Since Thailand became the first Asian country to decriminalize cannabis last year, weed tourists have been flocking to this Buddhist kingdom for a taste of what’s become known as “the Amsterdam of the East.”
But despite decriminalization and the introduction of a new era of weed-related tourism in Thailand, some things remain confusing. Smoking in public is still illegal, and products that contain marijuana extracts are still illegal if they contain more than 0.2% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical that makes you high.
1. Know the Laws
Despite its reputation as a country with strict drug policies, Thailand has just decriminalized marijuana – a move that will give locals the opportunity to grow their own cannabis for medical use. It’s the first nation in South-East Asia to take such a step and is expected to boost tourism, agriculture and health.
However, there are still some rules you’ll need to follow if you want to travel with your marijuana in Thailand. For example, you will need to purchase and consume products that contain low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main hallucinogenic compound in marijuana.
In addition, the law states that food and beverage products that contain cannabis must have very low THC levels. Unfortunately, these rules are being flouted by unlicensed vendors on the streets of Thailand. Smoking in public is also illegal and can result in fines or jail time. So, it’s best to play it safe and buy your marijuana from network-approved hospitals or clinics if you’re traveling with it in Thailand.
2. Know Your Limits
If you plan on traveling with cannabis while you’re in Thailand, there are some limits to which you should adhere. The country’s cannabis laws are hazy, so you may need to be a bit careful until you know exactly what you’re doing.
While Thailand decriminalised the possession, sale and consumption of cannabis for medical purposes on June 9, products that contain 0.2 percent of THC still fall under the category five narcotics list. This means that even though they’re not illegal in the country, if you bring them into Thailand you could face some hefty fines and jail time.
In addition, it’s worth remembering that marijuana smoked or eaten for recreational purposes usually has a higher THC content than that. This makes it even more important for travelers to be aware of the legal and regulatory restrictions regarding the importation, sale and use of cannabis in Thailand.
3. Keep It Crumb-Free
When Thailand legalized the cultivation of cannabis in 2018 and several restrictions were eased, it was seen as a major step forward. But as with many other Asian countries, a little bit of weed can still get you into trouble, so it’s wise to keep your travels with marijuana on the down low.
To make it easier for Thais to take advantage of the new rules, Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced last week that one million free cannabis plants would be handed out to households across the nation. People will be allowed to grow as many as they want if they register their homes with their local governments and declare that it is being used for medicinal purposes.
Those who try to sell the products that have been approved for consumption, such as hemp and CBD, will also need a permit. However, small businesses will not need to pay fees. That’s a big change from what was previously the case, and Charnvirakul believes it will help foster what he sees as a 10 billon Thai baht ($289 million) a year market.
4. Be Safe
The first country in Asia to decriminalise marijuana, Thailand is now a popular destination for tourists who want to try the herb. But it’s important to be safe when traveling with cannabis.
After the country’s military junta loosened some of the rules on cannabis use last year, dispensaries are booming, but there are still some dos and don’ts when it comes to traveling with this drug.
Travelers can bring weed and its products onto domestic flights, but they must follow restrictions that allow no more than 7kg of a substance to be carried per person on the plane. You should also note that if you’re carrying edibles or CBD oils, your flight could be delayed if the authorities check them for THC content.
The Thai government also recently took weed off its narcotics list, allowing locals and tourists alike to grow it for medical and recreational purposes, under certain precautions. However, smoking it is still a crime under Thai law, which could result in jail time and heavy fines.
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