Cannabis in Thailand
Things You Should Know
Since delisting parts of the marijuana plant as a narcotic last year, cannabis cafes and weed dispensaries have become common in Thailand.
But confusing government amendments to the laws and continued debate about what should be permitted have created what has become known as a weed Wild West that could land tourists in trouble.
Since legalisation, no one really [knows] whether we have the correct informationî, says Kitty Chopaka, an independent cannabis advocate based in Bangkok.
The Ministry of public health has published a new guide, and as long as tourists follow a few simple rules. There is nothing to fear, says Mendel Menachem at cannabis information hub High Thailand.
With our expertise and diversity of experience within the teams,We are able to open your shop fussy free in matter of few weeks.
Cannabis Info Fact in Thailand
What is cannabis?
Cannabis, Cannabis sativa L., is Thailand’ s native plant. It is commonly known as ganja. In Thai legislation, hemp and cannabis are of the same species. Legally, hemp is a cannabis plant containing less than 1% THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol, a psychotic agent). This article, when mentioning cannabis, it refers to both cannabis and hemp.
Thai traditional remedies containing cannabis have been used to relieve pain, sleep problems, and loss of appetite. In the past, Thai cuisine used cannabis leaves as a seasoning agent, as commonly as other spices, to improve appetite and blood circulation.
Every part of the cannabis plant, including the leaf, root, stem, seed, and flower, was used to treat various ailments before being listed as narcotics for almost 60 years.
The history of cannabis use is an important reason the Thai government legalized the medical use of cannabis in 2019.
Cannabis regulations in Thailand
Currently, the cannabis plant is no longer on the narcotic list. However, Cannabis flower bud is classified as a controlled herb and prohibited.
- From selling to youth under 20 years old.
- Pregnant women and breastfeeding women.
- Cannabis flowers are also not allowed to be sold via vending machines and online sale.
- Extracts with more than 0.2% THC and synthetic THC are prohibited from the market.
Thing To Consider:
- Only cannabis health products approved by the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are legal for sale. Medical cannabis products are available at public and private hospitals/clinics and pharmacies.
- Several factors affect THC excretion from the body, such as genetics, gender, weight, body fat tissue and physical activities; therefore, the amount of THC remaining in the body after use or consumption is unpredictable.
- Even though current evidence indicates the medical benefits of cannabis use, inappropriate consumption may lead to undesirable health outcomes such as altered senses, mood changes and impaired body movement.
- Tourists visiting Thailand must follow Thailand’s cannabis regulations for safety reasons. When returning home, tourists should check the laws and regulations concerning using and possessing cannabis and cannabis products in their home country.
10 Things Tourists Need to Know About Cannabis in Thailand
1. CARRYING SEEDS OR PARTS OF THE CANNABIS PLANT FROM AND TO THAILAND FOR PERSONAL PURPOSES ARE NOT PERMITTED.
Only domestic cannabis plants cultivated in Thailand are removed from the narcotic drug list. However, imported cannabis plants are still considered on the narcotic list. Importing cannabis seeds requires permission from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.
2. CANNABIS CULTIVATION IS LEGAL, BUT REGISTERING IN THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION’S “PLOOK GANJA” APPLICATION OR THROUGH THE GOVERNMENT WEBSITE IS REQUIRED.
The cannabis plant is removed from a narcotic list on the 9th of June, 2022. Since then, cultivating cannabis plants can be done by notifying the government through applications or website.
3. USING CANNABIS FLOWER BUDS FOR RESEARCH, EXPORT, SALE, AND PROCESSING FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES REQUIRES AN OFFICIAL PERMIT.
According to the Notification of the Ministry of Public Health, cannabis flower buds are classified as a controlled herb. Using them for business purposes, including free handouts and research, requires permission from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine.
4. INDIVIDUALS UNDER 20 YEARS OLD, PREGNANT WOMEN AND BREASTFEEDING WOMEN ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO USE CANNABIS EXCEPT UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS.
According to the Ministry of Public Health Notification, specified vulnerable population groups are prohibited from using cannabis independently to minimize the risk of adverse health effects.
5. POSSESSION OF EXTRACT CONTAINING MORE THAN 0.2% THC AND SYNTHETIC THC REQUIRES PERMISSION.
Though the cannabis plant is not considered a narcotic drug, the cannabis extract with more than 0.2% THC is still under category five on the narcotic list. Synthetic THC is classified in category 1 on the narcotic list
6. CANNABIS CONTAINED DISHES ARE AVAILABLE IN AUTHORIZED RESTAURANTS.
According to the Food Act, cannabis flower buds are not allowed in any dishes or food products, but other parts can be used. Eateries must notify customers of any dish containing or cooked with cannabis, including warnings about cannabis consumption, particularly those under 20, pregnant, and breastfeeding women. Tourists should check with food vendors if they are unsure whether the food contains cannabis or not
7.APPROVED CANNABIS HEALTH PRODUCTS ARE ACCESSIBLE THROUGH SPECIFIC CHANNELS.
Rinse-off cosmetic products, food products (not for babies), and herbal products are permitted to contain a limited amount of cannabis parts (except flower buds), CBD (Cannabidiol), hemp seed oil, and extract. Purchasing herbal medicines containing cannabis extract requires a prescription from medical doctor. Traditional cannabis remedies are available at government hospitals, private clinics, and pharmacies.
8. SMOKING CANNABIS IN PUBLIC SPACES, INCLUDING SCHOOLS AND SHOPPING MALLS, IS ILLEGAL.
According to the Notification of the Department of Health, smoking cannabis in public for recreation has legal penalty of imprisonment up to three months or fine up to 25,000 baht or both.
9. AVOID DRIVING AFTER CONSUMING FOOD OR HEALTH PRODUCTS CONTAINING CANNABIS.
Cannabis may impair judgment, motor coordination, and reaction time. These effects can occur within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption and last up to 24 hours. Driving during this period may lead to an accident.
10. THOSE WHO HAVE SERIOUS UNDESIRABLE HEALTH OUTCOMES FROM CONSUMING CANNABIS SHOULD PROMPTLY SEE DOCTORS FOR TREATMENT.
Common side effects, such as dry mouth, extreme thirst, drowsiness, dizziness, and changes in blood pressure, can be diminished by drinking more water and resting. However, Serious adverse events, such as heart attack, irregular heartbeat, chest discomfort, syncope, and severe vomiting, require urgent medical care from doctors.
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