Cannabis in Thailand: how to buy legally in 2025?
Written by the editors of theo-courant.com, your reference guide to Thailand and South-East Asia - based in Bangkok, at the heart of Thai culture.
Since the new law of June 25, 2025, buying cannabis in Thailand now follows stricter rules. Here’s what you need to know to purchase legally.
The new cannabis regulation in Thailand
The days of walking into a coffee shop and buying a THC-rich bud are over.
The June 25, 2025 amendment, published in the Royal Gazette, introduced new restrictions:
- Growers and exporters must obtain GACP (Good Agriculture and Collection Practices) certification.
- Selling cannabis without a medical prescription is now prohibited.
This change directly affected many shops: some closed, others adapted to the new rules.
How to buy cannabis in Thailand?
In practice, there are two options: the official route and the unofficial system.
The official way
In dispensaries, rules are strictly applied. To buy, a medical certificate is required.
- The cost is around 400 THB for a one-month valid, nominative certificate.
- Staff usually manage the paperwork and send the request to an authorized doctor. This request must relate to one of the following five medical conditions: insomnia, chronic pain (no clarification is provided on this very vague concept of chronic pain), migraine, anorexia, and Parkinson’s disease.
- Once validated, the purchase can be made.
Product availability
Before the new law, product variety was wide. Today, shops must only source from legal suppliers inside Thailand.
- No imports, only locally grown cannabis.
- The strains are known to be very strong, with high THC and CBD levels.
- Unlike before, no detailed information about THC or CBD content is shared anymore. Sales are now similar to tobacco in Thailand: neutral packaging and no product details.
The Thai way: unofficial sales
In areas like Khao San Road in Bangkok, cannabis is still available through street vendors.
- Small stands display different varieties quite openly.
- The trade exists but remains unofficial and subject to controls… So for those who want to try it, it’s at their own risk!
Khao San Road keeps its reputation as a place where you can still find what disappeared elsewhere.
Even with a medical prescription, cannabis consumption must take place in private. Smoking in a public place is punishable by law.
Key points to remember
- Since June 2025, buying cannabis without a medical certificate is illegal.
- The medical certificate costs about 400 THB, valid for one month.
- Only Thai-grown cannabis is available, often very strong, with no THC/CBD details.
- Unofficial sales continue in tourist areas like Khao San Road.
FAQ: Cannabis in Thailand in 2025
Can I still freely buy cannabis in Thailand?
No, since June 25, 2025, a medical certificate is required for legal purchase.
How much does a medical certificate cost?
Around 400 THB, valid for one month and issued under your name.
Is smoking in public allowed?
No, public consumption is banned and can result in fines.
Do dispensaries sell imported cannabis?
No, only Thai-grown plants are legal.
Are there still street vendors selling cannabis?
Yes, mostly in places like Khao San Road, but it’s unofficial and carries risks.
