Can I Smoke Weed in Bangkok?

Whether you live in Thailand or are one of the millions of annual visitors to the Kingdom one question is on many cannabis lovers’ lips. That is: Can I smoke weed in Bangkok?

While the question is quite straightforward, the answer is more complex. With that in mind let’s take a look at what the actual laws are and then delve into the reality.

The Legalization of Cannabis in Thailand

In 2018 the Kingdom of Thailand made South-East Asian history by becoming the first country in the region to take a major step toward legalizing the use of cannabis. Initially, this was exclusively for medical purposes.

From there, a variety of different establishments such as alternative health clinics, spas, and private hospitals began to offer wellness services. These services were based on the many health and therapeutic benefits that cannabis offers.

Roll on to June 9th, 2022 when pro-cannabis campaigners and weed lovers across Thailand had a huge cause to celebrate. The reason? The country’s FDA (Food and Drug Administration) announced that marijuana and hemp would be removed from its narcotics list.

That announcement consolidated Thailand’s position as the first nation in Asia to mostly decriminalize the plant. This measure covered the existing use of cannabis for medical purposes but added allowable use in the industrial sector and for personal use.

It is the personal usage angle that we will shortly concentrate on. But before that, let’s make clear some of the key pointers that the Thai government stipulates relating to cannabis use:

Note: This is not an exhaustive list, rather it is just 8 key points that affect the use of cannabis in the Kingdom.

It is also important to understand that this is not legal advice. If you are in any doubt about what is and what is not allowed, seek government/official assistance for clarification.

• The carriage of seeds or parts of the cannabis plant either from or to Thailand for personal purposes is not permitted.

• Thai citizens are now legally allowed to cultivate cannabis. However, to do so they must register with the FDA through a government website (“Plook Ganja”).

• All persons under the age of 20 years, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women are not eligible to use cannabis (except under the supervision of health professionals).

• Permission is required to carry out the process of extraction for any cannabis containing more than 0.2% THC and synthetic THC.

• Authorized restaurants are now allowed to include cannabis (with a very low THC content) in the food they serve. If restaurants do serve dishes containing cannabis they must make it known to customers.

• Approved cannabis health products are now accessible through specific channels.

• Smoking cannabis in public spaces (including schools and shopping malls) is illegal.

• Cannabis can be used in your home for recreational purposes. However, this must not cause annoyance (e.g. strong smell) or disturb others in your surrounding area.

So, What’s the Lowdown on Getting High in Bangkok? 

Now it is time to look at the reality of smoking weed in Bangkok (or anywhere else in Thailand for that matter!) Let’s not kid ourselves, even before these huge steps toward legalization were established, many Thais and visitors had access to weed.

Indeed, for tourists, island life, in particular, meant that weed was available for purchase. It was also enjoyed regularly with little interference from the authorities.

Thailand’s relationship with weed goes back centuries. While this is not the place to get into a detailed history of ganja in Thailand, one type of weed deserves a mention. That is the Thai Stick. This potent strain ruled the “high” world during the late 1960s and 1970s.

Grown by the hill tribes in North-East Thailand, Thai Sticks consisted of top-quality Thai buds wound together (with silk or thin strands of hemp) around bamboo sticks or hemp stalks.

These could then be unwrapped and the buds used for rolling joints or packed into a bong. On their own, they were a mind-blowing experience. One that is arguably not matched today.

However, for an even wilder smoking experience, some of these Thai Sticks were also dipped in Opium. Smoking that combo was a whole new and out-of-body experience… but we digress!

The point trying to be made here is that for anyone who visited Thailand in the past and was partial to a toke, quality weed was never really that difficult to obtain. But asking your can I smoke weed in Bangkok is another mater entirely.

However, while there may still be gray areas surrounding what is and is not allowed relating to cannabis consumption in Thailand, one thing is very clear:

There Will be no Struggle to Find Quality Weed in Thailand

Since that monumental ruling in early June 2022 which paved the way for the production, sale, and consumption of cannabis, countless weed entrepreneurs have not been slow in taking advantage.

In Bangkok alone, there are more cannabis dispensaries than you can shake a stick at. Many of which are real high-end establishments. For example, you can expect to find qualified medical marijuana doctors available to give advice and recommend treatment methods.

Better still, all of the quality cannabis dispensaries have super-friendly, very helpful, and extremely knowledgeable budtenders who certainly know their stuff. These guys and girls will give as much or as little assistance as you require.

The choice of Sativa-dominant or Indica-dominant strains for sale by the spliff or gram is huge. They offer edibles and oils, some offer a rolling service, while all sell papers, smoking devices, and other weed-related items.

Many respectable establishments have designed on-site, specific smoking areas equipped with ventilation systems. These ensure comfortable and relaxed chill-out areas. As for the background tunes, they hold the promise of getting you exactly where you want to be!

A New Government in the Offing

One final comment on Thailand’s weed legislation. On 14th May 2023, the country went to the polls with official results being released on 25th May. The upshot is that a new government will very likely be put in place.

The Move Forward Party won most seats followed by fellow opposition party Pheu Thai. While not yet fully ratified, it is expected that a new coalition government will be formed. With that, on their agenda will be a review of the current cannabis legislation and status.

However, the early signs are that the current rules for licensed cannabis dispensaries will be kept in place. That being the case, things will remain as they currently are. This would mean that weed lovers will still have full access to licensed cannabis dispensaries in Bangkok and right across the country.

Can I Smoke Weed in Bangkok?

Getting back to the original question, while there are certain restrictions and still some gray areas of the law to consider, the answer to can I smoke weed in Bangkok is: YES!

Anyone living in Bangkok or visiting the City of Angels should head to one of the many licensed cannabis dispensaries to smoke from a wide choice of quality strains, consume edibles, and buy whatever weed-related products take your liking.

Just use common weed sense. Don’t flout the rules by smoking in public, avoid street dealers, and stick to dispensaries that have already received rave reviews from the thousands of customers who have happily got high during pleasurable visits.

If you have enjoyed this article and would like to learn more about weed-related issues, please feel free to click here.