Cannabis oil is the most commonly used medical cannabis product in Thailand. From the Government Pharmaceutical Organization’s standardized formulas dispensed at public hospitals to artisanal traditional Thai medicine preparations, cannabis oil serves as the primary delivery method for medical cannabis treatment across the country.
This guide covers everything you need to know about cannabis oil in Thailand — the different types available, how to access them legally, pricing, dosage guidance, and where to buy.
Understanding Cannabis Oil in Thailand
What Is Cannabis Oil?
Cannabis oil is a concentrated extract from the cannabis plant, containing various cannabinoids (primarily THC and CBD), terpenes, and other plant compounds. In Thailand, cannabis oil products fall into three main categories:
-
THC-containing cannabis oil — Requires a PT 33 prescription. Contains significant levels of THC, producing therapeutic effects including pain relief, appetite stimulation, and sleep improvement. Available at licensed dispensaries and medical facilities.
-
CBD oil (under 0.2% THC) — Does not require a prescription. Widely available at pharmacies, wellness shops, and retail outlets. See our dedicated CBD Oil Thailand Guide for comprehensive CBD information.
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Traditional Thai medicine cannabis preparations — Formulated by licensed Thai traditional medicine practitioners using cannabis as one ingredient alongside other Thai herbs. Available at TTM clinics and some dispensaries.
Legal Status
Under Thailand’s current cannabis laws, cannabis oil containing more than 0.2% THC is classified as a controlled herb product. Since June 2025:
- A PT 33 prescription is required for purchase
- Sales must occur at licensed facilities with a qualified practitioner on-site
- Products must come from licensed manufacturers with proper quality documentation
- CBD oils under 0.2% THC remain freely available without prescription
GPO Cannabis Oil: Thailand’s Government Program
What Is GPO Cannabis Oil?
The Government Pharmaceutical Organization (องค์การเภสัชกรรม, or GPO) is Thailand’s state-owned pharmaceutical manufacturer. Since 2019, GPO has produced standardized cannabis oil formulations distributed through the public healthcare system.
GPO cannabis oil is the most affordable and widely accessible medical cannabis oil option in Thailand, available at government hospitals across the country.
GPO Cannabis Oil Formulas
GPO produces four standardized cannabis oil formulations:
| Formula | Content | Bottle Size | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formula 1 — THC-dominant (red label) | 13 mg/mL THC (0.5 mg per drop) | 5 mL | Pain, appetite, chemo nausea, palliative care |
| Formula 2 — CBD-dominant | 100 mg/mL CBD | 10 mL & 30 mL | Drug-resistant epilepsy, anxiety, neurological conditions |
| Formula 3 — Balanced 1:1 | 27 mg/mL THC + 25 mg/mL CBD | 5 mL | MS spasticity, neuropathic pain, balanced therapy |
| Formula 4 — High-concentration THC | 81 mg/mL THC (6x concentrated) | 5 mL | Late-stage cancer palliative care |
All three original GPO formulas were added to Thailand’s National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM / บัญชียาหลักแห่งชาติ) in 2021, meaning they are covered by the national healthcare system. Formula 4 was introduced in 2022 specifically for palliative cancer care.
GPO PRO LAB holds ISO/IEC 17025 certification for cannabis oil testing — the first such certification in Thailand.
How to Access GPO Cannabis Oil
For Thai nationals with Universal Health Coverage (บัตรทอง / Gold Card):
GPO cannabis oil is available free of charge or at heavily subsidized prices through the government healthcare system:
- Visit your registered government hospital
- Request a consultation at the traditional Thai medicine or cannabis medicine clinic
- A licensed practitioner will evaluate your condition
- If appropriate, they will issue a PT 33 prescription
- Receive GPO cannabis oil from the hospital pharmacy
For Thai nationals without Gold Card coverage:
GPO cannabis oil is available at government hospital pharmacies at reduced prices (typically 100-500 THB per bottle).
For tourists and foreigners:
GPO products are primarily distributed through the public hospital system. Foreigners can access them through:
- Government hospital outpatient cannabis clinics (consultation fees apply)
- Some private clinics that stock GPO products
- Consultation fee for foreigners at government hospitals: typically 300-1,000 THB
GPO Cannabis Oil Pricing
| Product | Government Hospital Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GPO CBD-dominant oil | 100-300 THB | Free with Gold Card |
| GPO THC-dominant oil | 200-500 THB | Free with Gold Card |
| GPO Balanced formula | 150-400 THB | Free with Gold Card |
Prices are approximate and vary by hospital. Government hospitals offer the lowest prices anywhere in Thailand.
