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August 28, 2025
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Back in 2022, Thailand made global headlines by removing cannabis from the narcotics list, becoming the first Asian nation to legalize marijuana. Overnight, cities like Chiang Mai transformed into cannabis hotspots, often called the “Little Amsterdam of Asia.”
Fast forward to mid-2025, and everything looks very different. Thailand’s government has reversed course, restricting cannabis to medical use only, requiring a doctor’s prescription, and banning recreational sales.
This policy U-turn left travelers wondering:
Can you still fly with cannabis within Thailand?
What are the rules for domestic flights from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, Phuket, or elsewhere?
What does the new law mean for tourists in 2025?
This guide from Haze Buds CNX gives you a complete breakdown: legal history, the latest rules, practical travel tips, and what you need to know before bringing cannabis on your next flight in Thailand.
June 2022: Cannabis removed from the narcotics list.
Citizens allowed to grow at home for personal use.
Dispensaries and cannabis cafés rapidly appeared in Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
Over 11,000 cannabis shops opened nationwide.
Chiang Mai quickly became a tourist favorite for cannabis culture.
The industry reached an estimated $1 billion USD value.
Public use in crowded areas.
Youth access and lack of enforcement.
Health concerns and unclear regulations.
Calls for tighter control grew louder.
👉 For a detailed breakdown of the early travel rules, check our guide: Can I Fly With Weed in Thailand?
Recreational use officially banned.
Only patients with a doctor’s prescription can buy and possess cannabis.
Prescriptions limited to a 30-day dosage.
Qualified prescribers: licensed doctors, Thai traditional doctors, Chinese medicine doctors, and dentists.
Cannabis must come from certified GACP sources.
Transactions logged via official Phor.Tor.27 forms.
Online sales and vending machines banned.
Strict penalties for unlicensed sales.
Thousands of small shops forced to close.
Foreign investors pulled back.
Surviving shops converted into medical cannabis clinics.
✅ Legal if you have a valid prescription.
Small amounts (e.g., a few grams for personal medical use) usually don’t raise issues at domestic airports.
❌ Large quantities may trigger suspicion of intent to distribute.
High-THC edibles, oils, or concentrates.
Any unlabelled or unverified cannabis products.
Many have successfully flown with small quantities (Chiang Mai → Bangkok).
Some foreigners reported being questioned by airport security.
👉 Related read: Can You Take Cannabis to Another Country from Thailand?
❌ Never carry cannabis out of Thailand.
Several tourists have been arrested in their home countries after leaving Thailand with weed.
✅ Do carry medical documents. Always keep a doctor’s prescription (preferably bilingual Thai–English).
✅ Buy only from licensed shops that provide receipts.
✅ Consume privately (hotel, Airbnb with permission).
Dispensaries lined the Old City, Nimmanhaemin Road, and Walking Streets.
Tourists enjoyed an open, recreational scene.
Shops must have a doctor on site.
Recreational sales vanished overnight.
The culture shifted from party-friendly to medical wellness.
“The new law is tough, but it forces the industry to become more professional. Only high-standard clinics and licensed sellers will survive.”
1. Carry Proper Documentation
If you are using cannabis for medical purposes, keep both your doctor’s prescription and the original packaging with you. Having these on hand can help explain to airport security or police that your possession is legitimate. Ideally, ask your doctor to issue the prescription in both Thai and English, especially if you are a foreign traveler.
2. Limit the Quantity You Travel With
Avoid traveling with large amounts of cannabis. A few grams for personal medical use is usually acceptable, but anything beyond that could raise suspicion of distribution. Remember that in Thailand, the difference between “personal use” and “intent to sell” is often decided by the quantity you carry.
3. Store Discreetly and Responsibly
Always keep your cannabis sealed in its original container, preferably vacuum-packed or odor-proof. This not only helps with discretion but also reduces the chance of misunderstandings with other travelers or staff at the airport. Never carry cannabis loosely in your pockets or luggage.
4. Know Where You Can Consume
Using cannabis in public places—such as airports, streets, or temples—can lead to trouble. Consumption should be limited to private areas like your home, or hotels and Airbnbs that explicitly allow it. Before booking accommodation, double-check their policy, as many hotels in Chiang Mai are now clarifying their rules regarding cannabis.
5. Keep Updated on Policy Shifts
Thai cannabis laws are changing fast. What is acceptable today may be banned tomorrow. Follow reliable news outlets or check with licensed dispensaries such as Haze Buds, where staff are often up to date on the latest regulations.
By respecting these tips, you will not only avoid legal trouble but also contribute to the responsible image of cannabis users in Thailand. Staying informed, discreet, and respectful ensures your travel in Chiang Mai remains stress-free and enjoyable.
Thailand’s cannabis journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From the groundbreaking decision in 2022 to decriminalize cannabis, to the rapid boom of dispensaries and cannabis cafés, and finally the 2025 policy reversal restricting cannabis back to medical use only — the country has shown just how quickly laws and public attitudes can shift.
For travelers, especially those visiting Chiang Mai, this means expectations must be adjusted. Chiang Mai was once seen as the “Amsterdam of Asia”, with colorful dispensaries scattered across the Old City, Nimmanhaemin, and the Walking Streets. Tourists could walk in, buy cannabis freely, and enjoy it almost anywhere in private. But the new regulations remind us that Thailand is not a free-for-all cannabis destination anymore.
The most important takeaway is simple:
Cannabis is medical-only in 2025. A doctor’s prescription is required.
Domestic flights are possible, but only in small amounts and with the correct documentation.
International travel is strictly off-limits. Never take cannabis outside of Thailand.
Public use is risky. Always consume privately and respectfully.
Looking ahead, the future of cannabis in Thailand is still uncertain. Some industry experts believe that recreational legalization could return one day, while others see the current restrictions as the government’s long-term stance. For now, however, visitors should approach cannabis as a controlled wellness product rather than a casual recreational item.
For tourists in Chiang Mai, this doesn’t mean the end of cannabis culture. Instead, it represents an evolution. Licensed medical dispensaries and cannabis clinics are still thriving, and many focus on education, wellness, and alternative medicine. Chiang Mai continues to offer high-quality cannabis products — but within a new framework that prioritizes health, responsibility, and compliance with Thai law.
At Haze Buds CNX, we believe that knowledge is power. By staying informed about the latest rules, you can continue to enjoy cannabis safely and legally during your travels. The key is to treat cannabis in Thailand with the same respect as local customs, traditions, and laws.
So the next time you’re packing your bags and heading to Chiang Mai, remember this:
👉 You can still “fly high” — but only if you do it smartly, legally, and with respect for the culture and regulations of Thailand.
Travel safe, stay informed, and enjoy your journey in one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in Asia.
Want to stay safe while enjoying cannabis in Thailand?
Visit Haze Buds in Chiang Mai. Our budtenders will guide you on what’s legal and where to smoke safely.
➡️ Find a Haze Buds near you
🔗 Visit us at : www.hazebudscnx.com
🔗 Location at : Haze Buds Old City
: Haze Buds Saturday Gate At Chiang Mai Gate
: Haze Buds Sridonchai — with 3 locations conveniently in the city.
🕘 Open daily, walk-ins welcome
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