PT 33: Thailand’s Medical Cannabis Prescription — Complete Guide (2026)

A PT 33 prescription (ใบสั่งยา ปท. 33) is required to legally purchase cannabis flower in Thailand. Since June 2025, when the Thai government reclassified cannabis flower as a “controlled herb,” every purchase of cannabis flower or high-THC cannabis products must be authorized by this official prescription form.

This is the most comprehensive independent guide to Thailand’s PT 33 system. We explain exactly what PT 33 is, who can issue it, how to get one, what it costs, and what you can do with it — whether you are a Thai resident, an expat, or a tourist.

What Is PT 33?

PT 33 (ปท. 33) stands for “Prescription Form Number 33” (แบบใบสั่งยา หมายเลข 33). It is the official Thai medical cannabis prescription form established under ministerial regulations issued by the Ministry of Public Health.

The form authorizes the named patient to purchase specific cannabis products from licensed dispensaries. It is part of Thailand’s system for ensuring that cannabis flower is dispensed within a medical framework, with proper practitioner oversight.

Key facts about PT 33:

• Official name: ใบสั่งยา ปท. 33
• Purpose: Authorizes purchase of cannabis flower and high-THC products
• Validity: Typically 30 days from date of issue
• Issuer: Licensed healthcare practitioners with cannabis medicine certification
• Required since: June 25, 2025
• Not required for: CBD products under 0.2% THC

Who Can Issue a PT 33 Prescription?

Seven categories of licensed practitioners are authorized to issue PT 33 prescriptions in Thailand:

1. Licensed physicians (แพทย์) — Medical doctors registered with the Medical Council of Thailand
2. Dentists (ทันตแพทย์) — For conditions within their scope of practice
3. Traditional Thai Medicine practitioners (แพทย์แผนไทย) — TTM practitioners registered with the Thai Traditional Medical Council. This is the most common prescriber category for cannabis
4. Applied Thai Traditional Medicine practitioners (แพทย์แผนไทยประยุกต์) — Practitioners with combined traditional and modern training
5. Pharmacists (เภสัชกร) — Registered pharmacists with cannabis dispensing certification
6. Licensed traditional medicine practitioners (ผู้ประกอบวิชาชีพการแพทย์แผนไทย) — Other qualified traditional medicine professionals
7. Veterinarians (สัตวแพทย์) — For animal treatment only

All prescribing practitioners must have completed additional certification in cannabis medicine approved by the Ministry of Public Health.

Important: Not all doctors or pharmacists can issue PT 33. The practitioner must have specific cannabis medicine certification. Cannabis clinics employ or contract practitioners who hold this certification.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a PT 33 Prescription

Step 1: Find a Licensed Cannabis Clinic

Look for clinics that explicitly offer PT 33 consultations. Our clinic directory lists verified clinics across Thailand with details on services, languages spoken, and pricing. For detailed advice on what to look for, see our guide on how to choose a cannabis clinic in Thailand.

Where to find clinics:

• Major cities (Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui) have the highest concentration
• Tourist areas typically have clinics with English-speaking practitioners
• Look for clinics attached to or associated with licensed dispensaries
• Google Maps searches for “cannabis clinic” in Thai cities will show options

Step 2: Walk In or Book an Appointment

Most cannabis clinics in tourist areas accept walk-in patients without appointments. Some clinics offer online booking or appointment scheduling via Line or WhatsApp.

What to bring:

• Passport (for tourists/foreigners) or Thai ID card (for Thai nationals)
• Existing medical records — helpful but not required. If you have documentation of your condition from a doctor in your home country, bring it
• Current medication list — important for checking potential drug interactions
• Cash or card — check payment methods with the clinic in advance

Step 3: Consultation with Practitioner

The consultation typically takes 10-20 minutes. The practitioner will:

1. Ask about your symptoms and their duration
2. Review your medical history (if provided)
3. Ask about current medications
4. Assess whether medical cannabis is appropriate for your condition
5. Explain the available products and make recommendations

The assessment is generally straightforward. Practitioners understand that patients are seeking cannabis access and the process is designed to be accessible, not gatekeeping.

