Is cannabis legal in Thailand? Everything you need to know in 2025

Thailand made international headlines in 2022 when it became the first Southeast Asian nation to decriminalize cannabis. The move was hailed as groundbreaking and sparked a booming cannabis tourism industry. But just three years later, the legal landscape has shifted dramatically. So, is cannabis still legal in Thailand? The answer is more complicated than ever.

A brief history: when cannabis was decriminalized

In June 2022, Thailand officially removed cannabis from its list of narcotics. This decision allowed citizens to grow cannabis plants at home and opened the door for thousands of dispensaries across the country. Although the government promoted the plant for medical and wellness purposes, enforcement was loose, and recreational use flourished in practice.

Cannabis cafes, dispensaries, and even vending machines quickly became part of Thailand’s urban scenery. Foreigners and locals alike embraced the change. Yet the lack of strict regulations sparked concerns over misuse, public consumption, and the normalization of cannabis among minors.

2025 update: new cannabis laws tighten access

As of June 25, 2025, Thailand has reintroduced significant restrictions on cannabis through a new order issued by the Ministry of Public Health. This legal update marks a sharp departure from the previous leniency.

What’s changed?

Cannabis is now classified as a controlled medicinal herb. This means it can only be sold for medical use and only to individuals with a valid prescription from a certified Thai practitioner (including doctors and licensed traditional healers).
Dispensaries must be licensed and are required to:
- Sell cannabis flowers sourced exclusively from GACP-certified producers.
- File monthly reports detailing the source and use of their cannabis stock.
Cannabis cannot be sold online, through vending machines, or without prescription.
Violations of the law may lead to fines or imprisonment, especially for unauthorized sellers or repeat offenders.

The new law does not criminalize individual possession for personal medical use, but unregulated recreational sales are effectively banned.

Why is Thailand tightening cannabis laws again?

The dramatic growth of cannabis businesses — over 11,000 dispensaries by mid-2025 — led to unintended consequences. Public smoking became widespread, cannabis tourism grew rapidly, and concerns mounted about youth access and public health. The current government, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, campaigned on promises to crack down on recreational use and return the focus to medical cannabis only.

This shift reflects the political transition in 2023, when the pro-cannabis Bhumjaithai Party lost influence and the Pheu Thai Party gained power. The Ministry of Public Health has since taken swift steps to roll back the perceived excesses of the 2022 decriminalization.

Can tourists still use cannabis in Thailand?

Technically, yes — but under very specific conditions.

Tourists may only consume cannabis if they have a prescription from a licensed Thai medical professional. Without this, any purchase or use is now considered illegal.

Key guidelines for cannabis users in 2025

Public consumption is strictly prohibited. This includes parks, beaches, sidewalks, and all transportation hubs. Violations may result in arrest.
Consumption is allowed only in private spaces, and now only for medical purposes.
Buying cannabis requires a medical prescription and must be done at a licensed dispensary. Street vendors and unlicensed shops are illegal.
Possession limits are unclear, but tourists should avoid carrying large quantities to prevent suspicion.
The legal age for cannabis use is 20+. Identification may be required at dispensaries.
CBD products are still available, but many dispensaries now focus on low-THC, medical-grade strains.
International travel with cannabis is strictly illegal. Never attempt to bring cannabis in or out of Thailand.

What about cannabis cultivation and home use?

The government has yet to fully ban home cultivation, but future legislation may place tighter controls on this as well. As of now, individuals may still grow cannabis for personal medicinal use, but commercial growing or selling requires strict licensing.

Officials have hinted that a reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic (Category 5) may be coming in the near future — which would completely outlaw personal cultivation and close all remaining legal loopholes.

Regional comparison: Thailand vs the rest of Southeast Asia

Thailand remains the most liberal country in the region regarding cannabis — but that window may be closing. Neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines maintain strict anti-drug laws with harsh penalties, including prison time or even death in some cases.

Thailand’s experiment with cannabis reform has drawn attention across ASEAN. Some leaders view it as a cautionary tale, while others are closely watching how Thailand balances public health, tourism, and commerce under its new regulations.

Where can you legally use cannabis in Thailand?

If you have a prescription, you can still find licensed dispensaries そして cannabis-friendly wellness centers where legal consumption is possible in private. Our Thailand cannabis directory is regularly updated with verified venues that comply with the latest legal standards.

Final thoughts: is cannabis legal in Thailand?

Cannabis in Thailand is now legal only for medical use そして heavily regulated. The days of free, unregulated cannabis tourism are over. While the country hasn’t fully criminalized cannabis again, it’s taking firm steps to reverse the recreational boom そして return to a tightly controlled medical framework.

If you plan to consume cannabis in Thailand in 2025, make sure you do so responsibly, discreetly, and in full compliance with the law.

To stay informed, follow 大麻を吸うタイ for real-time updates, venue directories, and legal tips for navigating the evolving landscape of Thai cannabis regulation.