Traveling to Thailand? You probably want to know whether or not it’s legal to smoke weed here. In this blog post, we’ll cover the current laws around cannabis in Thailand and give you a better understanding of what to expect if you choose to consume it. Keep reading for more information.
The History of Marijuana Prohibition in Thailand: A Brief Summary
Cannabis has been an illegal drug in Thailand since the 1920s when the country enacted strict narcotic drug control laws to address the opium epidemic. In the past, people tried to grow marijuana plants and opium secretly on the plateaus of Northern Thailand. This caused some problems with addiction to opium and sometimes marijuana too.
In recent years, increased research on cannabis for medicinal purposes has taken place. This helped the Thai government see the importance of using cannabis, and they began a movement to decriminalize cannabis use.
On the 15th of December 2020, the country enacted a law allowing medical marijuana; simultaneously, using cannabis for non-therapeutic purposes is still against the law, however, this is poorly enforced and no governing authority seems to care to try to stop anyone buying or using cannabis anywhere.
Cannabis usage laws have been an attempt by the Thai government to make using the herb more acceptable. In 2022, on June 9th, the Thai Food and Drug Administration removed marijuana and hemp (cannabis plants and extracts) from the schedule five narcotic drugs list.
Thailand is the first country in Asia to decriminalize marijuana for medical and industrial use. The Thai Food and Drug Administration’s decision to remove all of the plants from the list of narcotic drugs makes Thailand the first country in Asia to enact laws that show the importance of cannabis for medicinal use.
However, the country has not legalized recreational marijuana nationally. Cannabis law was designed with medical, economic, and public health goals in mind. So far, the only two countries that have legalized recreational marijuana nationally (are Uruguay and Canada).
Although marijuana legalization in Thailand has been a long process, it is finally happening. We look forward to seeing how this new industry develops and grows in the coming years.
How is Cannabis Used in Thailand?
The Thai government recently announced that marijuana is now permitted in the country. From this point forward, we’ll examine how cannabis might be utilized in Thailand to be safe and bring the most significant benefit to consumers’ health. Here are some potential ways:
- You can use it for medical purposes.
- You can use it for medical research if you have a permit.
- You can grow cannabis, but you must should register through a government app.
- You can carry marijuana components, but need to be aware that its THC content should not exceed 0.2% because items that contain more than 0.2% THC remain illegal. We are yet to see this being enforced, however.
- You can sell cannabis plants but to sell seeds; permission is required.
- Anyone can buy marijuana in Thailand legally.
- Industrial and commercial marijuana growers must obtain licenses from the Food and Drug Authority.
- You can use cannabis for recreational purposes, but you should not smoke marijuana in public.
What Does This Mean for Tourists?
Now that marijuana is decriminalized in Thailand, what does this mean for tourists? Can they smoke weed in public in Thailand?
The answer is no, unfortunately. While the laws have changed to allow for medical and industrial marijuana use, recreational use is still a grey area, so it’s best to only smoke in private. Plenty of people have been disregarding this, however, and we are yet to see anyone get penalised for it.
This means that tourists should smoke weed publicly. This is mainly because the ganja smoke might disturb others. If you are caught smoking publicly, it is possible – although unlikely – that the police may fine you.
So, Where Can you Smoke Weed in Thailand?
If you’re looking to smoke marijuana while in Thailand, your best bet is to find a private smoking area. This could be a friend’s apartment or house, a rented room in a private residence, or even a hotel room balcony. Just make sure that you’re not smoking in a public place, where others might be bothered by the smell.
Can You Get Arrested for Smoking Weed in Thailand?
Yes, you can still be arrested for smoking weed in Thailand. If you smoke weed in public and marijuana smoke causes a nuisance to others, you might be fined. It’s best to find a private smoking area to avoid any trouble.
What is The Penalty for Smoking Weed in Thailand?
For cannabis-related offenses (if you’re caught smoking weed in public), you may be fined up to 25,000 baht (about US$700), and imprisoned for up to three months. As we mentioned above this has not happened to anyone here as yet.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Smoking Weed in Thailand?
While smoking weed in Thailand is not technically legal, some risks are still associated with doing so. The most significant risk is getting caught by the police and fined or arrested.
Another risk is that the quality of the weed you’re smoking might not be excellent – unless you buy weed from us! This is because the cannabis market in Thailand is still relatively new and unregulated. So, make sure you know what you’re smoking before you spark up.
Finally, there is always the risk that smoking weed might negatively affect your travel plans. For example, you can’t smuggle marijuana from Thailand into certain other countries because marijuana is not legal in some countries. If you’re caught trying to do so, you could face stiff penalties, so don’t try to do anything stupid.
What are The Effects of Cannabis?
The effects of cannabis can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the individual’s tolerance, the strain of cannabis, and the method of consumption. Generally speaking, the effects of cannabis can be broken down into three main categories: physical, mental, and emotional.
Physical effects can include an increase in heart rate, reddening of the eyes, and a dry mouth.
Mental effects can include changes in perception, impaired memory, and difficulty concentrating.
Emotional effects can include elation, relaxation, and/or anxiety. In some cases, cannabis use can lead to paranoia.
it is important to note that the effects of cannabis are not always predictable or controllable, so it is important to be aware of how it affects you before consuming it.
The Benefits of Smoking Marijuana for Your Health
Smoking marijuana has been shown to have a number of potential health benefits. For example, marijuana smoke contains cannabidiol (CBD), which is a compound that has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-seizure properties.
In addition, marijuana use has been linked with a reduced risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as lung cancer.
Finally, marijuana use can also help to relieve pain and improve sleep quality. This is why many people use cannabis for medicinal purposes.
If we consume marijuana in moderation, it is good for our health. However, we must be careful about the quality of what we’re smoking to avoid any health risks.
Conclusion
While smoking weed in public is still illegal in Thailand, the decriminalization of marijuana use has led to a growing cannabis culture in the country.
However, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with smoking weed, such as the possibility (albeit a very low one) of getting arrested or fined.
So, if you’re going to smoke weed while in Thailand, make sure you do so in a private place to avoid any legal trouble. And, be sure to purchase your weed from a reputable source to ensure its quality.