Thailand
Siam Green: Where Cannabis Meets Medicine in Bangkok
It’s 10 a.m. on a hot and humid morning in Bangkok, and the lights are flickering on at Siam Green. The air inside the lounge is a mix of citrusy buds and antiseptic alcohol, a unique combination that represents the collision of two worlds in Thailand’s new medical-only era.
A doctor in a crisp white coat sits at a small desk, prescription pad at the ready. Just a year ago, this corner was filled with glass bongs and rolling trays, but now a blood pressure cuff and thermometer dominate the space. Before opening the doors, the staff gather for a quick huddle, running through Standard Operating Procedures like a well-drilled team.
Once the freewheeling guides of Thailand’s green rush, budtenders are now guardians of paperwork. Co-founder Gaurav Sehgal explains, “Fear at the moment is quite high,” recalling the shock that rippled through the industry after June 23, 2025, when Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health officially reclassified cannabis flowers as a controlled herb (prescription only) via a Royal Gazette announcement.
The irony is clear. While doctors must technically oversee sales, many have little practical knowledge of cannabis. This morning, a young budtender named Gib patiently explains terpenes to the in-house physician. “Indica and Sativa aren’t a true indication of sleepy or energetic effects,” she tells him. Sehgal chuckles, “Our budtenders are training the doctors.”
The shift feels surreal, but necessary. Compliance has become the difference between survival and closure. By midday, the lounge has taken on a more relaxed café-like atmosphere. Soft hip-hop music plays under the air conditioning as the first wave of tourists trickles in. Two backpackers from Europe approach the counter, excited by names like Laughing Buddha and Grape Stank. However, their excitement fades when a clipboard is slid across the counter and they are informed that they need a prescription to make a purchase.
Scenes like this play out daily. While some dispensaries on tourist islands like Koh Samui still sell without asking questions, Siam Green insists on full compliance, even if it means losing sales. “We lose a lot of walk-ins,” Sehgal admits. “But at least we’re building trust.”
But not everyone minds the added step. Around 2 p.m., a regular named Preecha arrives. A former Muay Thai boxer, he greets the staff by name before sitting across from the doctor. “Back pain again,” he says with a grin. The consultation lasts two minutes. Chronic pain box ticked, prescription signed. Preecha strolls to the display jars and points to a quarter-ounce of Banana Kush. “Same as last month.” The budtender teases him, “At least now you get a paper souvenir, krub!” waving his slip. Preecha chuckles, unfazed by the added step. For loyal locals, trust outweighs hassle.
The Changing Landscape of Cannabis in Thailand
On June 23, 2025, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health made a historic announcement via the Royal Gazette, officially reclassifying cannabis flowers as a controlled herb that can only be obtained with a prescription. This marked a major shift in the country’s attitude towards cannabis, and businesses like Siam Green have had to adapt quickly to survive.
Located in the bustling city of Bangkok, Siam Green is a lounge that bridges the gap between cannabis and medicine. With a team of well-trained budtenders and doctors, they provide a safe and compliant environment for those seeking the benefits of medical cannabis.
From Green Rush to Compliance
Before the reclassification, Thailand experienced a “green rush” as the country’s cannabis industry boomed. However, with the new regulations in place, businesses like Siam Green have had to shift their focus from selling cannabis products to ensuring full compliance with the law.
While this may have caused some initial shock and fear within the industry, Siam Green has embraced the change and sees it as an opportunity to build trust with their customers. By strictly adhering to Standard Operating Procedures and educating both their staff and customers, they are setting a new standard for the cannabis industry in Thailand.
Where Cannabis Meets Medicine
At Siam Green, the lounge has transformed from a place of recreational use to a space where cannabis and medicine intersect. With a doctor on site and a focus on providing medical benefits, Siam Green is leading the way in changing the perception of cannabis in Thailand.
While the shift may feel surreal, it is a necessary step towards the future of cannabis in Thailand. And for loyal locals like Preecha, the added step of obtaining a prescription is a small price to pay for the trust and compliance that Siam Green provides.
Building Trust, One Prescription at a Time
As the industry continues to evolve and adapt to the new regulations, businesses like Siam Green are paving the way for a more compliant and trustworthy cannabis market in Thailand. And with each prescription signed and each customer educated, they are building a foundation of trust that will benefit the industry for years to come.
Experience Siam Green in Bangkok
If you’re in Bangkok and looking to experience the intersection of cannabis and medicine, be sure to visit Siam Green. With a team of knowledgeable staff and a focus on compliance, they are setting the standard for the future of cannabis in Thailand.
