Can I Bring Cannabis Back from Thailand? A Tourist’s Essential Guide

So you’ve fallen in love with Thailand’s cannabis scene. Maybe you picked up some incredible stacks. Now you’re thinking of packing your bags and wondering: “Can I bring this back home to my country?”

Sadly…The answer is No and you should absolutely not try to even smuggle it.

The Golden Rule: Cannabis Cannot Leave Thailand
According to Thailand’s Official Ministry of Public Health & Benoit-Partners International Law Firm 2025 guidelines, carrying seeds or any parts of the cannabis plant from and to Thailand for personal purposes is not permitted. Even if cannabis is legal where you’re headed, Thai customs doesn’t care. If you try to leave Thailand with cannabis, you’re breaking Thai law. If you arrive home, you’re likely breaking your home country’s import laws too.

Trafficking cannabis can lead to heavy fines or imprisonment in Thailand and other countries you may travel to. Is a few grams really worth risking your freedom?

Legal Here, Illegal There

Only domestic cannabis plants cultivated in Thailand have been removed from the narcotic drug list. Cannabis crossing international borders is still a controlled substance. Even products with less than 0.2% THC that are legal to buy and use within Thailand cannot be exported. Commercial cannabis exports require GACP certification from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, which are only issued to licensed businesses, not tourists. What’s legal in Thailand stays in Thailand.

The Real Cost of Getting Caught

Let’s be clear about what you’re risking. Under Thailand’s Narcotics Act, attempting to export cannabis is treated as drug trafficking, not a minor offense. At Thai Customs (Leaving Thailand):

Thai authorities have the power to search any person or vehicle if there are reasonable grounds to suspect illegal drug activity. If caught attempting to export cannabis, you’re facing:

Immediate arrest and detention for drug trafficking charges

• 2-15 years imprisonment and fines of 200,000-1,500,000 Baht (approximately $5,500-$42,000 USD)
• Asset forfeiture of any property used in the offense
• Criminal record in Thailand affecting all future travel to the region

The penalties increase dramatically based on quantity. Thai customs actively screens for cannabis exports, and they’re not lenient with tourists.

At Your Home Country Customs:

Even if you somehow get past Thai authorities, most countries treat cannabis importation as drug smuggling. You’re facing immediate arrest, federal charges (even if cannabis is legal in your state or city), years in prison, and potential extradition back to Thailand to face additional charges.

Make the Most of It While You’re Here
Since you can’t take Thailand’s cannabis home, make the most of your experience while you’re here. Visit different dispensaries, chat with budtenders about the effects and flavor profiles, and keep a cannabis journal to track your favorites so you can find similar options back home.

For a trusted experience, stop by Siam Green Cannabis Co., with five licensed locations across Bangkok and Koh Samui. Each store offers top-quality products, expert staff, and everything you need for a safe, enjoyable cannabis experience.

Learn more at siamgreenco.com or follow our social media platform @siamgreenco for cannabis education, wellness tips, and what’s new in Thailand’s cannabis scene.