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Beyond Temples: Exploring Cannabis-Friendly Destinations in Thailand

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Everyone wants to know the coolest cannabis-friendly destinations in Thailand. Looking for unique places to visit in Thailand that go beyond historical temples? Thailand has become a hotspot for cannabis tourism following recent decriminalization . This article guides you through marijuana-friendly destinations, accommodations, and activities in the Land of Smiles.

Get ready to explore the best cannabis-friendly destinations in Thailand!

Top Cannabis-Friendly Destinations in Thailand

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are prime cannabis-friendly destinations in Thailand. Travelers can explore cannabis culture while enjoying the vibrant city life of Bangkok or the tranquil nature of Chiang Mai and Phuket’s beautiful beaches.

Exploring cannabis-friendly destinations in Thailand leads travelers to the vibrant city of Bangkok. This bustling metropolis stands at the forefront of marijuana tourism, boasting an array of dispensaries where enthusiasts can find everything from local strains to imported favorites.

Cafes and lounges dotting the city offer a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying cannabis products, creating a unique blend of Thai culture and cannabis freedom.

The capital’s streets are alive with opportunities for weed experiences amid its iconic skyline. Visitors can indulge in CBD-infused massages at wellness centers or join guided tours that explore the intricate relationship between Thai cuisine and cannabis.

With laws evolving to embrace the ganja vacation trend, Bangkok serves as a dynamic gateway for those keen on diving into Thailand’s burgeoning cannabis culture.

After exploring the cannabis-friendly destinations in Bangkok, travelers can head to Chiang Mai for a more laid-back and serene marijuana-friendly experience. This northern city is known for its vibrant arts scene, lush landscapes, and relaxed atmosphere.

While enjoying the beautiful surroundings, tourists can partake in cannabis-themed activities such as guided tours of local marijuana farms or engaging in wellness retreats that incorporate CBD-infused massages and yoga sessions.

Visitors to Chiang Mai also have the opportunity to explore the surrounding countryside through outdoor adventures like hiking or bamboo rafting. For those interested in delving deeper into Thailand’s burgeoning weed culture, there are opportunities to connect with local communities advocating for responsible cannabis consumption and sustainable farming practices.

Transitioning from the cultural charm of Chiang Mai, Phuket offers a vibrant and laid-back cannabis-friendly environment for travelers. With its stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and relaxed atmosphere, Phuket has become a popular destination for cannabis enthusiasts seeking to unwind in a tropical paradise.

From beachside smoking lounges to cannabis-infused spa treatments, Phuket provides a range of experiences tailored to marijuana lovers.

Cannabis-friendly accommodations are plentiful in Phuket, with beachfront resorts offering designated smoking areas and 420-friendly policies. Tourists can also explore local dispensaries offering a variety of CBD products and join guided tours to learn about the island’s rich cannabis culture.

Cannabis-themed Accommodation Options

Experience the “Bud and Breakfast” concept with cannabis-friendly lodging options. Indulge in luxury cannabis resorts offering unique experiences for marijuana enthusiasts. These are some of the most beneficial cannabis-friendly destinations in Thailand.

“Bud and Breakfast” concept

Cannabis-themed accommodations, such as the “Bud and Breakfast” concept, offer a unique experience for travelers seeking marijuana-friendly destinations in Thailand. These establishments cater to cannabis enthusiasts by providing a safe and legal environment for consuming and learning about the plant.

Guests can enjoy cannabis-infused meals, participate in educational workshops on cultivation and consumption, and connect with like-minded individuals.

These specialized accommodations are designed to provide an immersive cannabis experience that goes beyond traditional lodging options, allowing guests to embrace the local culture while enjoying their passion for marijuana.

The “Bud and Breakfast” concept adds a new dimension to travel experiences in Thailand, attracting visitors who seek both relaxation and education about cannabis culture through well-organized activities and events during their stay.

Luxury cannabis resorts

Luxury cannabis resorts in Thailand offer visitors a premium experience, combining upscale accommodations with cannabis-friendly amenities. These high-end destinations provide a sophisticated and comfortable environment for enthusiasts to enjoy the best of both worlds: luxury hospitality and access to quality cannabis products.

With stunning facilities, top-notch services, and carefully curated experiences, these resorts cater to travelers seeking an indulgent retreat that embraces the emerging cannabis culture in Thailand .

Guests can expect beautifully appointed rooms, rejuvenating spa treatments, gourmet dining options infused with CBD or THC elements, and tailored activities that celebrate the therapeutic properties of marijuana. You can see why this is one of the best cannabis-friendly destinations in Thailand.

Tours and Experiences Beyond Just Smoking

Explore guided cannabis tours that take you through the lush countryside, offering an immersive experience in Thailand’s cannabis culture. Engage in unique activities such as dinner cruises along scenic rivers and farm tours to understand the local agricultural practices related to cannabis.

Guided cannabis tours

Embark on guided cannabis tours in Thailand to gain insights into the country’s vibrant weed culture. Explore local dispensaries, visit hemp farms, and delve into the history of marijuana use in this region.

Knowledgeable guides will provide valuable information about strain varieties, cultivation methods, and the legal landscape surrounding cannabis.

Engage in immersive experiences such as cooking classes with CBD-infused ingredients or participate in traditional Thai wellness activities complemented by marijuana elements. Discover the fascinating world of Thai cannabis through tailored guided tours that offer an authentic and educational perspective on this thriving industry. Finding the best cannabis-friendly destinations in Thailand has never been so easy.

Cannabis-themed activities such as dinner cruises and farm tours

Explore the high side of Thailand with cannabis-themed activities, like indulging in a sunset dinner cruise or embarking on a farm tour. Engage in gastronomic adventures with gourmet cuisine infused with CBD and soak up the serene atmosphere while cruising along scenic rivers.

Interact with local farmers and gain insight into sustainable cannabis cultivation practices during an informative farm tour, enhancing your understanding of Thailand’s thriving weed culture.

Immerse yourself in unique experiences that go beyond traditional consumption, allowing you to appreciate the depth of cannabis-friendly destinations in Thailand. Engaging in these activities provides a glimpse into the diverse offerings available for enthusiasts seeking unconventional travel experiences amidst stunning Thai landscapes.

Responsible Consumption and the Booming Weed Business in Thailand

Tourists can take advantage of the changing drug laws in Thailand , offering opportunities for responsible and legal consumption. There are growing prospects for agriculture, driving the booming weed business and providing CBD tourism options for travelers to explore.

Changes in drug laws

Thailand has undergone significant changes in drug laws, particularly regarding cannabis. The country has made strides in decriminalizing and legalizing the plant for medicinal and recreational use, opening doors for a burgeoning cannabis industry.

These progressive shifts have paved the way for a new era of tourism centered around marijuana-friendly experiences, attracting travelers seeking unique and immersive adventures in Thailand’s cannabis culture.

Tourists can now explore various destinations within Thailand where they can partake in responsible consumption of cannabis products comfortably and legally. The evolving drug laws have also spurred interest among entrepreneurs to capitalize on opportunities in agriculture, hospitality, and wellness services related to the growing demand for marijuana-related experiences.

Opportunities for agriculture

With changes in drug laws opening up the cannabis industry in Thailand, there are significant opportunities for agriculture. Local farmers can now cultivate cannabis legally for medical and industrial purposes, contributing to the growing market.

