(Image above, taken inside the cannabis store Sukhumweed Exotics)
The global approval of cannabis is growing as another country has now set the scene for recreationally legal marijuana. Thailand has now passed regulations allowing cannabis to be bought and sold recreationally. Previously, Thailand had set laws allowing for the medical use of cannabis in June of 2018. They are the first country in Asia to decriminalize marijuana!
Shops and businesses were poised to be ready as some of the first places in Thailand to sell cannabis the moment it was decriminalized. This happened throughout the country on June 9th of 2022. Here is a list of verified places that we can purchase marijuana from in Thailand!
Mastercard, Visa, and Baht accepted at most dispensaries
Discovering that some dispensaries in Bangkok accept MasterCard alongside Baht was a pleasant surprise. Our encounter with this convenience occurred at the 420 Dispensary. However, it's worth noting that several establishments, including Sukhumweed and others, exclusively accept Baht as payment. Thus, it's advisable to have a visit to an ATM on your checklist before heading to a cannabis store in Thailand. A staff member at Sukumweed explained that the restrictions from banks on account of their business nature prevent them from offering card payment options.
Best Cannabis Stores in Thailand
- Number one on this list begins with the above dispensary, called Four Twenty. Aptly named, their prices also start at 1000 Baht (equal to almost 27 USD) per gram. They offer a good variety, with most strains being Indica-dominant hybrids.
- Number two on our list goes to Sukhumweed for the outstanding customer service and top shelf cannabis quality options available.
- We all know of food trucks, but what about a weed truck? That is what N’ Louis’ Happy Buds pot truck offers. It can be found on Khaosan Road, a tourist hotspot. Oftentimes it is opened late in the day and has products available for purchase only for a few hours.
As with any country, traveling to a new place means knowing its rules and laws. In Thailand, it is now legal to purchase, and for citizens. However, it remains illegal to smoke it in public; as it is known as a public nuisance. This is an easy law to follow but those who get caught disobeying will owe a fine and could potentially serve 3 months in jail. Respecting other countries' laws and cultures is first when traveling, so be sure to keep this in mind.
Boost Thailand Economy
This new phase into economic opportunity involving cannabis began with the Thai government giving away 1 million cannabis plants! Talk about a boost for the economy and uplifting sentiment for Thai citizens. 3,000 inmates who were imprisoned on marijuana-related charges were also released!
The establishment of a domestic cannabis industry could position Thailand as a significant contender in the global cannabis export market. The impact of the COVID era led to a decline in Thailand's economy, particularly due to its heavy reliance on tourism. This sector constitutes a substantial portion, about one-fifth, of the country's gross domestic product, and despite the relaxation of most restrictions, it has struggled to rebound. There is optimism that the cannabis industry holds the potential to contribute to Thailand's economic recovery and bring positive change to its populace.