Cannabis Oil from Licensed Dispensaries
Private Dispensary Products
Beyond GPO products, a range of cannabis oils are available from private licensed dispensaries across Thailand:
Full-spectrum cannabis oil:
- Contains THC, CBD, and the full range of minor cannabinoids and terpenes
- Price range: 800-3,000 THB per bottle (typically 10-30ml)
- Available in various concentrations and ratios
- Requires PT 33 prescription
Cannabis oil cartridges and vaporizer products:
- Pre-filled oil cartridges for vaporizer devices
- Price range: 500-2,000 THB per cartridge
- Popular for their convenience and precise dosing
- Requires PT 33 prescription for THC products
Cannabis oil capsules:
- Pre-dosed oil in capsule form
- Price range: 500-1,500 THB per pack
- Convenient for consistent dosing
- Both prescription and non-prescription options available
What to Look For When Buying
When purchasing cannabis oil from a dispensary, verify:
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) — Lab testing results showing exact cannabinoid content, terpene profile, and contaminant screening
- THC/CBD content clearly labeled — Accurate potency information per serving
- Licensed source — Product from a GACP-certified cultivator or GMP-certified manufacturer
- Batch number — For traceability
- Expiration date — Cannabis oil degrades over time
- Proper storage — Products should be stored in cool, dark conditions
Traditional Thai Medicine Cannabis Oil
The 16 Traditional Formulas (ตำรับยา 16 ตำรับ)
Thailand has a unique advantage in cannabis medicine: its centuries-old tradition of using cannabis in traditional Thai medicine (TTM). The Thai government officially recognizes 16 traditional cannabis formulas (ตำรับยากัญชา) that can be prescribed by licensed TTM practitioners.
These include 11 cannabis formulas and 5 applied/adapted formulas:
Key traditional cannabis formulas:
| Formula (Thai Name) | Use |
|---|---|
| ยาศุขไสยาศน์ (Ya Suk Saiyat) | Insomnia and sleep disorders |
| ยาแก้นอนไม่หลับ (Ya Kae Non Mai Lap) | Insomnia, wasting illness |
| ยาแก้ลมแก้เส้น (Ya Kae Lom Kae Sen) | Wind/nerve disorders, neuralgia |
| ยาแก้ลมอัมพฤกษ์ (Ya Kae Lom Amphrit) | Partial paralysis, stroke recovery |
| ยาแก้ปัตคาดราทยักษ์ | Severe musculoskeletal pain |
| ยาทาริดสีดวง | Hemorrhoids and skin diseases (topical) |
5 applied formulas include cannabis-infused Plai oil (hot and cold variants), cannabis balm (ยาหม่องผสมใบกัญชา), and green oil with cannabis — all for topical application.
The Doctor Daycha Formula (ตำรับหมอเดชา) is a widely recognized traditional preparation — 10% cannabis extract in cold-pressed coconut oil, officially recognized by DTAM. Dosing starts at 3 drops for women and 5 drops for men, taken sublingually.
Research has documented not just 16 but 162 traditional Thai formulas containing cannabis as an ingredient across historical Tamra Ya (ตำรายา) texts — representing centuries of Thai herbal knowledge that is now being revived.
Accessing Traditional Cannabis Medicine
Traditional Thai medicine cannabis preparations are available at:
- Government hospital TTM clinics — Most affordable option
- Licensed TTM practices — Private traditional medicine clinics
- Some dispensaries — That employ licensed TTM practitioners
- Community health centers — In areas with active community enterprises
A PT 33 prescription from a licensed TTM practitioner is required for THC-containing traditional preparations.