The demand for high-quality strains and product s has created a space for innovative agricultural practices and sustainable cultivation methods. Entrepreneurs are also exploring eco-friendly farming techniques to meet the increasing need for organic marijuana products in the global market. Some of the best cannabis-friendly destinations in Thailand are the local farms.

Safe consumption tips for tourists.

As Thailand’s cannabis industry grows, tourists should be mindful of safe consumption practices. It is essential to purchase marijuana from licensed dispensaries and avoid buying or using it in public spaces.

Always adhere to the local laws and regulations regarding cannabis use, and never drive under the influence. When consuming, start with small amounts to gauge your tolerance level, especially if it is your first time trying marijuana.

Additionally, ensure that you are in a comfortable and safe environment when using cannabis products.

Best Cannabis-Friendly Destinations in Thailand

Discovering cannabis-friendly destinations in Thailand unveils a new dimension to travel experiences. Exploring Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket offers unique opportunities for marijuana enthusiasts.

From cannabis-themed accommodations to responsible consumption tips, the Thai tourism landscape is evolving beyond traditional attractions. Embracing this emerging trend opens doors to immersive and memorable travel adventures in the Land of Smiles.

Disclaimer: The photos of cannabis flowers and cannabis buds contained on this website are for educational and informational purposes only. They don’t promote online sales. The sale of cannabis is strictly limited to persons over 20 years old and in-store only. Cloud Nine assumes no responsibility for the improper use of these products. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product.

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Cannabis in Thailand: Travel Guide 2023

Are you planning a trip and interested in experiencing cannabis in Thailand? We've got you covered in this cannabis-friendly destination that has undergone significant changes in its marijuana laws. Since the legalization on June 9th, 2022, smoking weed is now permitted, even for tourists, without a prescription. Although public consumption is still prohibited, you can enjoy cannabis at home or designated smoking areas and venues. Discover the joy of exploring Thailand's vibrant culture and enjoying the benefits of cannabis without any hassle.

Finding the best cannabis in Thailand

Thailand is known for its beautiful beaches and amazing food and is now one of the world's most cannabis-friendly countries. Whether you're a local or a tourist, you can't help but notice the prevalence of weed in Thailand. But what are some of the best spots to smoke up? Here's where to go to smoke primo weed in the land of smiles.

For the most extensive list of cannabis dispensaries and weed stores near you in Thailand, we recommend that you check out ThaiWeedGuide .

If you’re extra lucky, you might even come across the legendary Thai stick .

Finding buds in Bangkok

When it comes to cannabis tourism, Bangkok has plenty of options for you. From the top of the city's most famous hotel to a restaurant that specializes in dishes made from marijuana plants. There are plenty of ways for you to experience Thai weed firsthand while visiting this amazing city.

You can even get a massage at a spa where they use weed-infused oils! If you're looking for something a little more casual, though, one of our favorite spots is a spot called Leaf Cannabis Cafe. They have both indoor and outdoor seating available, as well as a menu full of delicious cocktails and snacks. Their drinks are infused with THC or CBD so you can enjoy all the benefits without getting high. But if you do want some extra relaxation time, they have some amazing strains of cannabis in Thailand available too! Here is a list of iconic dispensaries in Bangkok that can come in handy when roaming the streets.

Puffing in Phuket

If you're traveling to Phuket and looking for some cannabis, it's really easy to find.First, check out this Phuket weed map . There are lots of dispensaries all over the island, so you don't have to go far to get your hands on some cannabis.

If you have time and want to explore the island a bit before hitting up a dispensary, we recommend heading down to Patong beach. It is usuall known known for its nightlife and party scene. There are tons of clubs there that have live music playing from sunset until sunrise! Just make sure to bring some cash in case you want to buy anything at the club—most places only take cash payments.

If you're looking for something more low-key, we recommend checking out Kamala Beach or Karon Beach. Both are sandy beaches with clear blue water and white sand that stretch for miles in either direction. It's absolutely stunning and great places to smoke some buds.

Cannabis in Thailand Comes to Life in 2023

As we enter 2023, the landscape of cannabis in Thailand continues to evolve. Since the historic legalization of cannabis on June 9th, 2022, Thailand has seen a significant cultural shift in its attitude towards this once prohibited plant. In this travel guide, we'll take you on a journey through Thailand's blossoming cannabis scene. We'll be sharing insights into the legal framework, the emerging cannabis culture. Here's the best ways to experience cannabis in this vibrant Southeast Asian nation. Get ready to explore the world of cannabis in Thailand like never before!

Getting high in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is one of those places that can seem like a dream come true. It has gorgeous architecture, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities for people-watching. Chiang Mai is now not only the capital of the north, but the weed capital of amazingly grown cannabis in Thailand. But where do you go if all you want to do is get high? You may not find yourself looking any further than Nimman Road. Ann area that's home to many restaurants and bars—and also has many weed stores selling marijuana products!

Visiting Chiang Mai is sure to be a memorable experience no matter what your plans are while there. But if they include partaking in some herb while exploring this incredible city then make sure not to miss out on the Old Town and Nimman road.

Smoking pot in Pattaya

When it comes to cannabis, Pattaya is a city that's ready for you.

From your first day in the city, you'll see signs of marijuana's acceptance: from the ubiquitous advertisements for "weed delivery," to the many dispensaries offering free samples, to the locals who are happy to point you in the right direction.

It's no wonder that Pattaya is such a hotspot for tourists who are coming to experience cannabis. And why shouldn't it be? The city has everything you could want in a destination: beaches, shopping centers, restaurants, bars—and now all of these things can be enhanced by cannabis!

You'll notice that even though all of these activities are going on around you, they don't seem overwhelming or stressful at all. That's because everyone here is chill as heck--we've got everything we need right here in Pattaya with some of the best cannabis in Thailand.

Be sure to check out this directory of Thai weed stores

Cannabis of Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a great place for tourists to experience cannabis. The island has many dispensaries, and even some hotels that have their own on-site dispensary.

Most of the weed stores are located in Chaweng, which is one of the most popular areas on the island. This means that tourists will find plenty of options if they want to purchase cannabis while they're visiting.

Many people who come to Koh Samui want to experience cannabis in a unique way, so they'll often head out into nature to find a quiet spot where they can consume it. There are plenty of options for this type of activity as well! If you need help in the confusing world of weed measurements, be sure to check out this blog post .

Koh Phangan’s cool cannabis

If you're traveling to Koh Phangan to experience cannabis, you've probably heard that there are plenty of places to find weed and dispensaries. But where are they, exactly?

The first step is to make sure you're in the right place. If you're looking for a dispensary, you'll want to be in Koh Samui. Koh Samui has about 40 dispensaries and many budtenders, but not all of those dispensaries will be open at any given time—so it's important that you know where your nearest options are before heading out on your search for marijuana.

Weed Map of Cannabis in Thailand

If you are visiting or planning to, and want to try some cannabis in Thailand, be sure to check out the local dispensaries using the Thailand weed map . The experience will be unlike anything you've ever had before, and you'll learn a lot about the culture of the country along the way.

If you have any questions about visiting dispensaries in Thailand, feel free to reach out!

