available for THB350.

To find it, look for a black building 350 meters from BTS Saphan Taksin. The rooftop bar, with its super colorful furniture, is located on the fifth floor.

The bar also offers cannabis-based snacks, a gaming corner with PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch, and a pillow area to flop and snooze.
11am-11pm, Wednesday-Monday
1375 Charoen Krung Road, Silom, Bang Rak
063-223-2282

Alchemi Botanics

Near W District in the Phra Khanong area is a shop selling buds and related products such as CBD oil, rolling papers, and more. One of its founders, Ren, is a self-proclaimed “canna-nerd” who says he is ready to educate customers on bud lineage and selection, as well as growing and other matters. The store plans to run workshops.

For now, it is stocked with strains sold by the gram such as Strawberry Tree (THB300), Cake and Cream (THB500), and Colin OG RBX (THB750).
11am-9pm, every day
24/22 Soi Sukhumvit 69, Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana

Thailand Cannabis Cuisine

In Thailand, Traditional Cannabis Cuisine Is Back on the Menu

Cooking with marijuana is about umami and taste

For a restaurant serving what was until recently a Class 5 narcotic substance, the clientele appeared older than one might expect: a couple of extended families, including grandma and grandpa; a woman having a quiet lunch with a man who appeared to be her father; a low-key middle-aged couple. Even the decor—cheesy knick knacks, thick curtains, antimacassars, antique crockery—was far from edgy.

The setting was Ban Lao Reung, a restaurant in Prachinburi, Thailand, that recently became the country’s first to serve dishes made with cannabis. On the day I visited, customers were digging into omelets garnished with marijuana leaves and sipping soups seasoned with dried cannabis-leaf powder. But only a few months ago, possession of these menu items would have led to a lengthy jail sentence, or a hefty bribe.

Thailand’s drug penalties are notoriously strict: The country has one of the largest prison populations in the world. Many are locked up because of drug offenses, and the death penalty remains a punishment for drug trafficking. But in 2018, the country’s military-led government surprised just about everybody when it announced that it would decriminalize marijuana for medical use, becoming the first country in Asia to do so. More recently, in late 2020, the junta announced that the parts of the cannabis plant that contain less than 0.2 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana), which includes the roots, stalks, stems, and leaves, could legally be used in cosmetics and food

In Thailand, it’s possible to regard these recent laws as rectifications rather than revolutions. Marijuana became illegal in Thailand in 1934, but only as a result of international pressure, and Ban Lao Reung’s older clientele may be due to the fact that Thais have been using cannabis in their food for a very long time.

“My mom is 94, and she said that [cannabis] was used in the family since she was a kid,” says Sombat Kowtraul, the director of the community-outreach program linked to the restaurant. “Her parents used to send her to buy it at the market!”

Indeed, “tender ganja leaves” are called for in an eel-curry recipe in Mae Khrua Hua Pa, generally considered Thailand’s oldest cookbook, first printed in 1908. But it’s likely that the use of the plant goes back much, much earlier, with origins in medicine rather than food.

Inside Ban Lao Reung, whose decor is homey, despite the centrality of cannabis to the restaurant's cooking.

“Cannabis has been used as an herbal remedy as far back as the Sukhothai Kingdom [1239 to 1438],” says Dr. Waleerat Kraikosol, Deputy Medical Director of Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, the country’s premier institution for traditional Thai medicine. “We used the entire plant—the leaves, the roots, the stems,” she says, adding that in the days before capsules, dried, ground up marijuana leaves were mixed with honey and eaten to encourage sleep. “Much later, people used cannabis in food such as noodle soups. It’s fragrant and it’s kind of like MSG, it improves taste.”

Mention marijuana to a Thai, and it’s quite possible she’ll think of noodle soup rather than blunts or bongs. Cannabis has been contraband for nearly a century now, but it’s still talked about in hushed tones as a secret ingredient in central Thailand’s famous boat noodles, and many a popular noodle soup vendor has been accused of adding “addictive” levels of the ingredient to the broth.

“My dad said that he used to use [cannabis] in the soup when I was a kid, at least 40 years ago,” says Sittichan Vuttipornkul, the second-generation owner of Rod Dee Ded, a noodle-soup restaurant with multiple branches in Bangkok. Was it for flavor? I ask. Aroma? Buzz? “I don’t think he understood what he was doing,” he says. “But science tells us that parts of the plant, especially the roots, have glutamic acid. This gives our tongues the ability to taste more flavor in food.”

