Cannabis Tourism in Thailand: How Legalization Boosted the Economy
In June, Thai authorities legalized medical cannabis and removed it from the list of banned substances. This made Thailand the first Asian country to give the green light to marijuana, allowing residents to grow medical cannabis at home. Naturally, the tourism sector quickly adapted—Thai businesses began profiting from cannabis-infused products.
Not long ago, tourists visiting Thailand could buy a bit of weed on any tourist street, despite government bans. Many who have been to Thailand have likely encountered such vendors, but those who bought their products were rarely satisfied—sellers often offered a mysterious mix of dried herbs. The sales process was quick, discreet, and there was no way to check what was inside the small bag. It was a risky venture for the boldest tourists.
Now, thanks to legalization, medical cannabis producers have started opening small kiosks across the country, and Thai businesses are cashing in on cannabis-infused products—hygiene items, drinks, and snacks—all of which can be purchased legally in Thailand. The main rule is not to exceed the allowed THC content in these products—no more than 0.2%.
Innovative Cannabis Products
Surawut Samphant, owner of the cannabis goods store Channherb, created a toothpaste that includes hemp seed oil as one of its ingredients. Both the owner and customers are very pleased with the new product, reporting its positive effects on oral health. A tube of this toothpaste costs 250 baht, which is about $7 (or roughly 420 rubles—coincidence?).
In addition to toothpaste, the store offers soap, creams, shampoos, and even herbal tea with added cannabis. The variety lets you feel like a true cannabis tourist—start your morning with cannabis toothpaste, take a shower with cannabis gel, apply cannabis cream to your body, and enjoy a cup of cannabis tea with milk.
Cannabis-Infused Desserts
With your cup of tea, you can try a traditional Thai dessert made from coconut milk, sugar, and pandan flour—Khanom Krok Pandan, which is similar to pancakes. Krefet Khanpongpiat, owner of the dessert shop Kanomsiam, has long sold dishes with pandan leaves, but recently started adding cannabis leaves to his desserts to attract new customers.
According to Kanomsiam’s customers, cannabis desserts are not only tasty but also help improve sleep quality. A serving of these desserts costs 170 baht (about $5 or 300 rubles). The producer especially recommends these desserts to those who “eat not just for food, but to feel.”
Popular Cannabis Experiences for Tourists
One of the most popular attractions among tourists is the Happy Bud truck. This cannabis truck is located on Khao San Road, one of Bangkok’s most famous tourist streets. The “green” truck offers strains like “Amnesia,” “Jack Haze,” and “Night Nurse” at 700 baht per gram (about $20 or 1,200 rubles).
In August, a new entertainment option will be available for tourists—a cannabis cruise on a yacht. This four-hour trip offers everything with a “canna” twist: a variety of foods (including seafood), drinks at the bar, and even massages. Each tourist receives a bag of cannabis souvenirs as a memento (the exact contents are not specified). A trip on this yacht will cost you nearly $200 (3,990 baht or about 7,000 rubles).
As Thailand continues to embrace cannabis tourism, the country is seeing a new wave of visitors eager to experience these unique products and services, further boosting the local economy.