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High times in Thailand: New weed laws draw tourists from across Asia

A Japanese tourist smokes cannabis at a Dutch passion shop in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Thailand’s de facto legalization of marijuana last year has brought a wave of tourists from the region intrigued by the lure of the forbidden leaf.(AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

A Japanese tourist smokes cannabis at a Dutch passion shop in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Thailand’s de facto legalization of marijuana last year has brought a wave of tourists from the region intrigued by the lure of the forbidden leaf. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

A flower bud of marijuana is prepared for customers at a Dutch passion shop in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Most Asian nations have strict drug laws with harsh penalties, and Thailand’s de facto legalization of marijuana last year has brought a wave of tourists from the region like the visitor from Japan, intrigued by the lure of the forbidden leaf. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

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BANGKOK (AP) — A Japanese tourist reaches into a baggie of cannabis he’s just bought in a central Bangkok weed shop, pulling out a gram of buds to chop down in a small black grinder, before rolling them neatly into a joint.

Only the slight spillage onto the smoking lounge’s table — and his cough as he lights up and inhales deeply — betray the fact that until two weeks ago, he’d never tried marijuana.

Most Asian nations have strict drug laws with harsh penalties, and Thailand’s de facto legalization of marijuana last year has brought a wave of tourists from the region like the visitor from Japan, intrigued by the lure of the forbidden leaf.

“I was curious about how I would feel after smoking,” said the 42-year-old tourist who spoke on condition that his name not be used, for fear his experimentation in Bangkok could lead to legal issues at home.

“I wonder why Japan bans it?” he pondered. “I wanted to try it.”

Even as more countries around the world legalize marijuana, Thailand has been the outlier in Asia, where several countries still have the death penalty for some cannabis offenses. Singapore has already executed two people this year for trafficking marijuana and its Central Narcotics Bureau has announced plans to randomly test people returning from Thailand.

Japan does not have the death penalty for drug offenses, but has warned that its laws on cannabis use may apply to its nationals even when they are abroad.

China’s embassy in Thailand has warned that if Chinese tourists consume marijuana abroad and are “detected upon returning to China, it is considered equivalent to using drugs domestically. As a result, you will be subject to corresponding legal penalties.” It issues similar warnings for travel to other countries where marijuana is readily available, such as the United States, Canada and the Netherlands.

On a recent flight from the Chinese city of Shanghai, passengers were cautioned not to “accidentally” try marijuana in Bangkok, with an announcement that in Thailand “some food and drink can include cannabis, so please pay attention to the leaf logo on the package of food.”

Neither Chinese nor Singaporean authorities would detail how frequently they test citizens returning from countries where marijuana has been decriminalized, responding to queries from the AP simply by reiterating their previously announced policies.

It’s no wonder that weed dispensaries in Bangkok say that customers from Singapore and China are among the most cautious, asking questions about how long traces of the drug remain in the system and whether there are detox products.

But many remain undeterred, and Thailand’s cannabis industry has grown at lightning speed, with weed dispensaries now almost as common as the ubiquitous convenience stores in some parts of the capital. Through February, nearly 6,000 licenses for cannabis-related businesses have been approved, including more than 1,600 in Bangkok alone, according to official figures.

There are no government figures on how many tourists come specifically to smoke marijuana, but Kueakarun Thongwilai, the manager of a weed shop in central Bangkok, estimates at least 70%-80% of his customers are foreigners, primarily from Asian countries like Japan, Malaysia, China and Philippines, and some from Europe.

Most cannabis shops, including his, now only hire employees who speak English, the lingua franca of the industry.

“You don’t need to speak perfect English, but you need to communicate with foreigners,” Thongwilai said.

About half of his customers are first-time weed users and most of them are Asians, he said.

Some want to try edible cannabis products, but Thongwilai said he tries to steer them toward smoking.

“Edibles take more time to take effect, and during that time people may eat more and more, leading to an excessive experience for beginners,” he said.

Not all are new to the drug, said Thongwilai, remembering a Malaysian customer who snuck away from a meal with his wife and daughter at a nearby restaurant. The man said he smoked marijuana secretly at home, but had heard the Thai product was better quality and wanted to try it.

“He bought the cheapest weed in our shop and tried it in a mall, and then he came back and bought more,” Thongwilai recalled.

Not far from Thongwilai’s shop at Dutch Passion, a newly opened retail branch of a Netherlands seed distributor that has been in business for more than three decades, about half the customers are also first-time users, said Theo Geene, a Dutch shareholder in the business.

Cannabis has been available in coffee shops in the Netherlands since the 1970s, and Geene said he has used his experience to train his staff how to serve those unfamiliar with the drug.

“For beginners, it’s not good to use a bong,” he said. “It’s too much for them. We don’t want anyone to pass out here.”

Most customers refused to talk about their experiences, with the Japanese tourist in Geene’s shop the only one who agreed to — and only on the condition his name not be used.

Most of the shop’s Asian customers are similarly discreet, choosing to smoke their purchases inside rather than on the streets like many Westerners do, which is common but a violation of Thai regulations, Geene said.

“They are more cautious and afraid,” he said. “They don’t want to be seen when they smoke weed.”

Before he embarked on his trip to Thailand, the 42-year-old Japanese tourist said he researched extensively online and determined that while customs might randomly check bags and luggage for marijuana being smuggled into Japan, there was no testing going on in line with government policy.

Since his first puff two weeks ago, he said he’s been smoking every day, visiting different shops, comparing prices and trying different strains.

Dispensary staffers taught him how to grind buds and roll a joint and he’s been having fun perfecting the technique.

“I practice it every day,” he said, looking down at the joint he was rolling and repeating the word “practice” twice before bursting into laughter.

AP journalist David Rising contributed to this story.

Cannabis is legal in Thailand, but it's complicated: what travelers need to know

Apr 24, 2024 • 5 min read

Marijuana buds on display in the Sukhumweed cannabis shop in Bangkok, Thailand, in summer 2022 © Nelson Antoine / Shutterstock

Thailand, not long ago a country with some of the strictest drug policies in the world, is getting into the weed game. Although this moment already seems to be short-lived.

Medical cannabis was legalized in Thailand in 2018, making it the first country in Asia to approve marijuana for medicinal and industrial use. By 2022, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration had removed marijuana and hemp from the Category 5 narcotics list, meaning that these substances became decriminalized. And aside from restrictions on those under 20 and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, everyone could grow, smoke, consume, sell and buy cannabis without any retribution.

However, the current Thai law states that extracted cannabis content must contain less than 0.2% THC – generally considered a very small amount of the stuff that gets you high. Yet decriminalization has allowed a free pass to unlicensed vendors, with thousands of entrepreneurial Thais openly selling weed products that far exceeded the government’s THC limit.

Even now, Bangkok’s Khao San Road is packed with streetside tables that are groaning under the weight of piles of buds that far exceed the legal THC cap. In Chiang Mai, tourists happily sip on high-octane marijuana-laced cocktails. Somewhere on a Thai island, bongs are being ripped in public.

Until now, a status quo has been maintained. High-THC weed is openly sold as Thais take full advantage of this legal gray area, and the police and authorities are unable to enforce any potency rules. However, a new government elected on the back of promised policies has announced a fixed plan to end this freewheeling phase with a new bill that will heavily regulate it once again.

So what does this mean for tourists who have enjoyed, or are looking to enjoy the green herb on their next visit?

The legality and laws around THC are rather confusing and can change without warning

Despite its decriminalization, the Thai government remains uncomfortable with people smoking marijuana in public. In an effort to curb this, authorities revert to the 1992 Public Health Act, which prohibits any “act of public disturbance” resulting from smoke and/or smell. Violators of this law can face a 25,000 baht (around US$690) fine and three months in prison.

