Thailand's Complex Weed Laws Simplified
In 2019, Thailand surprised the world when it changed the 1979 Narcotics Act, legalizing marijuana for medical purposes. Not only was it the first Southeast Asian country to make such a move, but it may have been one of the biggest in cannabis history, as Thailand has always had some of the strictest cannabis prohibition in the world, where minor possession could have had you locked up for up to 5 years.
Since the changes were made, the cannabis plant has been on a bumpy ride with major changes constantly happening.
In 2022, the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand declassified cannabis and hemp plants from the Narcotics Act, legalizing cannabis extracts that have no more than 0.2% THC for personal use and legalizing flowers (buds) with no THC limits for medical purposes.
After this change, cannabis dispensaries sprang up all over the major hotspot of Thailand, but there was a lot of confusion about whether weed was legal for recreational and medical or just medical.
Cannabis was never legal for recreational use in Thailand, only for medical purposes, but during this time period, everything was moving fast, and the medical program was not fully in place.
In June 2025, the Thai Minister of Public Health published new rules, reclassifying the cannabis flower as a controlled herb, officially banning it for recreational use. Now, citizens, residents, and tourists over the age of 20 must produce a valid medical prescription if they want to purchase weed in Thailand.
Below you can find the summary of the cannabis laws in Thailand.
Is Weed Legal In Thailand?
Yes, cannabis is legal in Thailand, but only for medical purposes.
How Do I Get Medical Weed in Thailand?
To legally get medical cannabis in Thailand, you will need a PorThor 33 prescription form, issued by a licensed medical practitioner. The PorThor 33 is only valid for 30 days and covers up to 30 grams of flower or 30ml of extract. You can get the prescription through in-person clinic visits or online telemedicine platforms like Thaikanya.
Foreign prescriptions are not valid.
How Much Weed Can I Possess In Thailand?
If you have a valid medical prescription, you can possess up to 30 grams of cannabis.
Can You Use Weed In Public?
No, the public use of cannabis is prohibited and can result in a fine of up to 25,000 Baht and/or imprisonment for up to 3 months.
Can Tourists Buy Weed In Thailand?
Yes, it's legal for tourists to buy weed in Thailand as long as they have a valid medical cannabis prescription issued by a licensed Thai medical practitioner.
Is Recreational Cannabis Legal In Thailand?
No, recreational cannabis is illegal in Thailand.
Is CBD Legal In Thailand?
Yes, hemp-derived CBD containing less than 0.2% THC is legal in Thailand.
