Thailand Tightens Cannabis Laws: What Tourists and Locals Need to Know (September 2025 Update)
I know what you may be thinking— here we go again. Nonetheless, Know Before You Go. Read on!
Thailand’s cannabis rules changed again on September 1, 2025. If you’re living in or traveling to Thailand, here’s a quick update on what’s allowed, what’s restricted, and how the new laws affect both patients and tourists.
People walking pass a dispensary in the Sukhumvit neighborhood, Bangkok, Thailand.
Cannabis Now Limited to Five Medical Uses
The Thai Ministry of Public Health has restricted cannabis flower buds to medical use only. They can now only be prescribed for:
Insomnia
Chronic pain
Migraines
Parkinson’s disease
Loss of appetite (anorexia)
Only patients with a doctor’s prescription for one of these conditions can legally use cannabis. Prescriptions are valid for 30 days at a time.
Stricter Rules for Dispensaries
Thailand’s 12,000+ cannabis shops must now follow new regulations:
Sell products only from licensed, certified farms.
No sales online or via vending machines.
Licenses must be renewed and tied to the new system.
A telemedicine platform is also being rolled out to track prescriptions nationwide and prevent abuse.
Impact on Tourists and Businesses
Tourists: Recreational cannabis is effectively banned again. Don’t expect to buy cannabis buds without a prescription. Violating the law could result in fines or worse.
Businesses: Many dispensaries have reported sharp declines in customers since the new restrictions, raising concerns for small farmers and shop owners.
Industry Outlook: The government may reclassify cannabis as a narcotic if misuse continues, so the rules could tighten further.
Why the Change?
After cannabis was decriminalized in 2022, thousands of dispensaries opened, creating a booming market. But government and public concerns about uncontrolled recreational use and youth access led to this policy U-turn. The government is now positioning cannabis strictly as a medical treatment—not a lifestyle product.
People walking pass a dispensary on Bangla Road, Phuket, Thailand.
Tourists walking pass dispensaries on Bangla Road, Phuket, Thailand.
FAQs About Cannabis in Thailand (2025)
Q: Can tourists buy cannabis in Thailand in 2025?
A: Only with a valid Thai doctor’s prescription for one of the five approved conditions. Recreational use is no longer legal.
Q: Is CBD oil still legal in Thailand?
A: Yes, CBD products with very low THC levels remain available, but must comply with health regulations. Always check product labeling.
Q: What happens if you use cannabis recreationally in Thailand?
A: Possession or use without a prescription can result in fines, confiscation, and/or criminal charges.
Q: Can I bring cannabis into Thailand?
A: No. Importing cannabis products is strictly prohibited and can carry severe penalties.
Q: What about cannabis edibles or drinks?
A: Edibles with high THC are no longer permitted. Some CBD-based food and beverages remain available if they meet government standards.
Seating area in front of a dispensary in Phuket, Thailand.
Final Thoughts
If you’re traveling to Thailand, know that recreational cannabis is no longer legal. For patients, access is tightly controlled through prescriptions and licensed dispensaries. For locals, the shift marks a new era of oversight.
However, Thailand’s political landscape remains in flux, as the Prime Minister’s office and Parliament continue to struggle with stability. Another policy U-turn could be on the horizon—so stay tuned. — Monchai
MORE RESOURCES:
Best Time to Visit Thailand?: What I Tell My Friends
Retiring in Thailand in 2025: Your Complete Guide to Living the Dream (Without Breaking the Bank)
Thailand e-Visa Guide 2025: How to Apply Online [Complete Process]
For Do’s and Don’ts while visiting Thailand, click HERE.
Thailand Medical Tourism 2025: Best Hospitals, Costs & Procedures
Looking for Bangkok’s best second-hand markets? Check it out HERE.
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Cheers! - Monchai