Dosage Guide
Starting Cannabis Oil: The Low-and-Slow Approach
Cannabis oil dosage is highly individual. The universally recommended approach is “start low, go slow”:
Week 1-2: Micro-dosing phase
- GPO THC Formula: Start with 1-2 drops per day (0.5-1.0 mg THC)
- Other products: Start with the lowest available dose (typically 2.5mg THC)
- Take once daily, preferably in the evening
- Monitor effects and side effects
Week 3-4: Titration phase
- If well-tolerated, increase dose by 0.25ml or 2.5mg every 3-7 days
- Split into morning and evening doses if needed
- Continue monitoring
Week 5+: Maintenance phase
- Once you find effective relief, maintain that dose
- Adjust as needed with practitioner guidance
- Regular check-ups recommended
Dosage by Condition
| Condition | Typical Starting Dose | Typical Maintenance Dose | Formula |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chronic pain | 2.5mg THC | 5-20mg THC, 2-3x daily | THC-dominant or balanced |
| Insomnia | 2.5-5mg THC | 5-15mg THC, 30min before bed | THC-dominant |
| Anxiety | 5-10mg CBD | 10-40mg CBD daily | CBD-dominant |
| Nausea (chemo) | 2.5mg THC | 5-10mg THC, as needed | THC-dominant |
| Epilepsy | 2.5mg/kg CBD | 5-20mg/kg CBD daily | CBD-dominant |
| Appetite loss | 2.5mg THC | 2.5-5mg THC before meals | THC-dominant or balanced |
These are general guidelines. Always follow your prescribing practitioner’s specific recommendations.
Important Dosage Notes
- THC-dominant oils produce psychoactive effects. Do not drive or operate machinery after use
- Sublingual administration (under the tongue) provides faster onset (15-45 minutes) than swallowing
- Oral administration (swallowed) has slower onset (1-3 hours) but longer duration
- Food affects absorption — Taking cannabis oil with fatty food increases absorption
- Tolerance develops over time with regular THC use — periodic breaks may be recommended
- Drug interactions — Cannabis oil can interact with blood thinners, anti-epileptics, and other medications. Inform your practitioner of all medications you take
Where to Buy Cannabis Oil in Thailand
Government Hospitals
Best for: Thai nationals with Gold Card, budget-conscious patients
Government hospitals with cannabis clinics offer GPO products at the lowest prices. Most provincial hospitals now have a cannabis medicine or TTM clinic. Thai nationals with universal health coverage can access GPO cannabis oil free of charge.
Cannabis Clinics
Best for: Tourists, first-time patients, those wanting professional guidance
Licensed cannabis clinics offer consultations, PT 33 prescriptions, and product recommendations in one visit. Many clinics in tourist areas have English-speaking staff. Consultation fees range from 300-800 THB.
Popular clinic cities:
- Bangkok — The largest selection of clinics and dispensaries
- Chiang Mai — Strong emphasis on traditional medicine and organic products
- Phuket — Tourist-friendly clinics with multilingual staff
- Pattaya — Convenient clinic access in the main tourist zones
Licensed Dispensaries
Best for: Experienced users, those seeking specific products or strains
Licensed dispensaries offer the widest selection of cannabis oil products, including oils, tinctures, capsules, and cartridges from various producers. A valid PT 33 prescription is required for THC products.
Online
CBD products only: CBD oils under 0.2% THC can be purchased online from Thai retailers. THC-containing cannabis oils cannot be legally sold online — they require in-person dispensing with PT 33 verification.
Cannabis Oil vs Other Consumption Methods
| Method | Onset | Duration | Dosing Precision | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil (sublingual) | 15-45 min | 4-8 hours | High | Medical patients, consistent dosing |
| Oil (swallowed) | 1-3 hours | 6-10 hours | High | Long-lasting relief, sleep |
| Flower (smoked) | 1-5 min | 2-4 hours | Low | Acute symptoms, fast relief |
| Flower (vaporized) | 1-5 min | 2-4 hours | Medium | Acute symptoms, less harsh than smoking |
| Edibles | 1-3 hours | 6-12 hours | Medium | Long-lasting relief, discreet |
| Topicals | 15-60 min | 4-8 hours | Low | Localized pain, skin conditions |
Cannabis oil is generally preferred for medical use because of its precise dosing, long duration, and discretion. It is the format recommended by most Thai medical practitioners.
