Last updated on July 17th, 2022 at 04:17 am
There has been a lot of confusion surrounding whether or not foreigners can get CBD in Thailand legally. In fact, in a previous post, we detail some of the reasons foreigners may want to be cautious of obtaining CBD in Thailand.
However, after several interviews with foreigner CBD patients, some clarification from the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) provided by cannabis activist Kitty Copaka, and our own research, we feel confident in saying that it appears that foreigners can get CBD in Thailand legally and safely.
Obviously, the first step in obtaining CBD in Thailand is to find a cannabis clinic that can prescribe you CBD.
The two that we have repeatedly been mentioned by foreigners are:
Sawasdee Clinic
Bangkok Integrative Medicine (BIM Poly Clinic)
There is also a third clinic we’ve seen mentioned in Chon Buri, however, due to some issues with their marketing, we aren’t recommending them at this time.
Both of these clinics are in Bangkok, however, at least with Sawasdee Clinic, patients report that they are able to obtain CBD refills via messaging them via LINE. Instructions for reorders are provided at the time of prescription.
No appointments seem to be necessary at either clinic.
We are also not aware of any restrictions based on type of visa the patient holds.
If you have a documented condition, it is helpful for you to bring your medical records with you to the clinic.
We visited the Sawasdee Clinic in Bangkok and it is a little difficult to find as it is tucked away down a small Soi.
The facility looks professional and the waiting area is beautifully decorated.
Upon entering, an assistant asks what the purpose of your visit is and after taking some basic information the patient is given a medical history questionnaire to complete while they make copies of your passport.
When completed, they will take your basic vital signs, blood pressure, weight, etc, and then you are asked to wait for the doctor.
The doctor will then see the patient and ask about the medical condition the patient has outlined on the questionnaire. The doctor will also ask about previous cannabis use, experience using cannabis medication, and other information.
If the doctor believes that cannabis would be appropriate for treating the patient’s condition, they will prescribe an appropriate cannabis product.
Afterwards, the patient is directed to a waiting area for filling their prescription.
After a short wait, the patient is brought into a room, they are shown the medicines the doctor has prescribed, are given instruction on how to administer the medication, and payment is required.
Typically, the two main types of cannabis available are a CBD/THC tincture at a ratio of 1:1 and a THC tincture. Both are 5ml and cost 1,000 and 1,500 baht respectively.
Some, but not all, patients that have visited the BIM have said that they have occasionally received unmarked medication but all patients that have visited Sawasdee Clinic report receiving Government Pharmaceutical Office (GPO) branded medicine.
The patient is then directed back into the main lobby to await a medical certificate which states that the doctor has prescribed cannabis therapy for 30 days.
At least one patient of the BIM clinic has reported that he was randomly selected for a roadside urinalysis and that he tested positive for THC. He said he showed the officers his medical certificate and was allowed to leave.
Please note that we have also asked about seeing foreign patients at other cannabis clinics and have been told that they were not seeing any new patients. No mention was made of not seeing foreign patients though.
That doesn’t seem unusual. When medical cannabis clinics initially opened, they where overwhelmed with Thais seeking treatment.
Similarly, one of the other biggest problems cannabis medicine is facing in Thailand is the lack of supply. However, there are amendments to the current laws that the government hopes will increase the amount of cannabis available to produce cannabis medicine.