The Public Health Minister who passed the bill once stated to English-speaking reporters that it’s wisest for visitors to Thailand to keep their recreational marijuana use on the down low, meaning, quite simply, don’t do it in public and there shouldn’t be an issue. For now, this is still the case.

The new draft bill (set to be passed in late 2024, published on the health ministry's website ) is set to change this, allowing only medical and health uses of cannabis, while outlawing all types of recreational use. Import, export, cultivation and commercial use of cannabis will also require permits.

Fines for recreational use are set at 60,000 baht ($1,700). Still, at the time of writing, there are no clarifications on what defines “recreational” and the current bill doesn't mention the need for a prescription or legal document defining “medical and health use exception”.

So what does that mean for a tourist looking to enjoy legal weed?

Our advice is to follow updates online closely as rules could change at a moment’s notice – leaving even the most innocent tourist vulnerable to fines, arrests or worse.

Yet even after the cannabis regulation bill passes, it’s likely the plant will still exist in a gray area. The massive $1.2 billion weed industry is not going to disappear overnight and although the multitude of shops may rebrand as “natural pharmacists”, the current bill has little in the way of defining what constitutes health vs recreation.

That being said, a lot could change in a few months – the bill could become stronger or it may be tabled. The government has also promised businesses time to adjust to the new regulation – this should logically extend to their patrons too.

If you’re visiting Thailand and require low-level THC or CBD cannabis for medicinal use, you can seek out a prescription at one of a network of approved hospitals and clinics that are expected to continue to operate after the new legalization status takes effect.

When it does, you may still be able to enjoy it as always or you may not. As with any controlled substance in Southeast Asia, it’s best to proceed with caution and stay up-to-date whenever possible.

Eating and drinking marijuana

The current law states that food and beverage products that contain cannabis – again, those strictly for medical purposes – must contain less than 0.2% THC, although on the streets of Thailand, these rules are being flouted. 

An array of food and beverage businesses have taken advantage of decriminalization by offering cannabis-laced food items and drinks in recent years. One company has debuted a cannabis-infused fish sauce  while drinks with marijuana-derived ingredients are already for sale at the country’s convenience stores. Yet a recent study by Thailand’s top university found that 30% of these products exceed the government’s THC cap. 

Can I bring my own cannabis products to Thailand now?

No. According to the guidelines set out by the Tourism Authority of Thailand , products containing cannabis and hemp extracts, and hemp-derived products, as well as any parts of cannabis and hemp with more than 0.2% THC still fall under the Category 5 Narcotics list. Meaning that you run a very high risk by bringing your favorite gummies into Thailand. 

However, until this new bill is passed, it's still legal to carry marijuana on your person, public transport and even internal flights as confirmed by the Airports of Thailand Authority (AOT).

This article was first published August 2022 and updated about 20 hours ago

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Meet the people in Chiang Mai riding high and building businesses on the legalization of marijuana in Thailand

• Thailand decriminalized the use of marijuana in June.
• Recreational dispensaries launched across the country as chefs infused the plant in food.
• Insider spoke to three people on the forefront of marijuana tourism in northern Thailand.

In June, Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to decriminalize the use of marijuana. It comes after decades of being classified as a Category 5 drug.

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, has had a long history in Thailand. Traditionally, the plant was used by locals in their food and medicine. 

But in 1935, using marijuana — whether as a drug or otherwise — was criminalized. And until last year, anyone using or possessing marijuana could face five years in prison, and a fine of up to 100,000 Thai baht, or $2,900. 

In the late 2010s, the Thai government appeared to soften their stance towards marijuana. It was approved for medicinal use in 2019. Just two years later, those with a license could use and grow the plant.

The marijuana industry in Thailand is a fast growing market and a cash crop that's expected to be worth $661 million by 2024 , per a report by market research firm Prohibition Partners.

In June, to rile up interest in marijuana, the Thai government gave away a million cannabis plants to locals. Businesses, too, began riding on this newfound opportunity — and that included the famed five-star luxury hotel chain Anantara in Chiang Mai, which then built a clientele with the country's first-ever marijuana-infused spa packages.

And these were just a few of the ways Thailand began building a tourism landscape around marijuana. Chiang Mai, the largest city in the north, is one of the places where these changes are most visible.

Just a few weeks after its legalization, Insider traveled to the city and spoke to three owners of dispensaries and restaurants to see what it's like to be on the forefront of marijuana tourism in Thailand.

Shawn Healy and Amanda Gedney are Americans who run Green Dog, a marijuana dispensary, in Chiang Mai.

Healy and Gedney first moved to Thailand in 2016. Before traveling to Thailand, the couple were university students and had part-time jobs. Healy worked at an animal hospital, while Gedney had a job in the fashion industry.

A New York native, Gedney said she started taking cannabidiol, or CBD, to help with her stomach pains.

"I used to take a lot of medications in the US. But since coming to Thailand, I haven't taken any medication," Gedney said, adding that she became a firm believer in the health benefits of CBD.

Healy, who's from Malboro, New Jersey, used marijuana when he lived in the US, but never sold it or worked in a dispensary.

In 2021, Healy, 29, and Gedney, 28, launched Green Dog with several Thai partners. The dispensary, which is located in an art space in Chiang Mai, is housed in a bright green hut. 

The shop sells weed, bongs, and, at one point in time, food made with hemp leaves.

When Insider visited Green Dog in July, several foreigners, mostly from countries where marijuana is criminalized, spent time curiously taking photos and perusing the paraphernalia on display. A few regulars, mostly expats, also dropped by to order their weekly dose of weed.

Healy and Gedney source most of the shop's marijuana from local farms. As the marijuana industry is still a growing market in Thailand, its products can be expensive. Healy said that an ounce of cannabis plant's flower — called hemp — costs up to 20,000 baht, or around $585. High quality cannabis in Thailand is grown in an air-conditioned indoor farm using grow lights and moderated soil.

Green Dog was one of the first shops in Chiang Mai to introduce a menu with marijuana, which, at the time, was still loosely regulated in Thailand. Today, restaurants need to be licensed to serve marijuana infused into food.

Some of the notable dishes the shop once sold include fried marijuana leaves, gelato with cannabis seeds, and rice bowls with fan leaves.

"A few things have changed and we are no longer allowed to sell prepared food and cannabis in the same building," Healy told Insider via text message in March, adding that his shop doesn't sell marijuana-based food anymore.  

But the shop still sells marijuana-infused beverages, which continue to remain popular among the shop's customers. Dried hemp leaf tea, which is tea infused with dried leaves from the male cannabis plant, is the shop's best seller as it helps soothe their customers, Gedney said.

"We want people to be able to spend the whole day not worrying, and to just relax," she added.

Tao is the owner and head chef of Cannabis Cafe, a dispensary and restaurant that serves a menu made with marijuana.

Tao, a Thai chef, opened Cannabis Cafe in 2021. At that time, before marijuana was decriminalized for recreational use, there were many rules. He has a fine dining background: previously, he worked as an executive chef at the Four Seasons in Chiang Mai and competed in Thailand's version of "Iron Chef."

"Before this, we could only use the leaves, stem, and the root. Everyone said it's bullshit," he said, adding that before marijuana was legalized, restaurants only used the leaves as a garnish or decoration.

Tao, who specializes in northern Thai cuisine, started selling weed and infusing marijuana into his food to ride on the growing wave of marijuana tourism in Chiang Mai. As a fine dining chef, Tao thought of ways to use tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, — the main psychoactive element in marijuana — and CBD in his food. When Tao first cooked with THC, he was surprised at how much it enhanced the food.

