Medical Cannabis Tourism for Russians in the Virgin Islands and Thailand
Medical cannabis tourism is gaining popularity worldwide thanks to the legalization of cannabis in various countries. Russian citizens now have the right to legally undergo cannabis treatment in Thailand and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
How to Access Cannabis Therapy in the Virgin Islands
In January 2019, the Virgin Islands enacted a law legalizing medical cannabis. According to this law, foreign citizens aged 18 and older are eligible to participate in medical cannabis treatment programs. Tourists must obtain a card called the “USVI Visitors Medical Marijuana” card. The cost of the card depends on its validity period:
- $50 for 5 days
- $75 for 10 days
- $100 for 30 days
This tourist card allows visitors to purchase up to 84 grams of cannabis every 15 days and receive treatment at clinics. Currently, cannabis therapy is available only at one hospital—Hospital Gade, located on the largest island, Charlotte Amalie. Information about new cannabis clinics can be found on the Vibe High website.
Thailand Launches Cannabis Treatment Programs for International Visitors
Medical cannabis was legalized in Thailand in 2019. The law allows foreigners to purchase medical cannabis and receive cannabis-based treatment, but tourists must obtain a license from the Food and Drug Administration. This license grants the right to use, purchase, and possess cannabis. The permit is issued to people suffering from conditions that can be treated with cannabis. The list of qualifying conditions includes 38 diseases.
There are already 36 cannabis clinics operating in Thailand. The list of hospitals is published on the Thaicbd portal. This year, the government plans to open 76 more medical centers, one in each province. Minister of Sports and Tourism, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, shared the government’s plans: “We want to develop special tourist packages for foreigners seeking cannabis therapy. For example, a detox course that includes Thai massage with cannabis oil.”
Officials are actively promoting the idea of medical cannabis tourism to attract wealthy Europeans and Americans. Local doctors consult patients on the use of cannabinoids as medicine and provide treatment for various diseases with cannabis. Cannabis is prescribed in cases where its use is safe and effective.