Cannabis in Thailand in 2026: how to buy legally after the new restrictions?
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.
Thailand’s cannabis market has changed dramatically since the government tightened regulations in June 2025. While cannabis has not been fully banned, buying it legally now requires following a medical framework that many tourists still misunderstand.
Cannabis in Thailand: what changed after the 2025 law?
Thailand became internationally famous in 2022 after decriminalizing cannabis. Thousands of dispensaries opened across the country, especially in tourist areas such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui.
However, concerns over uncontrolled recreational use, tourism excesses and public smoking pushed the government to introduce stricter rules.
The amendment published in the Royal Gazette on June 25, 2025 changed the market significantly:
- Cannabis sales now officially require a medical justification.
- Dispensaries must keep purchase records and follow stricter compliance procedures.
- Growers and producers must comply with GACP (Good Agriculture and Collection Practices) standards.
- Advertising and product promotion became far more restricted.
- Public consumption remains illegal under public nuisance laws.
The result is a more controlled system that officially limits cannabis to medical and health-related use.
Can tourists still buy cannabis in Thailand in 2026?
Yes, but not as freely as before.
Tourists can still purchase cannabis legally from licensed dispensaries if they obtain a medical certificate. In practice, the process remains relatively simple in many shops, especially in major tourist destinations.
How the legal purchase process works
Most dispensaries now follow a standard procedure:
- Passport verification.
- Completion of a short medical questionnaire.
- Remote or on-site approval by an authorized practitioner.
- Issuance of a temporary medical certificate.
- Legal purchase authorization.
The certificate usually costs around 300 to 500 THB depending on the dispensary and doctor involved.
In most cases, certificates are valid for around one month.
Medical conditions commonly used
The most common declared conditions include:
- insomnia
- stress and anxiety
- chronic pain
- migraines
- appetite disorders
The interpretation of these categories often remains flexible depending on the clinic or dispensary.
What cannabis products are still available?
Despite tighter regulations, products remain widely available in licensed dispensaries.
Flower products
Cannabis flowers are still the main product sold in Thailand.
However, the market has changed:
- Most products now come exclusively from Thai growers.
- Imported flowers are officially prohibited.
- Packaging has become more neutral.
- THC percentages are less prominently displayed than before.
Many dispensaries continue selling high-THC strains, although labeling practices vary considerably.
Edibles and extracts
Edibles, oils and extracts still exist but face stricter scrutiny.
Products with high THC concentrations are more tightly controlled, and some shops reduced their edible selection after the 2025 reforms.
Can you still find recreational cannabis in Thailand?
Unofficially, yes.
In some nightlife and backpacker areas, cannabis remains accessible outside the formal medical framework.
Places frequently associated with this include:
- Khao San Road in Bangkok
- parts of Pattaya
- some nightlife districts in Phuket
- certain islands with strong tourism activity
Street sellers and informal vendors still operate, although police checks and enforcement can happen at any time.
For tourists, this creates a legal grey zone:
while cannabis itself is not criminalized in the same way as before 2022, buying outside licensed channels can still expose buyers to fines, scams or legal complications.
Can you smoke cannabis in public in Thailand?
No.
This remains one of the most important rules tourists often ignore.
Even with a valid medical certificate, smoking cannabis in public places can lead to penalties under Thailand’s public nuisance laws.
This includes:
- streets
- beaches
- parks
- temple areas
- public transport zones
- bars and restaurants unless explicitly authorized
Complaints from nearby residents or tourists can trigger police intervention.
Cannabis consumption should remain private in Thailand. Public smoking can lead to fines or police intervention even if the product was legally purchased.
Are dispensaries still everywhere in Thailand?
The number of cannabis shops has decreased since the 2025 regulation changes.
Some businesses closed because they could not adapt to the stricter licensing and compliance requirements.
However, cannabis dispensaries remain common in major tourist destinations, including:
- Bangkok
- Pattaya
- Phuket
- Chiang Mai
- Koh Samui
- Koh Phangan
The atmosphere has also changed:
many dispensaries now present themselves more like wellness clinics than recreational cannabis shops.
Key things to know before buying cannabis in Thailand
- Legal purchases now require a medical certificate.
- Most dispensaries help customers obtain the required paperwork.
- Cannabis must officially come from licensed Thai producers.
- Public smoking remains illegal.
- Informal sales still exist but carry risks.
- Rules continue to evolve and enforcement can vary depending on location and local authorities.
FAQ: Cannabis in Thailand in 2026
Is cannabis legal in Thailand in 2026?
Yes, but under a restricted medical-use framework.
Can tourists buy cannabis legally?
Yes, through licensed dispensaries and with a medical certificate.
How much does the certificate cost?
Usually between 300 and 500 THB.
Can tourists smoke on the beach?
No. Public consumption remains prohibited.
Are cannabis edibles legal?
Some are still available, but regulations on THC extracts and infused products are stricter than before.
Is recreational cannabis officially banned?
Thailand officially limits cannabis use to medical and health purposes, although enforcement and real-world practices sometimes differ.
