Thailand & Cannabis Tourism: The 10 Things You Need to Know – Cannabis | weed | marijuana

Heading to Thailand for cannabis tourism? Cannabis cafes and shops have sprung up everywhere since the government decriminalized the plant as a narcotic last year.

But like most countries beginning to legalize cannabis, there is confusion and debate over the laws. Especially for tourists.

Can one visit Thailand with the intention of being a cannabis tourist? Yes, according to the government. As long as you follow the rules.

What are the rules? Thailand’s Ministry of Health has published an English-language infographic entitled “10 Things Tourists Need to Know About Cannabis in Thailand”.

Thailand & Cannabis Tourism: Where Can I Smoke?

When it comes to Thailand and cannabis tourism, you have nothing to fear. As long as you are over the age of twenty and not pregnant or breastfeeding, you can consume it.

As a tourist, your options are of course more limited. If you know someone with a private residence, they may invite you to a 420 session.

You can also find licensed restaurants with cannabis-infused foods. Not even legal countries like Canada have this option.

You can smell cannabis outside. You can even see people smoking it. But this is still illegal. Unless you want a $750 (USD) fine and possible three-month jail term, we don’t recommend smoking it in public.

Thailand & Cannabis Tourism: Where to Buy? can i grow it

Thailand has over 2,000 registered cannabis shops and many more unlicensed shops. Unless you know someone and trust their judgement, we recommend simply sticking to the legal transactions.

These places offer cannabis flower, pre-rolls, edibles, and oil. However, edible and beverage products must have a THC content of less than 0.2%. There is a waiver, but the government is unlikely to issue these tourists.

There is no consumption limit and the government advises you not to drive. As a tourist, you might be able to grow it as the only restriction is getting a permit from the country’s Food and Drug Administration. It remains to be seen whether you will receive this permit as a tourist.

It is illegal to leave the country with cannabis. Bringing cannabis into the country also remains a criminal offence.

“Only domestic cannabis grown in Thailand has been removed from the narcotics list. However, imported cannabis plants will still be considered on the narcotic list,” reads the infographic.

COVID-19 requirements?

Do you need a COVID vaccine to enter Thailand? No, but your health insurance may require it.

Despite an announcement by the Thai government that it would require proof of vaccination, the rule was lifted two days later.

“Proof of vaccination would be cumbersome and inconvenient,” reported the Minister of Health.

Thailand & Cannabis Tourism

Thailand was worth visiting even before there were legal cannabis restaurants. The country has a rich culture, beautiful beaches and diverse landscape, making it a popular destination for both leisure and adventure travelers.

The Thai government has also made efforts to encourage tourism in the country. They invest in airports and hotels and develop tourist-friendly policies to make it easier for visitors to enter and travel around the country. The government also sponsors a wide range of activities and attractions to appeal to different types of travelers, from heritage sites and temples to nature parks and beaches.

Decriminalizing cannabis was a smart move.

The government said it plans to translate the infographic guide into Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Russian.

The 10 things tourists need to know

According to the instructions

1. Carrying seeds or parts of cannabis plants to and from Thailand for personal use is not permitted.
2. Cannabis cultivation is legal, but registration with the Food and Drug Administration’s Plook Ganja application or through a government website is required.
3. The use of cannabis flower buds for research, export and sale purposes as well as their processing for commercial purposes requires official approval.
4. People under the age of 20, pregnant women and breastfeeding women may only consume cannabis under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
5. Possession of extracts containing more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and synthetic THC requires a permit.
6. Dishes containing cannabis are available at authorized restaurants.
7. Approved cannabis health products are accessible through specific channels.
8. Smoking cannabis in public places, including schools and shopping malls, is illegal.
9. Avoid driving after consuming edibles or health products that contain cannabis.
10. Those experiencing serious adverse health effects from cannabis use should see a doctor immediately for treatment.