Skip to main content

Weed is now legal in Thailand: Here’s what you need to know

Is weed legal in Thailand? Yes! Here's what you need to know

Over the course of the past several decades, many have traveled to the sunny, laid-back climes of Thailand and thought all this place is missing is weed—myself included. For the sake of accuracy, weed always has been available there, but it has notoriously been accompanied by stiff penalties for those caught selling or enjoying it. And Thai prison is an infamously terrible place to end up. Marijuana laws around the world have been loosening up recently, however, leaving many to wonder—would Thailand legalize weed?

Then in 2022, a change finally came. I didn’t realize it until I was walking down the street in Chiang Mai and passed a shop that had the weed version of the Bat Signal: a glowing neon pot leaf. I stopped short. Wait—Is weed legal in Thailand?, I wondered aloud. And happily, yes, it is. To that end, here’s what you need to know.

Weed in thailand.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Weed in Thailand: a welcome change

The good news is that weed is legal in Thailand. More uncertain are the specific regulations surrounding it. While it’s widely available and enjoyed, having been decriminalized (with some caveats) last summer, the government is still ironing out a few of the details, per the New York Times. Here’s what we know at this point.

Recommended Videos

Anyone older than 20 (who isn’t pregnant or breastfeeding) can smoke legally. Smoking it in public places like schools, temples, or malls can result in a 25,000 baht (roughly $750) fine and a three-month stint in the slammer, but while it’s theoretically advised that you smoke indoors in a residence, it’s pretty common to see—and smell—it smoked in the streets. (Still, the safest bet is to avoid smoking in public.) You can also eat pot food in licensed restaurants and shops.

Where can you buy weed in Thailand?

There are already thousands of shops all over the country, so you won’t have trouble finding one. Google Maps will point you in the right direction.

How is the weed quality in Thailand?

Generally, the weed quality is pretty good, though it does vary widely. If you buy the lowest-grade stuff, be prepared for a bag of brown shake with little to no oomph. But the highest-grade stuff is solid.

I did notice that THC percentages tend to top out at around 22-24%, so if you’re into the really heady stuff, you might have trouble finding it.

How much does weed cost in Thailand?

The question of cost really depends on that wide-ranging quality, and where you happen to be. In Bangkok, you can get a quarter of the “meh” stuff for as low as 300 baht, or around $10. Top-shelf buds are significantly more expensive, however—often even more than in the US. It’s not uncommon to pay anywhere from 400-800 baht ($12-24) for a gram. I suspect this price will ease down, however, as the Thai market develops.

Nick Hilden
Nick Hilden is a lifestyle and culture writer whose work has appeared in the Washington Post, Esquire, Rolling Stone, Afar…
U.S. issues new travel advisory for Mexico — what travelers should know
U.S. issues Level 2 advisory for Mexico
Mexico

The U.S. State Department has issued a fresh warning for Americans planning trips to Mexico, urging travelers to use extra caution amid rising safety concerns. Updated on August 12, the advisory raised Mexico to a Level 2 alert, citing risks tied to violent crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. 

The update has left many would-be vacationers questioning whether to move forward with their plans or rethink their itineraries to one of America’s favorite getaway destinations.

Read more
I found postcard-perfect escapes all over Maine — here’s where to go
These Maine destinations are sure to impress
Kennebunkport, Maine

Maine has a way of feeling like it’s tucked away from the rest of the country. From sunny beaches to frosted mountain hikes, the state’s landscapes never disappoint. And don’t even get me started on the seafood… I’m still dreaming about buttery lobster rolls eaten right on the harbor.

In this guide, I’m sharing some of my favorite destinations along with recommendations from travel experts who know the state inside and out. Whether you want to travel Maine like Stephen King or wander through postcard-worthy small towns, these are the best places to visit in Maine for a scenic escape you’ll never forget.

Read more
I tried Swimply, the Airbnb of pools — and here’s how it went
Should you rent a pool through the popular app?
Swimply pool Portland.

Dubbed the Airbnb of swimming pools, Swimply is entering the fifth year of existence. The app allows users to access private pools for hours at a time, sometimes with extra amenities like outdoor kitchens, ideal for al fresco dining. It's all the fun of pool ownership—if only briefly—without the maintenance.
Think ResortPass, but for individual households as opposed to hotels and spas. It's not exactly inexpensive, but it is a convenience that's all the more attractive during the summer. And even in the offseason, there are plenty of indoor pools and hot tubs, and saunas to choose from as well.
The pros

Using Swimply is a lot like using Airbnb, which is to say it's pretty intuitive and full of an ever-growing database of homes with pools. Pictures reveal the most about what you're getting involved with, but I found the reviews to be most telling. Much like a strong Airbnb host, it's good to find a pool owner with a lot of positive feedback. That way, you'll almost certainly get everything that's advertised, whether that's cabana-like pool furniture or a pool that's been freshly skimmed.
The privacy of the owner is kept until you officially book, at which point you get the location details. We suggest seeking out Top Swimply picks, as they've been somewhat vetted already and reflect high marks from users. The pool my group used in Portland was outstanding, with an adjacent hot tub, bar area, a shower for rinsing, and a sprawling yard with plenty of shade.
Some of the subcategories are pretty helpful, especially if you're looking to throw a party or swim in the evening. They're split into features like BBQ, family, nightlights, plunge, privacy, budget, and more. Clicking on a specific property reveals other useful traits like the depth and dimensions of the pool, how it's treated (chlorine, saltwater, etc.), whether it's heated, indoor or outdoor, how many guests are allowed, if there's a bathroom on site, if there's wifi and speakers for music, and the parking situation.
What's available is pretty amazing. You can keep things modest if you're just looking to wet your toes or go all out and get your own backyard lagoon with a zip-line for $500 an hour.
Where the app could improve

Read more