1. What is the PT33?
The PT33 — officially known as the controlled-herb prescription form for cannabis, or ใบสั่งจ่ายสมุนไพรควบคุม (กัญชา) แบบ ภ.ท. 33 — is Thailand's standard prescription form for the medical dispensing of controlled cannabis flower.
Under Thailand's medical cannabis framework, cannabis flower must be dispensed for medical purposes with an appropriate prescription issued by an authorised practitioner. The form records the prescribing practitioner's details, the patient's identity, the diagnosed condition, the prescribed daily dosage and the total quantity authorised for the treatment period.
The practitioner completes the form following an appropriate clinical assessment. Patients should check that their details and prescription information are accurate and retain the documentation provided.
A PT33 is not a general licence to purchase or consume every type of cannabis product. Cannabis flower, cannabis extracts, medicines, foods and cosmetics may be governed by different legal and product-specific requirements.
What does a PT33 authorise?
A valid PT33 supports the medical dispensing of cannabis flower in accordance with the prescription and applicable regulations. It does not automatically authorise:
- Recreational use or unrestricted consumption.
- Smoking in every public or private location.
- Driving while impaired.
- Purchasing quantities beyond those authorised.
- Transferring prescribed cannabis to another person.
- Taking cannabis across an international border.
- Purchasing every cannabis-derived product without checking its separate regulatory requirements.
The legality of possession and dispensing depends on the applicable rules, the circumstances and compliance with the prescription requirements.
What happens without a valid prescription?
Cannabis flower is subject to Thailand's controlled-herb rules. Purchasing or possessing it outside the applicable legal framework can have legal consequences. Different offences and circumstances can attract different penalties. Readers should not rely on a single penalty figure without checking the relevant statutory provision and current law. Anyone concerned about a specific situation should seek advice from a qualified Thai legal professional.
2. What law changed in June 2025, giving birth to the PT33?
Thailand changed its approach to cannabis regulation several times after cannabis was removed from the narcotics list in June 2022.
On 26 June 2025, the Ministry of Public Health's 2025 controlled-herb announcement came into effect. It introduced stricter controls on cannabis flower, including requirements relating to medical prescribing, dispensing, sales and other regulated activities. The PT33 became the standard prescription form used for the medical dispensing of controlled cannabis flower under this framework.
The changes were intended to strengthen medical oversight and reduce unregulated recreational sales. Businesses selling cannabis flower became subject to the applicable licensing and dispensing requirements.
Regulatory developments during 2026
Further rules and guidance were introduced during 2026, including changes affecting medical cannabis service establishments and cannabis extracts. DTAM has published guidance concerning medical cannabis service facilities under the 2026 regulatory framework. Patients and businesses should therefore check the latest official announcements rather than relying exclusively on older summaries.
3. The 15 Qualifying Conditions for a Prescription
To qualify for a PT33 prescription, a patient must be diagnosed with one of the official qualifying conditions specified under the clinical framework. While physician discretion is paramount, the recognized conditions include:
- 1. Severe chronic pain
- 2. Oncology / cancer-related pain and palliative care
- 3. Nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy
- 4. Treatment-resistant epilepsy and seizure disorders
- 5. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) related muscle spasticity
- 6. Intractable insomnia and severe sleep disturbances
- 7. Anxiety disorders and severe stress management
- 8. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- 9. Parkinson’s disease symptoms and tremors
- 10. Alzheimer’s disease (palliative appetite and agitation management)
- 11. Anorexia and severe appetite loss due to chronic illness (e.g., HIV/AIDS)
- 12. Migraines and severe cluster headaches
- 13. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Crohn's disease
- 14. Rheumatoid arthritis and joint inflammation
- 15. Severe eczema or chronic skin conditions requiring topical/systemic support
The authorized practitioner determines whether cannabis flower or alternative medical treatments are clinically appropriate during your evaluation.
4. What are you authorised to do with the PT33
A valid PT33 acts as your primary legal documentation for medical cannabis flower. It permits you to:
- Possess the exact amount of cannabis flower specified on your form for up to 30 days.
- Transport your medical cannabis between provinces within Thailand, provided it remains in its original clinical packaging alongside your prescription copy.
- Consume your medication in designated private spaces or authorised clinical zones.
5. Where can you smoke prescribed cannabis in Thailand?
Thailand's Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) provides specific guidance on smoking cannabis for medical purposes.
According to DTAM's Medical Cannabis Division, smoking for treatment is permitted in authorised public or private medical facilities that have designated smoking areas. Smoking may also take place in a private area, provided it does not cause a nuisance to other people.
This does not mean that smoking is permitted in every private or commercial setting. Cannabis smoke and odour can be subject to Thailand's public-health nuisance rules, and individual premises may have additional restrictions.
A PT33 prescription does not automatically authorise smoking in public places or at a dispensary. Before smoking, confirm that the location and circumstances comply with the applicable regulations.
