There is an extended idea that Thailand has a zero-tolerance policy for anything that involves marijuana, but the truth is completely different. For some time, and although it is difficult to believe, it is legal to commercialize certain parts of the plant such as stems, roots, leaves, and twigs. Now, with the law that the current minister of Public Health will promote, it will be possible to commercialize the entire plant, of course with certain restrictions.
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced that a list with new changes regarding the use of narcotics will be announced. Regarding marijuana, the main restriction will be cannabidiol (CBD) extracts with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) of more than 0.2%. Products such as oils and cosmetics that meet less than this amount may be used and commercialized.
Thailand is increasingly permissive, proof of this is that it became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize the production, import, and export of cannabis for medical purposes in 2018, following an amendment to the Law on Narcotic Drugs. In fact, for several months now, growing hemp at home is legal.
Of course, smoking marijuana for recreational purposes is illegal and punishable by up to 1 year in prison and/or no more than a 10,000 Baht fine. In the case of foreign visitors, it may additionally mean extradition and the prohibition to enter the country again. Even so, the country seems highly interested in changing its penalties and entering a market that seems to grow exponentially every day.