What Conditions Qualify for a PT 33 Prescription in Thailand?

Since June 2025, a PT 33 prescription (ใบสั่งยา ปท. 33) is required to legally purchase cannabis flower in Thailand. The prescription is issued by licensed practitioners who assess whether medical cannabis is appropriate for the patient’s condition.

Thailand’s approach to qualifying conditions is relatively flexible compared to many countries. Rather than maintaining a strict list of approved conditions, the system allows licensed practitioners — including Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM) practitioners — to use their professional judgment in determining whether cannabis may benefit a patient.

This guide covers the conditions most commonly approved for PT 33 prescriptions and what to expect during the consultation process.

Commonly Approved Conditions

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is the most frequently cited reason for PT 33 prescriptions in Thailand. This includes:

• Back pain and spinal conditions
• Arthritis and joint pain
• Neuropathic pain (nerve-related)
• Fibromyalgia
• Cancer-related pain
• Post-surgical chronic pain
• Musculoskeletal pain

Cannabis products prescribed for pain typically include both THC and CBD formulations, with the specific ratio determined by the practitioner based on the patient’s symptoms and pain level.

Read our complete guide: Cannabis for Chronic Pain

Insomnia and Sleep Disorders

Sleep-related conditions are the second most common reason for PT 33 prescriptions. Thailand has a strong tradition of using cannabis as a sleep aid, with historical precedents in Traditional Thai Medicine.

Products prescribed for insomnia tend to be indica-dominant strains or oils with higher THC content, typically taken in the evening. Some practitioners recommend CBD-dominant products for mild sleep disturbances.

Read our complete guide: Cannabis for Insomnia

Anxiety and Stress-Related Conditions

Anxiety disorders qualify for PT 33 prescriptions, including:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Social anxiety
• Stress-related conditions
• Panic disorders

Practitioners typically start with lower-THC or CBD-dominant products for anxiety, as high-THC cannabis can sometimes worsen anxiety symptoms.

Read our complete guide: Cannabis for Anxiety and PTSD

Nausea and Appetite Loss

Cannabis has a well-documented history of treating nausea and stimulating appetite. Qualifying conditions include:

• Chemotherapy-induced nausea
• HIV/AIDS-related appetite loss
• Chronic nausea of various causes
• Eating disorders (appetite stimulation)

Read our complete guide: Cannabis for Nausea and Cancer Support

Neurological Conditions

Several neurological conditions qualify for PT 33 prescriptions:

• Epilepsy and seizure disorders (particularly treatment-resistant forms)
• Parkinson’s disease (for symptom management)
• Multiple sclerosis-related spasticity
• Migraine headaches

Thailand’s FDA has recognized CBD-based treatments for certain forms of epilepsy, and some hospitals maintain CBD treatment programs for pediatric epilepsy patients.

Read our complete guides: Cannabis for Epilepsy | Cannabis for MS and Spasticity

PTSD and Trauma-Related Conditions

Post-traumatic stress disorder and related conditions are recognized as qualifying for medical cannabis, particularly for:

• Sleep disturbances associated with PTSD
• Anxiety symptoms
• Hyperarousal
• Nightmares

Muscle Spasms and Spasticity

Conditions involving muscle spasms or spasticity qualify, including:

• Multiple sclerosis-related spasticity
• Spinal cord injury-related spasms
• Chronic muscle tension
• Dystonia

Read our complete guide: Cannabis for MS and Spasticity

Palliative Care

Cannabis is recognized as an appropriate treatment option in palliative care settings for:

• Pain management
• Appetite stimulation
• Nausea control
• Anxiety reduction
• Improving quality of life

The Traditional Thai Medicine Approach

Thailand’s cannabis framework is unique in that it incorporates Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM) practitioners alongside Western-trained physicians. TTM practitioners may assess conditions through their traditional diagnostic framework, which considers the body’s element balance (ธาตุ) and energy pathways.

Under the TTM approach, practitioners may prescribe cannabis for conditions that fall within their traditional scope of practice, including various pain conditions, digestive issues, sleep problems, and musculoskeletal complaints.

The historical Thai medicinal formulation known as “Phra Narai Eleven” (ตำรับยาพระนารายณ์ 11) is a traditional cannabis-based medicine that has been used for centuries in Thai medicine for pain relief and other therapeutic purposes.

The Consultation Process

What to Expect

1. Registration — Provide your passport (tourists) or Thai ID card (residents) and complete a patient information form
2. Medical History — The practitioner will ask about your symptoms, their duration, and any current medications
3. Assessment — The practitioner evaluates whether medical cannabis is appropriate for your condition
4. Prescription — If approved, you receive a PT 33 form authorizing cannabis purchase
5. Product Guidance — The practitioner recommends specific products or strains based on your condition

What to Bring

• Passport or Thai ID card
• Existing medical records (if available, but not required)
• Current medication list — important for checking drug interactions
• Description of your symptoms — when they started, severity, what you’ve tried

Consultation Duration

Typical consultations take 10-20 minutes. More complex cases may take longer if the practitioner needs to review medical history in detail.

Cost

Consultation fees range from 300-1,500 THB depending on the clinic. Some clinics include the consultation fee in the cost of cannabis products if you make a purchase.

Products Available

After receiving a PT 33 prescription, patients can access:

• Cannabis flower — Various strains (sativa, indica, hybrid) in different THC/CBD ratios
• Cannabis oil — Sublingual oils in measured doses
• Cannabis capsules — Pre-dosed capsules for consistent dosing
• Topicals — Creams and balms for localized pain
• Government formulations — Including the Thai government’s standardized cannabis oil preparations

Important Considerations

• Drug interactions — Cannabis can interact with blood thinners, antidepressants, and other medications. Disclose all current medications to your practitioner
• Driving — It is illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis in Thailand
• Dosage — Start with a low dose and increase gradually as recommended by your practitioner
• Not a cure — Medical cannabis manages symptoms but does not cure underlying conditions
• Follow-up — Some practitioners recommend follow-up appointments to adjust products or dosing

Ready to get your PT 33? Find a licensed cannabis clinic near you, or read about the current cannabis laws in Thailand to understand the full legal framework.