Cannabis in Asia: Where is weed legal? List, Countries, Vacation tips

In Asia, the legal status of cannabis is very different – especially for tourists from Germany. We had just reported on the recent change in cannabis law in Thailand. While some countries allow medical cannabis on prescription, others rely on strict bans with high penalties. If you’re a tourist and want to know where you can legally use cannabis, how access to medicinal cannabis works and where recreational use is permitted or strictly prohibited, you’ve come to the right place. Our tips for your vacation, stay safe, because cannabis is mostly prohibited!

Where is cannabis allowed in Asia? List

The legal situation for tourists varies greatly from country to country. While medicinal cannabis is relatively easy to obtain in Thailand, access is extremely complicated in countries such as South Korea and Singapore. In many countries, recreational use is still strictly prohibited. The following table gives you a quick overview.

Country	Medical for tourists	Leisure consumption
Thailand	Yes, with a local recipe. Foreign prescriptions do not count. More info	Only permitted with a prescription since June 2025. Details here
Sri Lanka	Yes, possible via Ayurveda doctors. Prescription required on site. More info	Recreational use prohibited, possession without a license punishable by law.
Laos	No, medical cannabis not recognized. Details	Officially illegal, small possession often tolerated in tourist areas.

Severe penalties for rule violations

For tourists in particular, it is essential to find out about the local laws in advance. In many Asian countries, the penalties for illegal cannabis possession or consumption are extremely harsh and range from heavy fines to long prison sentences and even the death penalty. Countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines are particularly dangerous, where even the smallest amounts are severely prosecuted. In countries such as China, Japan and India, cannabis is generally prohibited (whether for prescription or recreational use).

Where is the most relaxed place for tourists?

Access to medicinal cannabis for tourists is currently easiest in Thailand and Laos.

Thailand: Access for tourists possible

Thailand has become a hotspot for medicinal cannabis since 2022. However, recreational use has been banned again since June 2025. Access to medicinal cannabis is still possible for tourists – but only with a prescription from a Thai doctor. Prescriptions from Germany or other countries are not recognized, and consumption on the street is strictly controlled.

• Medical cannabis available with a local prescription
• Recreational use prohibited since June 2025
• Consumption in public can result in penalties
• Read more about cannabis in Thailand here

Sri Lanka: Ayurveda as the only option

In Sri Lanka, cannabis for medicinal purposes is available through Ayurvedic pharmacies. Tourists can theoretically use it if a licensed Ayurvedic doctor issues a prescription. However, recreational use is prohibited and will be prosecuted. Public consumption is not an option.

• Access only via Ayurveda doctors
• Recreational use strictly prohibited
• Public consumption not permitted
• More about cannabis in Sri Lanka

Laos: Most relaxed for tourists

Laos is probably the most tolerant country in Asia when it comes to cannabis. The export of medicinal cannabis is legal, and the consumption of small amounts has been largely decriminalized. Tourists can often consume cannabis in certain regions without any problems, but should still refrain from consuming large quantities. On the street, possession of small quantities is usually tolerated, but official rules still apply.

• Production and export legal
• Small-scale personal use decriminalized
• Observe official rules despite tolerance
• More about Laos and cannabis