Sittichan Vuttipornkul, the second-generation owner of Rod Dee Ded, in Bangkok, tastes a noodle stock that includes marijuana stems and roots.

Glutamic acid is an essential element in monosodium glutamate, commonly known as MSG. The amino acid enhances savory taste-active compounds, providing foods with a boost of umami, the pleasantly savory, “round” taste sometimes referred to as the fifth flavor. Research has revealed that the marijuana plant, in particular its leaves, contain a higher concentration of glutamic acid than Parmesan cheese, a food generally considered to have high levels of umami.

With the government’s recent announcement, Sittichai has been able to reintroduce marijuana to Rod Dee Ded’s noodle-soup recipe. He adds dried cannabis roots and branches, which were previously considered trash but now command sky-high prices, to the beef broth, while marijuana leaves, dry-roasted and ground to a subtly fragrant powder, are added to the optional condiments. “In the past, people didn’t have MSG, so they used [cannabis],” he tells me.

Similarly savory flavors are also headlining at Ban Lao Reung. Collaborating with traditional Thai medicine experts at Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, the restaurant’s manager, Amara Akamanon, has created a menu of dishes that allegedly don’t include MSG, but that are positively packed with umami flavor: a savory stir-fry of minced pork, holy basil leaves, and dried marijuana leaves; a savory, tart, tom yam-like soup of pork, Thai herbs, and dried marijuana-leaf powder; and a downright meaty dish of fresh marijuana leaves, battered and deep-fried tempura-style, and served with a Thai-style dip.

A drink of tea, passionfruit juice, and freshly juiced raw marijuana leaves at Ban Lao Reung (left) and their marijuana tempura (right).

These dishes are not edibles—you’d have to eat enormous portions to feel any kind of high. And the minute levels of THC in marijuna leaves only become active when exposed to heat, meaning that there’s absolutely no risk in slamming the restaurant’s refreshing (and highly Instagramable) drink that combines tea, passionfruit, and freshly juiced raw cannabis leaves, the latter with a vibrant green hue and a flavor like a milder wheat grass.

In the months since Ban Lao Reung debuted its menu, a handful of restaurants across Thailand have started serving marijuana-laced dishes ranging from mini pizzas to cannabis bubble tea. There’s inevitably a thrill in eating something that was only recently contraband, and that could potentially get one high. And medicinal marijuana proponents tout the alleged health benefits of cannabidiol, or CBD, present in these dishes. But when it comes to cooking with marijuana in Thailand, the main goal seems to be flavor, and there might be nothing more Thai than that.

Bangkoks New Cannabis Cafes

GOING GREEN: Bangkok’s New Cannabis Cafes

With attitudes (and regulations) easing towards cannabis, some local eateries have begun to offer CBD-infused menus.

With Thailand weighing legalisation of cannabis for medical use, the country has seen more relaxed attitudes towards the plant. Although medical cannabis can be legally prescribed from clinics, it remains highly regulated.

Following these changes, some local eateries have begun to offer cannabidiol (CBD)-infused menus and services. CBD is a compound found in the plant that purportedly offers health benefits, such as reducing anxiety and relieving pain. It is not to be confused with THC, the psychoactive component. So customers won’t experience a mental high from CBD.

Here are a few spots worth checking out in the city, many of which offer delivery services:

420 Cannabis Bar

Open daily 10:30am – 9pm

Locations:
Srinakarin 57 – https://goo.gl/maps/1gjZFtfUFt6j6wLE7 / 061-250-9898

Sukhumvit 71 (BTS Phra Khanong) – https://goo.gl/maps/ykPkNzEJ1FWnYXas8/ 081-583-8283

Ari (BTS Ari) – https://goo.gl/maps/fsooqvJQJghqLbMq8/ 062-589-7535

Silom (Convent Road) – https://goo.gl/maps/dC2EStWvAHity6ET6/ 065-635-0947

Best known as the first cannabis bar in Bangkok, the neon-lit 420 Cannabis Bar has expanded to four branches around the city since its original spot opened in Srinakarin. Diners can have a cup of CBD-infused bubble tea and eat baked spinach and cheese, and chocolate cookies “on the moon.” Available for delivery via LINEMAN, Grab, and Robinhood.