DTAM recommends carrying a medical certificate or a copy of the PT33 prescription and carrying no more cannabis flower than the quantity prescribed by the practitioner.
6. The PT33: More information
Who can issue a PT33?
The PT33 must be issued by a practitioner who is authorised under the applicable Thai regulations and professional rules.
The official PT33 framework identifies the following professional categories:
- Medical doctors.
- Dentists.
- Pharmacists.
- Thai Traditional Medical Practitioners.
The PT33 records the information needed to identify the patient, prescribing practitioner and prescribed treatment.
- Prescriber information: Date of issue, prescriber's name and professional category, professional licence or registration details, and relevant clinic or healthcare facility information.
- Patient information: Full name, age or other required personal details, nationality (where applicable), and Thai national identification number or passport details for foreign nationals.
- Prescription details: Diagnosed condition or symptoms, prescribed daily quantity, treatment duration, and total quantity prescribed.
The official form states that a prescription must cover no more than 30 days. The practitioner must specify the appropriate amount for the individual patient. A maximum quantity mentioned in general guidance should not be interpreted as a standard dose or a guarantee that every patient can purchase that amount. The practitioner is responsible for completing the prescription in accordance with applicable professional standards and regulatory requirements.
How to get a PT33
Securing a valid PT33 controlled-herb prescription follows a standardised clinical protocol:
- Step 1: Clinical Assessment: Schedule an appointment at an authorised hospital, traditional medicine clinic, or licensed medical cannabis service establishment.
- Step 2: Documentation Setup: Provide valid identification. Thai nationals must present their National ID card, while foreign nationals must provide a valid passport.
- Step 3: Consultation & Diagnosis: An authorised prescriber evaluates your medical history, current symptoms, and qualifying eligibility.
- Step 4: Prescription Issuance: If approved, the practitioner completes the physical or electronic PT33 form, logging your specific treatment plan.
- Step 5: Dispensing: The prescribed cannabis flower is dispensed through an onsite authorised pharmacy counter or certified clinic dispenser.
In-Person vs Telemedicine
Patients in Thailand have flexible paths for undergoing clinical evaluations under modern medical guidelines:
- In-Person Consultations: Strongly recommended or required for initial diagnoses or complex medical conditions. Evaluations take place inside authorised public or private medical facilities.
- Telemedicine Platforms: Allowed for follow-up appointments and prescription renewals, provided the healthcare facility uses an approved platform complying with DTAM regulations.
Note that your physical prescription or medication must still be dispensed and distributed by an authorised facility pharmacy counter.
7. Additional info. for tourists
Thailand's medical framework applies to international visitors, but strict legal conditions must be followed:
Crucial Rules for Tourists:
- You must register using your Passport Number on the PT33 form.
- Zero Cross-Border Transport: It remains strictly illegal to bring cannabis products into Thailand or take Thai medical cannabis out of the country when traveling internationally.
- A medical prescription from your home country is not legally valid inside Thailand; you must see a Thai-authorised practitioner to obtain a PT33.
8. Dispelling Common Myths
Clear communication helps prevent legal friction while navigating Thailand's updated regulations:
- "The PT33 allows me to smoke anywhere." — False. Public consumption remains an actionable public nuisance under health laws.
- "I can buy as much as I want." — False. You are strictly limited to the dosage and maximum 30-day quantity logged on your form.
- "Any shop can accept a PT33." — False. Flower must only be dispensed by a licensed medical facility authorised under the applicable framework.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long is a PT33 prescription valid?
A: A single prescription form can cover a maximum treatment duration of up to 30 days.
Q: Can I renew my prescription online?
A: Yes, renewals can be facilitated via certified telemedicine systems if deemed appropriate by your attending practitioner.
Q: Can I drive after using my medication?
A: No. Operating vehicles while under the influence of cannabis remains strictly illegal and punishable under traffic safety laws.
10. Medical Cannabis Safety
Patients should always prioritise clinical safety protocols:
- Follow the exact dosing, timing, and consumption methods advised by your doctor.
- Keep all medical cannabis products in secure, child-proof packaging out of reach of minors.
- Monitor for potential drug interactions if you are concurrently taking other prescription pharmaceuticals.
11. Have questions about the PT33 prescription?
If you need assistance navigating medical cannabis guidelines or want to find an authorised clinical partner in Thailand, contact our support team in Thailand at pt33thailand@gmail.com
12. Official Sources and Legal Disclaimer
Primary Regulatory References:
- Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) — Controlled Herb (Cannabis) Announcement.
- Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) Thailand Regulatory Portal.
Disclaimer: This document serves exclusively as an educational overview of the PT33 framework in Thailand. It does not constitute legal or formal medical advice. Regulations are subject to rapid adjustment; always verify protocols directly with official government platforms or qualified professionals.