Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. Thailand law
Cannabis laws in Chiang Mai follow Thailand’s national law. Local cities generally do not set separate marijuana rules, so penalties are determined at the jurisdiction level.
Recreational use of cannabis is illegal. Medical cannabis is permitted for specific conditions with a prescription. Unauthorized possession or use can result in legal penalties.
Quick facts
- Recreational: Illegal
- Medical: Available with prescription for limited conditions
- Possession: Illegal without medical authorization
- Buying/Selling: Restricted to licensed medical channels
- Tourists: Subject to the same laws with no exemptions
Practical guidance
Avoid cross-border transport of cannabis products. Do not assume informal tolerance equals legality.
Legislative History
Thailand briefly decriminalized recreational cannabis in 2022, removing it from the narcotics list and allowing unregulated sales and personal cultivation. However, following public health concerns and a change in government policy, recreational use was re-criminalized in 2024–2025, restoring prohibitions on non-medical possession, sales, and public consumption while maintaining a regulated medical framework for prescription access.
Law Enforcement
At the time of these accounts, the rule for imports, exports and possession was described as requiring permission from the Ministry of Public Health and approval by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board.
Where to Buy Marijuana
The street pub on the corner near the Empress Hotel and the tuk-tuk stand across from it were the two spots people mentioned. From the hotel toward the main road, the pub was about 50 metres along on the right and the stand on the left. The drivers knew the scene and charged outrageous prices, though the stuff was good. Ken’s, the gentlemen’s club farther along, was mainly interested in selling a different kind of company.
Marijuana Prices
- About ฿1,000 for a small bag of 10 g or a little more
- ฿2,000 for a small brick of about 30 g, reckoned to roll about 30 decent-sized joints
Types of Marijuana
The local Thai weed was quite nice and stronger than expected.