Legal status of cannabis in Thailand

Planning a trip to the luscious and adventurous Eastern location of Thailand? Thinking about locating some locally grown, potent cannabis for times when you want to sit back in a hammock and chill for a while?

Perhaps you have just finished The Beach and are having visions of fields full of row after row of tall cannabis plants loaded with flowers. Then let's find out what the legal situation in Thailand is when it comes to weed.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN THAILAND

The production, sale and possession of any form of medical marijuana products are currently illegal in Thailand.

However, in May 2018, an initiative to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes received so much support that the cabinet of ministers decided to give it their approval.

Before this approved initiative becomes reality, the NLA (National Legislative Assembly) must first approve a legislative amendment. This amendment to the law is currently being debated in the NLA.

It is therefore not 100% certain that Thailand will actually legalize medicinal cannabis, although there is a strong expectation that the NLA will agree with the amendment of the law.

It is not yet known when the amendment to the law will go into effect (if it will), but some parties expect it to go into effect around April 2019.

RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA IN THAILAND

Any form of possession of cannabis is illegal in Thailand and can lead to severe penalties.

The reality is, that cannabis is illegal in the country of Thailand, having been classified as a Category 5 narcotic. This means, that those attempting to profit from the cultivation and trade of cannabis can face hefty prison sentences of up to 15 years and massive financial fines. If this wasn’t enough, even possessing cannabis can lead to prison time and fines.

So before you go and attempt to buy an ounce of weed from the first dispenser you come across, keep in mind, that if you get caught and arrested, you will probably receive a fine and may even run the risk of imprisonment.

Of course, it is of our opinion, that you should be in charge of your own consciousness and what goes into your own body. If you want to head to the beach, soak in some rays and fire up a fat bowl, then do so. Just act with caution and educate yourself before making this personal choice.

Although widespread crackdowns have occurred, cannabis cultivation can still be found in provinces in the northeast of Thailand, namely Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan and Sakhon. Away from human hands, cannabis grows in the wild in Thailand and has adapted to the climate and thrived to create genetic land races. This Thai weed is famed worldwide for its high THC content and typical sativa highs.

ARE THERE ANY POSSIBLE CHANGES REGARDING CANNABIS LAW AND LEGISLATION SLATED FOR THE NEAR FUTURE?

Although currently illegal, the same was true in certain American states until recently, so who knows what the future holds. In fact, the agriculture council of the country is researching possible decriminalisation proposals.