"I feel like, okay, the trend is coming. Cannabis is becoming popular," he said, explaining that the legalization of marijuana made a major difference to how it's sold and consumed.

"Eating the leaf — there's no effect. When I cooked with THC, I was wowed," he continued. 

At the time, there were limitations at how much THC can be used in food and drinks — 0.2% and 0.5% respectively, Tao said. According to a 2023 article by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, extracts containing over 0.2% THC requires permission from Thai authorities before being used.

At first, this was a challenging task. 

"If the customers become very high, we stop selling it," Tao said, adding that he aims for consistency when it comes to the quality and safety of his food.

"We use very little — just a touch of cannabis," he added.

Despite running one of Chiang Mai's most popular marijuana-inspired restaurants, Tao said that he doesn't smoke weed.

Tao said there remains a stigma about marijuana among Thais, and, like him, most refrain from using or ingesting it. Most of his clientele are expats and tourists from the West, Tao said, as local attitudes aren't as progressive.

"The Western people, they love cannabis. They know it's not a drug. But Thai people don't understand what cannabis is — they still think it's a drug," he said, adding that "some people feel paranoid about it."

Tao's restaurant is popular for serving a chef's table-style dinner. He typically customizes the food according to his customers' requests — and is more than willing to experiment with marijuana.

"If they request a specific cuisine, for example Western, I can make it," adding that a common way he uses cannabis is by infusing it into butter, coconut, and even flour.

But Tao warns that he is careful to serve food that's well-prepared and made with high quality cannabis products.

"When we serve something, we have to be responsible," Tao said, adding that he doesn't want to "kill" his customers.

In addition to his marijuana-based cuisine, Tao also runs a dispensary. He said there's one rule when taking weed at his restaurant.

"Some people ask if they can use the bong. I say no, because it doesn't make my business look good," Tao said, adding that patrons can smoke, but only with blunts.

"We have to keep the image — this is how we want to present to the customer," he said.

Ball Chayakul is the co-owner of Stoner CNX, a marijuana dispensary in Chiang Mai.

Chayakul grew up in Chiang Mai before leaving to study in the US. Dressed in baggy, all-black clothing that reveals his colorful tattoos, many might not have guessed that before owning a dispensary, Chayakul was a singer and musician and a business school graduate. 

"I only let happy people in my shop," Chayakul said, greeting customers with a smile.

He opened Stoner CNX on the day Thailand decriminalized marijuana, in June last year. 

Most of Chayakul's clientele are tourists, who come to him for hemp, which can be smoked. Several of his customers come from countries where marijuana is banned — he said many of them are "stoners" who come to Thailand to smoke weed.

He believes one of the reasons why cannabis is gaining popularity in Chiang Mai is the relaxed vibe of the city.

"Tourists are very happy about it," Chayakul said, adding that many were surprised Thailand legalized it for recreational use.

"In the first few weeks they weren't sure about buying it — they didn't know it was legal until they got here. They were scared they were going to get arrested," he continued.

Chayakul's shop is a small shed hidden behind a popular cafe. Inside, it's a colorful display of different kinds of hemp and smoking paraphernalia.

Chayakul's marijuana products start from 450 baht, or $13. Unlike other shops in Chiang Mai, he doesn't source cannabis locally. He prides himself in bringing the "California quality" to Chiang Mai for stoners who "know their stuff." 

"I think it's not just in Chiang Mai — people love to consume cannabis worldwide," Chayakul said.

Before borders closed in 2020, Chayakul traveled to Europe and the US, searching for "only the best weed" — and trying it for himself. He claims that his weed is "special" and isn't sold anywhere else in Chiang Mai. 

"Weed is like wine," Chayakul said. "Every night, we have to taste our weed so we can communicate to our customers and know exactly what they want."

Chayakul's dispensary is just one of more than 220 marijuana businesses in Chiang Mai, according to the Thai database WEED.IN.TH. While the marijuana tourism industry is flourishing in the city, a lot of uncertainty still remains. 

Regulations on marijuana are still loosely enforced, a local expert told the Bangkok Post . Still, Thai authorities have pushed to tighten up the rules — but for now, these entrepreneurs are still eager to keep up with their customers' demand for the ever-controversial plant.

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‘Very good for tourists’: Thailand aims for high season with U-turn on cannabis

The once-banned drug is now on sale at market stalls, beach clubs and even hotel receptions. But the laws in this ‘pot paradise’ are blurry

A distinctive sweet smell wafts through Fisherman’s Village night market on the Thai island of Koh Samui, drifting up between the sticky mango rice stalls and bucket cocktail vans. The Samui Grower cannabis stall is doing swift business tonight. A table is laid with glass jars, each displaying a different flowering green bud, with labels saying things like ‘‘Road Dawg’ hybrid THC25% 850TBH/gram”.

Elsewhere on the island, at Chi beach club, tourists lie on couches puffing ready-rolled joints and munching pizzas topped with green cannabis leaves. On Instagram, the Green Shop Samui offers a marijuana menu of fantastically named buds: Truffle Cream, Banana Kush and Sour Diesel, alongside hemp cookies and cannabis herbal soap.

Anyone familiar with Thailand’s notoriously hardline attitude towards recreational drug use might watch this and wonder if they’ve had too much to smoke. A country where narcotics offences have attracted the death sentence, and being caught with a joint at a full moon party has landed tourists in the infamous Bangkok Hilton, now appears to have done an about-face. In an apparent bid to attract tourists in the post-Covid slump, the Thai government decriminalised cannabis last month. Koh Samui’s streets are already dotted with dispensaries with names such as Mr Cannabis , and tourists tell of being offered marijuana openly at the reception of their hotel. Yet the laws around cannabis are far more blurred than this “pot paradise” suggests.

On 9 June, the Thai government removed cannabis and hemp plants from its banned narcotics list , leaving people in Thailand free to grow and sell it. The government line, however, is that production and consumption are permitted only for medical, not recreational use, and only of low-potency marijuana, containing less than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the main hallucinogenic compound. Recreational use of cannabis is discouraged, with officials warning that anyone caught smoking cannabis in public could be charged for creating a public “smell nuisance” under the Public Health Act and face a 25,000 baht (£580) fine and three months’ imprisonment. But on the beaches of Koh Samui the law seems rather more open to interpretation.

In Chi, a luxury beach club on Samui’s Bang Rak serving magnums of Bollinger and fine French wines, owner Carl Lamb offers not just a CBD-infused menu but also openly sells high-potency cannabis in grams and ready-rolled joints.

Lamb, who originally tried marijuana medicinally for his own digestive issues, worked with a university in Chiang Mai to grow medicinal cannabis for the CBD-infused menu Chi serves: CBD berry lemonade, Hempus Maxiumus cocktails and CBD Pad Kra Pow. When the drug was decriminalised, Lamb took that as permission to start selling “real” joints in his bar.

“At first, I just did it as a bit of a buzz and had a few grams in the box,” he grins, producing a large black cigar box stocked with different strains of cannabis – ranging from 500baht (£12.50) a gram for BlueBerry Haze to 1,000 baht (£23) a gram for Lemonade.

Now Chi sells 100g a day. “We get people buying it from 10am until we close,” Lamb says. “It’s been really eye-opening the range of people wanting to try it.” He serves parents curious to have a puff while their kids play in the pool, wealthy individuals wanting ready-rolled joints to take away, and tourists purchasing it straight off the plane. As Lamb understands it, the law only prohibits him from selling to under 25s or pregnant women “and if anyone complains about the smell I have to shut it down”.

