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As Thailand nears full legalization, the country is seeing more chefs and restaurants embracing cannabis as an ingredient. Some are even making weed edibles.

But, it’s important to know the laws and limitations before you indulge in the green stuff. If you get caught with marijuana in Thailand, it could land you in jail.

1. Cannabidiol (CBD) Omakase at Koko

If you’re looking for a unique experience while visiting Bangkok, head to Koko Japanese Restaurant for its first ever CBD omakase. For only THB 3,555++ per person, you can enjoy a 15-course set of cannabis-infused dishes.

The food at this omakase menu is infused with hemp leaves, which is the plant from which cannabidiol (CBD) is extracted. The plant contains a wide variety of chemicals, including over 80 cannabinoids and terpenoids.

However, despite the popularity of CBD and its many health benefits, more research is needed to understand its effects on humans. It is currently primarily used as an anti-seizure medication.

Several studies have shown that Epidiolex, a CBD-based medicine, is effective in the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. In addition, CBD is an effective treatment for anxiety and insomnia.

Taking the cannabis experience to new heights, MD-82 is a cafe located inside a refurbished airliner. They offer a range of cannabis-infused food and drinks, as well as a spa section where customers can relax using essential or CBD oils sourced from the medical clinic next door.

2. Ban Lao Reung’s Weed-Forward Dishes

At Ban Lao Reung, the first eatery to cook with weed, customers can dig into dishes including a savory stir-fry of minced pork, holy basil leaves, and dried marijuana leaf powder; a savory, tart, tom yam-like soup of pork, Thai herbs, and dried cannabis leaf powder; and a downright meaty dish of fresh marijuana leaves, battered and deep-fried tempura style.

The restaurant is owned and operated by Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, a leading center of traditional medicine and vocal advocate for reform in Thailand’s domestic cannabis laws. For the most part, the eatery caters to older clients; on the day we visited, a couple of extended families were enjoying lunch, along with a low-key middle-aged couple.

The most impressive thing on the menu was a refreshing drink that blended tea with sour passionfruit, liquified weed leaf, and a little cinnamon sugar syrup. This may be the most Instagrammable soda drink I’ve ever seen, and I can’t wait to see what else they’re serving in the near future.

3. Weed-Infused Thai Food

Cannabis-infused dishes are now available in a variety of restaurants across the country. The Thai government has made it legal to use parts of the plant that contain less than 0.2% THC, the psychoactive component responsible for getting you high.

It’s a move that was inspired by the rise of consumable weed, which is gaining worldwide traction via gourmet edibles and marijuana infusions. This trend, which was started in Thailand, has been aided by the normalization of cannabis laws and the proliferation of legal growers.

This Thai eatery specializes in minced-meat breakfast toasties and soupy dishes that are topped with hemp leaves. The restaurant also offers cannabis-infused desserts, including a baked Pandan Sweet Melt.

It’s a reintroduction of a cooking tradition that has been an integral part of Thai cuisine for millennia, and has received a new lease on life since the recent legalization of cannabis in Thailand. Ban Lao Rueng was the first Thai restaurant to incorporate cannabis in their menu, but other establishments are following suit.

4. Weed-Infused Cocktails

Having legalized marijuana in Asia just last month, Thailand has quickly embraced a weed-friendly culture. As a result, cafes and restaurants have been experimenting with dishes and drinks that are cannabis-infused.

But before you indulge in one of these cocktails, be aware that these weed-infused foods won’t get you high. Instead, they’re designed to treat the symptoms of chronic pain and anxiety or improve your mood.

As the market continues to expand, it is expected that consumers will increasingly purchase CBD-infused beverages for stress relief and relaxation. This is supported by GlobalData’s 2021 Q1 consumer survey, which reveals that Thai consumers are more likely to choose a product with ingredients that aid relaxation or improve their mood.

This is especially true for a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages such as teas and coffees. But a recent study from Chulalongkorn University revealed that cannabis-containing beverages on the market can contain more than the 0.2 percent THC allowed under the law, making it important to check these products carefully.

Looking for medical weed in Thailand? If that is the case, visit ganjasend.com for information and shopping recommendations.