When it comes to the availability of cannabis, I have high expectations as I had the benefit of living in Denver, Colorado for a few years 2015 – 2020. Recreational (now called “Adult Use”) cannabis was/is widely available there.
This extraordinary access to cannabis at the time allowed me to host Cannabis Elevation Ceremonies in my home. It was a highlight as this was early, early in introducing the blending of cannabis with spirituality in the 21st century. I’m thrilled to see that today the fusion of cannabis and spirituality has become a widely recognized and discussed topic in the cannabis community.
The country of spiritual gifts
So it was with particular delight during my trip to Thailand that I discovered that the country currently has a robust legalized cannabis market.
But let me back up for a moment and say that, regardless, visiting Thailand is undeniably a spiritual gift! The country embraces you in a rich tapestry of friendly culture, Buddhist tradition, and stunning natural beauty that nurtures deep inner peace. From its serene golden temples to its pristine and tranquil beaches, every corner of Thailand offers opportunities for reflection and connection.
Being able to add (legal) cannabis into this mix offers a unique enhancement on both the physical and spiritual levels – heightening sensory awareness and intuitive insights. I adored every minute of it – whether I was meditating in temples or scaling waterfalls and rafting rapids.
Whatever my activity, the plant cultivated awareness, amplified mindfulness and the delight of being in the moment.
Availability of cannabis in Thailand
Cannabis is widely available in Thailand. In Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second biggest city and where I was visiting, there’s a flourishing industry of cannabis dispensaries, many on every block it seemed.
Under a groundbreaking decriminalization policy implemented in 2022 permitting the sale of cannabis, there are two primary regulations: it can’t be sold to individuals under the age of 20 (always a sound practice!), and smoking cannabis in public is prohibited. As a tourist, this last one is challenging. It reminded me of Denver back when I lived there – you could purchase flower to smoke but there were no provisions made for where to smoke it and tourists were reduced to sneaking around in alleys and dark corners to toke.
However, in Chiang Mai I quickly learned to look for dispensaries that had consumption lounges where you could purchase your flower and then safely smoke – as in the Amsterdam model of “coffeeshops”. I did smoke some flower in this way but since I didn’t want to have to be tethered to a dispensary, I bought gummies and edibles to carry with me.
These shops (and I stuck my head in many) carry wide varieties of everything from gummies and cookies to various strains of flower. One shop had a dozen different THC strains ranging from 16% THC to 39% THC. I opt for the lower range cultivars as I find that these offer the most pleasant easy high. My aim, in this milieu, is not to get super baked but land in a light euphoria that tickles the senses and not numb them.
Uncertainty about the future of cannabis availability in Thailand
Regardless of whether you’re into cannabis, I highly recommend visiting Thailand. Many seasoned travelers know that upon deplaning in Bangkok, it’s best to exit the congestion and chaos of that city to explore the nation’s islands, the countryside, or Chiang Mai in the north. Regardless, if you are looking to visit Thailand as a “cannabis tourist”, I strongly advise you to stay updated on the latest legal status, as its current regulation has been very contentious.
In fact, earlier this year, it was announced that the legality of cannabis would be rescinded, making it a crime once again to possess it. But yet in another sharp turn in late July 2024, it was reported that the government will likely maintain the availability of cannabis while implementing a stronger regulatory framework. However, this decision is still up in the air.
For right now and right here in 2024, Thailand leads the way in Asia with its cannabis availability. Prior to this latest chapter, the country has a long history spanning centuries of using cannabis as a traditional food and medicine. It’s reported that a few generations back, farmers in the rural northeast would relax with cannabis after a long day’s work in the fields. This was all thrown out the window in 1979, when Thailand bowed to U.S. pressure, and implemented a comprehensive narcotics act that imposed severe penalties for smoking, possessing, or selling cannabis.
What goes around comes around. May the War on Drugs RIP.
Do you have thoughts on this? I invite you to drop down to the comments section and share them.
With Love,
Becca
P.S. You know, after talking about my Cannabis Elevation Ceremonies, I think it’d be fun to have some online. My gift to our growing community. We’d do about 60-75 minutes with acknowledgment and welcoming of the energy of the plant (obviously you’d have yours at the ready) and then a powerful esoteric practice to release whatever is knocking loudest on your head. Have an interest? Send me an email at becca@emotionallib.com to let me know you’re up for it.
Becca, I’d love to participate in an online ceremony! Looking forward to hearing more about it.
Terrific Lindy! I need to create a date and time (taking into consideration U.S. and Europe). I intend to plan something in the next couple of weeks. Thanks for responding ❤️
Totally up for that, loved this email update. Thanks Becca xxx
💚 Laura! More to come:)
You know I’m up for online ceremonies anytime, that’s how I first heard of you!
Ah! That’s right 😍. We’re going back to our roots!
I’d be most interested in an online ceremony – please do email me details if it happens 🫶🏼
Hi Steph, absolutely! Now that I know there’s an interest 🥳 I’m going to think about this and see what a good time to schedule would be! Thank you 🙏🏽
Online ceremony would be fantastic!!
Super Andrea! 💖 I can’t wait to start planning it!