“We’ve started getting phone calls from all over the world asking, ‘Is it really true you can smoke cannabis in Thailand and it’s legal?’ We already know it’s attracting more tourists – people are booking for Christmas.”

The impact of Covid on the island has been “devastating”, Lamb says. “The decriminalisation of cannabis is, without a shadow of a doubt, having a huge positive impact. You can now come here and lie on a beach in Asia at Christmas and smoke weed. Who’s not coming?”

The Thai man operating the Samui Grower cannabis stall in the market is equally enthusiastic. “Very good for tourists,” he says, when I ask him how trade is. “Very good. Thai people like it. We make money.” Is it legal? I ask. “Yes, yes,” he nods. Can I buy it and smoke it on the beach? “Yes good.”

By contrast, the Green Shop in Samui, opening next week, tells me they’ll issue warnings to customers so they know not to smoke in public. No wonder tourists are confused.

I find Morris, a 45-year-old Irish father, buying cannabis in the market. “I didn’t realise it was this legal now,” he says. Does he know the law? “I know I can’t get arrested with it, but I haven’t looked into it that much,” he admits. “I won’t smoke on the beach if there are other families around, but me and my wife might smoke it back at the hotel.”

Others tourists are more relaxed. Nina tells me at her hotel in Chiang Mai, north Thailand, that cannabis is sold at reception. “I smoke it anyway,” she shrugs. “I wouldn’t really notice if it was legal or not.”

“Nobody understands the law now. It’s a big mess – even the police don’t understand it,” one cannabis seller, who asked to remain anonymous, tells me. Operating under the radar, delivering cannabis to “farang” tourists, with hotel concierges organising deliveries, he says: “I take care for the moment, because the law is not clear. They [tourists] don’t know anything about the laws. They don’t know they cannot smoke in public. Although it’s very dangerous to smoke in public”.

At Chi, 75-year-old American Linda, openly puffing a joint, feels relaxed about the vagary of the law. “I am not worried about the grey area in Thailand. Just be respectful when you are smoking,” she says. She feels sharing a joint at Chi “has a sort of boutique feel, like buying a good wine for your friends”.

The real question now is what happens next. Can a country which once had some of the most stringent drug laws in the world really adapt to some of the most relaxed?

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10 Things Tourists need to know about cannabis in Thailand

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. 2. Cannabis cultivation is legal but registering in the food and drug administration's "PLOOK GANJA" application or through government website is required. 3. Using cannabis flower buds for research, export, sale and Processing for commercial purposes requires official permit. 4. Individuals under 20 years old, Pregnant women and breastfeeding women are not eligible to use cannabis except under the supervision of health professionals. 5. Prossession of extract containing more than 0.2  THC and synthetic THC requires permission. 6. Cannabis contained dishes are available in authorized restaurants.  7. Approved cannabis health products are accessible through specific channels. 8. Smokeing cannabis in public spaces, including schools and shopping malls, is illegal. 9. Avoid driving after consuming food or health products containning cannabis. 10. Those who have serious undesirable health outcomes cannabis should promptly see doctors for treatment.

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Marijuana is now legal in Thailand. What does that mean for tourists?

Visitors can take edibles and smoke pot for medicinal purposes, but lighting up in public is still illegal.

Thailand legalized the cultivation and possession of marijuana last week, but the new laws come with regulations and exceptions that could put a damper on the idea of the country as a cannabis haven for tourists.

The Thai Food and Drug Administration officially removed marijuana and hemp from the Category 5 narcotics list, a move that made Thailand the first country in Asia to decriminalize marijuana for medical and industrial use. However, the country is not legalizing recreational marijuana nationally, and the Thai government is setting limits around the new policies. The new cannabis laws were created with medical, economic and health-related objectives in mind, according to a post on the Thai government’s official Facebook page.

Cannabis has been a topic of interest in Thailand for years. In 2018, Thailand approved the use of medical marijuana , making it the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. In May, Thailand’s health minister announced that the Thai government would distribute 1 million cannabis seedlings to Thai households once cannabis was legalized.

So what does this mean for tourists who are interested in planning a trip to Thailand? Will it be a weed wonderland like Amsterdam? Probably not. Here’s a list of what you can and can’t do when it comes to enjoying cannabis in the country.

Thailand legalizes marijuana — with gray areas and caveats

You can grow and trade marijuana and hemp products

If you’re visiting Thailand as a tourist for a short period of time, you probably won’t have the time and resources needed to grow and trade marijuana and hemp. Therefore, this rule is more applicable to Thai residents.

At the beginning of June, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration launched PlookGanja, a phone app and website that helps people register their cultivation of cannabis and hemp plants, according to the Bangkok Post .

“There will be training and educational courses offered to local residents for transitioning to commercial cultivation and other business opportunities,” Monique Jackson-Fitzgerald, co-founder of cannabis travel platform InnDica, told The Washington Post. “As their supply chain grows and regulations are fleshed out, there will be more growth from the purely leisure travel side.”

A local's guide to Bangkok

You can consume some edibles and infused drinks

Cafes and restaurants in Thailand are allowed to serve cannabis-infused food and drinks, but food and beverage products must contain less than 0.2 percent THC to be legally sold. For context, most U.S. states that have legalized cannabis do not have a cap on potency, Jackson-Fitzgerald said. “However, there have been bills proposed in a couple of states that would limit potency, and it is an evolving issue,” she added. Places like Highland Cafe, in Bangkok , were previously limited to only selling products made from parts of the cannabis plant that do not get people high, but with new rules and regulations in place, the cafe has started selling marijuana, the Associated Press reported, listing varieties such as Sugarcane, Bubblegum, Purple Afghani and UFO.

You can use marijuana for medical purposes

While the medical marijuana policies for tourists are still vague, some of the information that has been released seems encouraging. “In the next stages, both Thais and foreigners will have the opportunity to be treated with medical marijuana,” Marut Jirasrattasiri, director general of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, told Bloomberg in an interview in 2020.

“Thailand is metering out the legalization road map, and really doing an interesting, strategic job and guiding it toward wellness and medical,” Brian Applegarth, the founder of Cannabis Travel Association International, told The Post. “With these new laws being announced — which is essentially decriminalizing cultivation and possession — it’s just another baby step in the right direction,” he added.

Asia is slowly reopening to travelers. Here’s where you can go.

You’re not allowed to use marijuana recreationally

If you’re planning on lighting up a joint in the park, Thailand isn’t the destination for you. People who smoke pot in public in Thailand will be subject to a potential three-month jail sentence and a fine of more than $700. People who are “investigating cannabis for its medicinal benefits or exploring business opportunities are being welcomed,” Jackson-Fitzgerald said. “But I would caution purely recreational tourists to hold off before putting Thailand on their trip list.”

Ultimately, the cannabis-related stipulations might confuse tourists who want to partake. A representative for the Tourism Authority of Thailand did not immediately respond to a request for comment on guidance for visitors who want to consume cannabis.

“When cannabis consumers are making their decisions about where to vacation, it’s important that they take the time to actually understand the local laws so they don’t inadvertently end up doing something that could get them into trouble,” said Tom Angell, a cannabis reform expert who tracks marijuana legalization for Marijuana Moment, a cannabis news site.

In Thailand, Angell said, “there does seem to be a fair bit of confusion about what the new policies do and don’t allow.”