Leaf Cannabis Cafe

Open daily: 10am-8pm

Location: Sathon Soi 3 (Soi Suan Phlu) – https://goo.gl/maps/ArW4EVmdwJy1zMXE9/ 02-007-6699

The first cafe and bakery in the Sathon area, Leaf Cannabis Cafe offers a small but cozy two-story hub. Sharing the space with Mardi Decor, the eatery is adorned with decorative rattan furniture. You can come chill out and have a sip of one of their many CBD-infused teas alongside their scrumptious chocolate chip cookies and brownies. Available for delivery via LINEMAN and Grab.

MD-82 Cafe

Open daily: 10am-11pm

Location: 324 On Nut Rd, Prawet, Bangkok 10250 – https://goo.gl/maps/D6UzpwEHbJ6oDYEf8/ 097-952-8245

MD-82 is easily distinguished by its setting inside a refurbished airliner. Guests are greeted by staff dressed as pilots and flight attendants. As diners make their way onto the plane for seating, they can order from a cannabis menu that is sourced from the medical clinic next door. Drinks include their signature 420 Teapot (B320) as well as their CBD-infused coffee and cocktails. CBD food highlights include their smoky pork-chop steak (B320) and “fully happy” pizza (B320). The cafe has also recently opened up a spa section in which customers can relax by way of essential or CBD oils – the latter provided one is eligible for prescription via the clinic next door.

Kiew Kai Ka

Open daily: 11am-10pm

Location: 33 Nak Niwas Road, Ladprao – https://goo.gl/maps/omqYysiJ1gqNzwD59/ 02-227-0685

This Thai restaurant offers a cannabis twist to many of their traditional Thai dishes, including omelettes, green curry, and larb moo. Available for delivery via Grab, LINEMAN, Foodpanda and Gojek.

420 Degree Bar @ Gump’s Ari

Open daily: 8am-11pm

Location: GUMP’s Ari Community Space – https://goo.gl/maps/3gTBc72v6c8dSkhY6/ 065-514-7065

Situated in the delightfully picturesque GUMP community space in Ari, this mini booth offers cannabis-infused corn dogs (2pcs/B79 and cheese balls (5pcs/B89) as well as tea (B165). Interestingly enough, they sell “Bob Marley” balm.

Language of Flowers

099-963-9995 / https://www.instagram.com/languageofflowersbakehouse/

This bakery features plenty of cakes, including carrot, red velvet, dark chocolate, white chocolate, cheesecake and more. Cakes range from B1,200 – B2,700 depending on size, with an additional B700 for a cannabis topping. If you’re looking for something more light, their special cannabis choux cream (B135 per piece) is great for an evening snack. Delivery only via Line.

Empty Plates

093-324-0078 / https://www.instagram.com/emptyplatesbkk/

Aiming to educate diners about what CBD is, private fine dining service Empty Plates recently featured a four-course CBD tasting menu via Instagram for B1,900. They now offer a seven-course menu, and are planning to change regularly and seasonally. Before the latest COVID restrictions were implemented (and perhaps after they are lifted), Empty Plates required a minimum of eight guests.

A holistic cannabis experience at Panpuri Wellness

Panpuri Wellness Spa

02-253-5959 / https://www.panpuri.com/th

Although the service is currently unavailable and postponed due to the COVID situation, wellness spa Panpuri will be offering a unique cannabis and onsen experience at all their branches from Fridays to Sundays. Customers can relax in Japanese baths followed by a meal of cannabis-infused food and beverages.

Little Red Oven Haus

095-942-9328 or Facebook.com/littleredovenhaussathorn11

This classic pizza shop on Sathorn Soi 11 offers a special cannabis menu called “Happy Pizza.” This home-made wood-fired margarita pizza includes an FDA-approved cannabis extract from a brand called “House of Cannabis.” The restaurant has been serving up fresh pizzas since 2012. Delivery is available via Foodpanda, Grab Food and more.

NOTES FOR CONSUMERS:

One cannabis leaf weighs approximately 150 mg (THC* content less than 0.30 mg).

Who should avoid using/consuming Cannabis?

– People under 25 years old

–Pregnant and lactating women

–Patients with cardiovascular disease, liver, and kidney impairment

–People who use Warfarin Anticoagulants and those who use drugs that affect the central nervous system

–People with a history of allergy to products or extracts derived from cannabis

*THC stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinal. It is a cannabinoid molecule in marijuana which is the main psychoactive ingredient – the substance that causes the characteristic marijuana high.