Common qualifying conditions (see our medical cannabis guide for details):

• Chronic pain (back pain, arthritis, nerve pain, fibromyalgia)
• Insomnia and sleep disorders
• Anxiety and stress
• Nausea and appetite loss
• Muscle spasms
• Migraines
• PTSD
• Neurological conditions

Step 4: Receive Your PT 33 Form

If the practitioner approves your request, they will complete and sign a PT 33 form. The form includes:

• Your name and identification details
• The practitioner’s name, license number, and clinic information
• The date of issue
• The approved products or product categories
• Validity period (typically 30 days)

Step 5: Purchase from Any Licensed Dispensary

Your PT 33 is valid at any licensed dispensary in Thailand — not just the one attached to the clinic that issued it. Present your PT 33 and passport/ID when making a purchase.

The dispensary will record the transaction against your PT 33 prescription.

Costs

Consultation Fees

Cannabis Product Prices

Prices vary significantly by city, quality, and strain. Bangkok generally has the most competitive pricing due to higher competition.

PT 33 for Different Groups

Thai Residents

The process is identical to the general process above, using your Thai ID card. Thai residents may find it easier to establish ongoing relationships with a local clinic for renewals.

Tourists

Tourists can get PT 33 prescriptions with their passport. No work permit, medical visa, or Thai residency is required. The process is the same as for residents, and many clinics in tourist areas have streamlined their services for visitors.

Tips for tourists:

• Clinics in Bangkok (Sukhumvit, Khao San), Pattaya, Phuket (Patong), and Koh Samui are most tourist-friendly
• English-speaking practitioners are available at most tourist-area clinics
• Walk-in service is standard — no appointment needed
• The entire process (walk-in to purchase) takes about 30-45 minutes
• Do NOT attempt to take any cannabis products out of Thailand

Expats and Long-Term Residents

Expats can use either their passport or Thai residency documentation. If you have a regular condition that benefits from cannabis, consider finding a clinic near your residence for convenient renewals.

PT 33 Validity and Renewal

• Standard validity: 30 days from date of issue
• Renewal: Requires a new consultation (can be the same clinic)
• No limit on consecutive renewals
• Some clinics offer loyalty programs or reduced renewal fees for returning patients

What PT 33 Does NOT Cover

PT 33 is not required for:

• CBD products under 0.2% THC — these are legal without any prescription
• Hemp-derived cosmetics and foods — regulated under standard cosmetic/food regulations
• Hemp fiber products — not regulated as medical products

PT 33 does not authorize:

• Growing cannabis at home — cultivation requires a separate license
• Selling cannabis — commercial sales require a retail license
• Importing or exporting cannabis — cannabis cannot cross Thai borders
• Public consumption — some local regulations restrict where cannabis can be consumed

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Possessing cannabis flower without a valid PT 33 is a regulatory violation. Enforcement varies, but potential consequences include:

• Fines (amounts set by current ministerial orders)
• Confiscation of cannabis products
• In serious or repeat cases, criminal charges under the controlled herbs provisions

The severity of enforcement depends on the quantity involved and the circumstances. Small personal-use quantities generally result in fines rather than criminal prosecution, but this is not guaranteed.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

1. Research clinics before visiting — Use our directory to find clinics with good reputations and English-speaking staff (if needed)
2. Go early — Popular clinics in tourist areas can have wait times during peak hours
3. Be honest — Tell the practitioner your actual symptoms. The assessment is designed to help, not to deny access
4. Ask questions — Ask the practitioner about product recommendations, dosing, and potential interactions with your current medications
5. Keep your PT 33 — Store it safely for the duration of its validity. You may be asked to present it at dispensaries
6. Respect local rules — Some areas have restrictions on public consumption. Use cannabis products in private settings

Where to Find PT 33 Clinics

Browse our verified clinic directory by city:

• Bangkok Clinics
• Pattaya Clinics
• Phuket Clinics
• Chiang Mai Clinics
• Koh Samui Clinics
• All Clinics