More travel news

How we travel now: More people are taking booze-free trips — and airlines and hotels are taking note. Some couples are ditching the traditional honeymoon for a “buddymoon” with their pals. Interested? Here are the best tools for making a group trip work.

Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .

Months After Legalization, Thailand’s Weed Scene Is a ‘Wild Wild West’

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Medical Marijuana Is Legal in Thailand, but People Are Sticking With the Black Market

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'It's like the new Amsterdam': The rush to cash in on Thailand's hazy cannabis laws

It's a hot Sunday afternoon on tropical Koh Samui and tourists at a luxury beach club are relaxing on white sofas, cooling off in the pool and sipping expensive champagne.

Some are also smoking cannabis joints, right out in the open.

It's a startling sight in Thailand where, until a few months ago, people caught with the drug were often jailed.

But cannabis, or "ganja" as it's known here, is no longer classed as an illegal drug in Thailand.

In June, the south-east Asian nation took the plant off the banned narcotics list so people could grow, sell and use it for medicinal purposes.

But a law regulating its recreational use has not yet passed the parliament, leaving a legal grey area that many, from tourists to "ganja-preneurs", are now rushing to take advantage of.

"There's a huge demand for cannabis," says the beach club's owner, Carl Lamb, a British expat who has lived on Koh Samui for 25 years and owns a number of resorts.

Thailand's resorts were already flickering back to life after the pandemic but, according to Mr Lamb, the decriminalisation of cannabis has been a "game changer".

"The number one call we get, the number one email every day is, 'Is it true? Is it correct that you can sell marijuana and smoke marijuana in Thailand?'" he says.

"I haven't seen this kind of appetite for Koh Samui in 10 years."

Technically, people can be charged with being a nuisance for smoking in public, with a maximum penalty of up to three months in jail or a $1,000 fine, or both.

"We did have the police come in and visit us when it first started and we'd already done our research on what the laws were and they just reinforced it and reminded us of the laws," says Mr Lamb.

Thai law currently restricts those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or under 20 from using cannabis.

"And [the police said] if it bothers anyone then we have to shut it down immediately … We actually welcome some sort of regulation. We don't think it's a bad thing."

He says no one has complained here yet.

"It's like the new Amsterdam," says Carlos Oliver, a British tourist at the resort, as he selects a ready-rolled joint from a black box.

"We came [to Thailand] when marijuana wasn't available, then a month into our trip you could buy weed everywhere – in the bars, in the cafes, on the street. So we smoke it and it's like, how cool is this? It's amazing."

Confusion after rapid decriminalisation

Up in the capital Bangkok, new cannabis businesses are springing up every week.

Kitty Chopaka still cannot believe she is allowed to sell real cannabis alongside the cannabis flavoured lollies in her colourful shop in the upmarket Sukhumvit area.

"Oh my God, I never thought in my lifetime that this would actually happen," the passionate cannabis advocate says.

Ms Chopaka admits there was some initial confusion for new dispensaries and curious customers, after the government insisted cannabis was for medicinal and therapeutic use only.

Cannabis extracts must contain less than 0.2 per cent of the psychoactive chemical THC, but dried flowers are unregulated.

And while the public nuisance law forbids smoking in public, there is no ban on smoking on private property.

"I never thought that Thailand would let something be delisted before they put in rules for it, but then again, Thai politics surprises me all the time," Ms Chopaka says.

She has been advising the parliamentary committee drafting the new law, which has been delayed as stakeholders and politicians debate its scope.

In the meantime, in some parts of Bangkok, a distinct smell wafts through the air and it seems easier to get a joint than a Pad Thai.

Popular night-life strips like the famous Khao San Road now have cannabis shops of all shapes and sizes.

Soranut Masayavanich, or "Beer" as he is known, was an underground grower and dealer, but opened a licensed dispensary in the city's Sukhumvit area on the day the law changed.

When Foreign Correspondent visits his shop there is a steady stream of customers wanting different strengths, flavours and varieties.

The flowers are displayed in matching glass jars on the counter and Beer's staff speak with the same flair as a sommelier offering advice on a selection of wine.

"It's like living the dream every day, I have to pinch myself," Beer says. "It's been a good ride, success. Business is booming."

Beer started out in an entirely different direction in life as a child actor in one of Thailand's most popular sitcoms, but after being caught with cannabis he says the stigma ended his acting career.

He started selling cannabis illegally, raking in thousands of dollars a month.

"Those were the golden days – good sales, we don't have competitors, we don't have too much rent, we just did it on our phones," Beer says.

"But I love [operating legally] more. This is my dream job. It's not business, it's personal."

They weren't golden days for everyone – Beer avoided jail but thousands caught with cannabis were locked up in Thailand's notoriously crowded prisons.

For centuries, "ganja" used to grow wild in Thailand and was used in traditional medicine.

But in the 1970s, as the US embarked on its global "war on drugs", Thailand classified cannabis as a "Class 5" narcotic and imposed hefty fines and jail terms.

When it was decriminalised in June, more than 3,000 inmates were released from jail and their cannabis-related criminal records were deleted.

Some even got their stash back.

It was an unbelievable turnaround for a nation known for its aggressive zero tolerance policy.

Tossapon Martmuang and Peerapat Sajjabanyongkij were serving a seven-and-a-half-year jail sentence for transporting 355 kilograms of "brick weed" in northern Thailand. 

But when the law changed four months into their incarceration, they were let out.

"It feels like winning the lottery, better than the first prize in the lottery," Mr Tossapon says.

At the time of their arrest, police officers had paraded them in front of the media and posed for photographs with the large haul they had seized.

It was an entirely different mood on their release – the media waited outside jails to capture happy family reunions and politicians were there offering congratulations while trying to shore up votes for next year's elections.

A cash crop with politics at its root

Thailand's astonishing 180-degree turn on cannabis is, after all, fundamentally political.

It was the current public health minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, who changed the game by promising to put the plant back in the hands of the people.

Government-controlled medicinal cannabis had already been legal for four years, but at the last election in 2019 his party's signature policy was that people could grow and use the plant at home as medicine.

For farmers, it would be a new cash crop.

The policy proved a handy vote winner – Mr Anutin's party Bhumjaithai became the second biggest in the ruling coalition.

"I think [cannabis was] the thing that stuck out most, some people even called my party the cannabis party," Mr Anutin says.

"All the studies that we were given clearly stated that if we used cannabis plants in the correct way, it would create lots of opportunities, not only [for] revenue, but also [for] the better health of people."

The medicinal cannabis industry, which began in 2018, has flourished under Anutin and he expects it to be worth billions of dollars to the Thai economy in the years to come.

"You can make revenue out of every part of this tree," he says. "So the first beneficiary will clearly be those farmers and people in the farming business."

Thai farmers are having mixed success with the new cash crop.

Sisters Jomkwan and Jomsuda Nirundorn's farm in north-east Thailand was known for its Japanese melons, then four years ago they pivoted to cannabis.

Extroverted and smiley, the two young "ganja-preneurs" began by supplying plants high in the medicinal chemical CBD to a local hospital, before recently branching out to THC plants for the recreational market.

"It started with 612 seeds and they all failed, then the second [lot] failed," Jomkwan says, rolling her eyes and giggling.

It was a case of third time lucky.

Within a year they had recouped their $80,000 set up costs and had expanded to grow cannabis in 12 greenhouses with the help of 18 full-time staff.

A square metre of melons used to earn them about $20, but cannabis fetches close to $1,000.