Safety and Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Drowsiness — Especially with THC-dominant oils. Avoid driving after use
- Dry mouth — Stay hydrated
- Changes in appetite — THC typically increases appetite
- Dizziness — Usually dose-related; reduce dose if persistent
- Mood changes — Some patients experience anxiety or euphoria with THC
Serious Side Effects (Seek Medical Attention)
- Rapid heartbeat or chest pain
- Severe anxiety or panic
- Hallucinations or confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe allergic reaction
Drug Interactions
Cannabis oil undergoes hepatic metabolism and can interact with many medication categories:
- Anticoagulants (warfarin, clopidogrel, cilostazol) — Increased bleeding risk
- Anti-epileptics (valproic acid) — Hepatotoxic combinations; close monitoring required
- CNS depressants (morphine derivatives, sedatives, alcohol) — Increased drowsiness, respiratory depression risk
- Cardiovascular medications (amiodarone, verapamil, diltiazem) — Compounded cardiac effects
- Hepatotoxic drugs (statins, acetaminophen in high doses) — Combined liver stress
- Macrolide antibiotics and azole antifungals — Altered cannabis metabolism
- Psychiatric medications and antidepressants — Potential for increased side effects
- Tramadol — Combined CNS depression risk
Always inform your prescribing practitioner about all medications you are taking.
Who Should Avoid Cannabis Oil
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Persons under 20 years of age (Thailand’s legal minimum; THC is not recommended under 25 as it may affect brain development)
- Those with a history of psychosis or schizophrenia (THC products)
- People with severe heart conditions (consult cardiologist first)
- Patients with low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Those with severe psychiatric conditions
- Those operating heavy machinery or driving (THC products)
Legal note: Possession of more than 30 grams of cannabis flower or 30 mL of cannabis oil may be considered intent to distribute under Thai law.
How Cannabis Oil Is Made
Extraction Methods Used in Thailand
CO2 extraction (supercritical):
- Used by GPO and large-scale manufacturers
- Produces the cleanest, purest oil
- Most expensive equipment but highest quality output
Ethanol extraction:
- Common among medium-scale producers
- Effective for full-spectrum products
- Requires proper post-processing to remove residual solvent
Traditional pressing and infusion:
- Used in traditional Thai medicine preparations
- Cannabis infused in coconut oil, sesame oil, or other carrier oils
- Simpler process, suitable for small-scale production
Quality Standards
Cannabis oil produced in Thailand should meet:
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards for commercial products
- GACP certification for the source cannabis material
- FDA Thailand registration for commercially sold products
- Laboratory testing for cannabinoid content, pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial contamination
The Cannabis Oil Market in Thailand
Market Size and Trends
The medical cannabis oil market in Thailand has evolved significantly:
- Government program expansion — GPO has scaled production and distribution to government hospitals nationwide
- Private sector growth — Licensed manufacturers are producing increasingly sophisticated products
- Traditional medicine renaissance — The 16 traditional cannabis formulas have revived interest in Thai herbal medicine
- Quality improvement — Lab testing standards and GACP certification are raising product quality
- Price stabilization — Competition has brought prices down from the early days of legalization
The June 2025 Impact
The reclassification of cannabis flower as a controlled herb actually strengthened the medical cannabis oil market:
- Patients who previously purchased flower for self-preparation now buy professionally produced oils
- Medical practitioners are more actively prescribing cannabis oil products
- Quality control has improved as the market professionalizes
- Government hospital cannabis clinics have expanded services
Conclusion
Cannabis oil is the backbone of Thailand’s medical cannabis system. Whether accessed through the affordable GPO program at government hospitals, purchased from private dispensaries, or formulated by traditional Thai medicine practitioners, cannabis oil offers Thai patients and visitors a medically supervised, precisely dosed, and legally protected path to cannabis therapy.
For those seeking THC-free options, our CBD Oil Thailand Guide covers the full range of non-prescription CBD products. For information on qualifying conditions, see our medical cannabis guides. And to find a practitioner near you, browse our clinic directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cannabis oil legal in Thailand in 2026?
How much does cannabis oil cost in Thailand?
What is GPO cannabis oil?
Do I need a prescription for cannabis oil in Thailand?
Can tourists buy cannabis oil in Thailand?
What conditions can cannabis oil treat?
What is the difference between cannabis oil and CBD oil in Thailand?
Where can I buy cannabis oil in Thailand?
Cannabis for Thailand
Cannabis for Thailand