"So I think it's better than melons, right?" Jomsuda says with a smile.

Out on the land though, others are finding growing cannabis harder than they expected.

The Thai government handed out one million free cannabis seedlings the week cannabis was decriminalised, but for rice farmer Pongsak Maneethun, the dream was over in no time.

"We tried to grow it, we planted the seedling, then when they grew we put them into the soil, but later they withered and died," Mr Pongsak says.

He adds that neither the hot Thailand weather nor the soil in his province in the country's east are suitable for growing cannabis.

"People who have money will want to join this experiment … but grassroots people like us, we wouldn't dare to invest, to take such a risk," he says.

"And people are still scared of [cannabis] because it was a narcotic drug – they are afraid their children or grandchildren will use it and get addicted."

Fears for young people and 'ganja' culture

Lots of people are worried about children. A national survey found the majority of Thais don't want them getting into "ganja" culture.

The Dean of Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Medicine, Dr Chanchai Sittipunt, says there is data suggesting cannabis use among young people can have long-term cognitive effects.

"Even if you are a grown-up man, if you use it long term, I still believe that there might [be] some side effects in the future," Dr Chanchai says.

More than 1,000 Thai doctors have petitioned the government to suspend cannabis decriminalisation until the new law is finalised by the parliament.

They are in favour of doctor-prescribed medicinal cannabis, but not the current situation that has led to unregulated recreational use.

Dr Chanchai says there is no doubt the world is watching how Thailand's experience with cannabis legalisation unfolds and whether it becomes the Amsterdam of Asia.

"I don't want Thailand to be thought of as that destination, we don't want to be the cannabis haven of the world," Dr Chanchai says.

Public health minister Anutin says his policy "doesn't advocate recreational cannabis use" and the existing public health law is strong enough to clamp down on smoking in public.

"Thailand's cannabis policy focuses on medical and health purposes and nothing else," he says.

And he has this warning for foreign tourists: "News that it's the land of free cannabis, that you can smoke freely everywhere on our soil, that is fake news and we don't welcome those kind of tourists".

Whether the new legislation should ban recreational use entirely, as opposed to just discouraging it, is the question Thailand's politicians are still grappling with.

"We can't go back now, they have to regulate it, they can't make it illegal," Ms Chopaka says.

The genie is out of the bottle, she says.

"That bottle is broken. It's gone."

Watch Foreign Correspondent's 'Thai High' on YouTube and iview .

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Why Thailand's legal weed is luring droves of curious but cautious Asian tourists

Updated on: July 13, 2023 / 6:59 AM EDT / AP

Bangkok  — A Japanese tourist reaches into a baggie of cannabis he's just bought in a central Bangkok weed shop, pulling out a gram of buds to chop down in a small black grinder, before rolling them neatly into a joint.

Only the slight spillage onto the smoking lounge's table — and his cough as he lights up and inhales deeply — betray the fact that until two weeks ago, he'd never tried marijuana.

Most Asian nations have strict drug laws with harsh penalties, and Thailand's de facto legalization of marijuana last year has brought a wave of tourists from the region like the visitor from Japan, intrigued by the lure of the forbidden leaf.

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"I was curious about how I would feel after smoking," said the 42-year-old tourist who spoke on condition that his name not be used, for fear his experimentation in Bangkok could lead to legal issues at home.

"I wonder why Japan bans it?" he pondered. "I wanted to try it."

Even as more countries around the world legalize marijuana, Thailand has been the outlier in Asia, where several countries still have the death penalty for some cannabis offenses. Singapore has already executed two people this year for trafficking marijuana and its Central Narcotics Bureau has announced plans to randomly test people returning from Thailand.

Japan does not have the death penalty for drug offenses, but has warned that its laws on cannabis use may apply to its nationals even when they are abroad.

China's embassy in Thailand has warned that if Chinese tourists consume marijuana abroad and are "detected upon returning to China, it is considered equivalent to using drugs domestically. As a result, you will be subject to corresponding legal penalties." It issues similar warnings for travel to other countries where marijuana is readily available, such as the United States, Canada and the Netherlands.

On a recent flight from the Chinese city of Shanghai, passengers were cautioned not to "accidentally" try marijuana in Bangkok, with an announcement that in Thailand "some food and drink can include cannabis, so please pay attention to the leaf logo on the package of food."

Neither Chinese nor Singaporean authorities would detail how frequently they test citizens returning from countries where marijuana has been decriminalized, responding to queries from the AP simply by reiterating their previously announced policies.

It's no wonder that weed dispensaries in Bangkok say that customers from Singapore and China are among the most cautious, asking questions about how long traces of the drug remain in the system and whether there are detox products.

• Singapore executes alleged marijuana dealer

But many remain undeterred, and Thailand's cannabis industry has grown at lightning speed, with weed dispensaries now almost as common as the ubiquitous convenience stores in some parts of the capital. Through February, nearly 6,000 licenses for cannabis-related businesses have been approved, including more than 1,600 in Bangkok alone, according to official figures.

There are no government figures on how many tourists come specifically to smoke marijuana, but Kueakarun Thongwilai, the manager of a weed shop in central Bangkok, estimates at least 70%-80% of his customers are foreigners, primarily from Asian countries like Japan, Malaysia, China and Philippines, and some from Europe.

Most cannabis shops, including his, now only hire employees who speak English, the lingua franca of the industry.

"You don't need to speak perfect English, but you need to communicate with foreigners," Thongwilai said.

About half of his customers are first-time weed users and most of them are Asians, he said.

Some want to try edible cannabis products, but Thongwilai said he tries to steer them toward smoking.

"Edibles take more time to take effect, and during that time people may eat more and more, leading to an excessive experience for beginners," he said.

Not all are new to the drug, said Thongwilai, remembering a Malaysian customer who snuck away from a meal with his wife and daughter at a nearby restaurant. The man said he smoked marijuana secretly at home, but had heard the Thai product was better quality and wanted to try it.

"He bought the cheapest weed in our shop and tried it in a mall, and then he came back and bought more," Thongwilai recalled.

Not far from Thongwilai's shop at Dutch Passion, a newly opened retail branch of a Netherlands seed distributor that has been in business for more than three decades, about half the customers are also first-time users, said Theo Geene, a Dutch shareholder in the business.

Cannabis has been available in coffee shops in the Netherlands since the 1970s, and Geene said he has used his experience to train his staff how to serve those unfamiliar with the drug.

"For beginners, it's not good to use a bong," he said. "It's too much for them. We don't want anyone to pass out here."

Most customers refused to talk about their experiences, with the Japanese tourist in Geene's shop the only one who agreed to — and only on the condition his name not be used.

Most of the shop's Asian customers are similarly discreet, choosing to smoke their purchases inside rather than on the streets like many Westerners do, which is common but a violation of Thai regulations, Geene said.

"They are more cautious and afraid," he said. "They don't want to be seen when they smoke weed."

Before he embarked on his trip to Thailand, the 42-year-old Japanese tourist said he researched extensively online and determined that while customs might randomly check bags and luggage for marijuana being smuggled into Japan, there was no testing going on in line with government policy.

Since his first puff two weeks ago, he said he's been smoking every day, visiting different shops, comparing prices and trying different strains.

Dispensary staffers taught him how to grind buds and roll a joint and he's been having fun perfecting the technique.

"I practice it every day," he said, looking down at the joint he was rolling and repeating the word "practice" twice before bursting into laughter.

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