Cannabis Vape vs Oil Vape in Bangkok: What’s the Difference?

The Technical Divide: Flower vs. Liquid

A cannabis vape (dry herb) works by heating raw plant material to a specific temperature to release vapor without combustion. It’s essentially a portable oven for your medical buds. An oil vape, often called a "cart" or "e-cig," uses a battery to heat a liquid concentrate often mixed with thinning agents.

In Bangkok's current climate, the device you choose determines whether you’re following the law or risking a 30,000 THB fine.

The Legality of Oil Vapes in 2026

Don't let the sight of street stalls in Phra Nakhon fool you. Even though you might see people selling colorful plastic pens, oil vapes are 100% illegal in Thailand. This includes nicotine vapes, CBD oils for vaping, and high-THC cartridges.

The Thai Customs Act prohibits the import of these devices, and the Tobacco Control Act bans their use in public. Since there's no legal way to manufacture or import them, simply owning one is proof of an illegal act. If you're caught with a "cart" in a bar in Thonglor, the police won't care if it's "just CBD"—it’s a prohibited electronic device.

Why Dry Herb Vaping is Different

Dry herb vaporizers occupy a unique space. Because they use the actual cannabis flower (the "controlled herb"), they fall under medical regulations rather than e-cigarette bans. However, this only applies if you have a valid Thai medical prescription.

Since June 2025, the "recreational" free-for-all has ended. To buy or use cannabis flower in any form, you need a Phor Thor 33 prescription form from a licensed Thai doctor. You’ll find clinics near Asok or in the Ari district that specialize in these consultations. Without that paperwork, even a dry herb vape is a liability

Portability and Discretion

Oil vapes are famous for being stealthy, which is exactly why they're a trap for tourists. They don't smell like weed, so people get bold. But Bangkok's "Tourist Police" are well-aware of this. They look for the tell-tale glowing LED light and the specific hand-to-mouth motion.

Dry herb vapes are bulkier and produce a distinct, toasted-popcorn aroma. They aren't "discreet" in the way a pen is, but because they can be used legally within private residences (with your prescription), they are the only choice for the risk-averse traveler.

Potency and Health Risks

Oil vapes in the Bangkok black market are notoriously "dirty." Because they are unregulated, they are often cut with Vitamin E acetate or synthetic cannabinoids (K2/Spice). We’ve seen reports of tourists ending up in Sukhumvit hospitals with respiratory issues after a few hits of a "street cart."

In contrast, when you use a dry herb vape with GACP-certified flowers from a licensed dispensary in Phrom Phong, you know exactly what you’re inhaling. You’re getting the full terpene profile of the plant without the mystery chemicals found in illegal oils.

Price Comparison: The Cost of "Convenience"

• Oil Vapes: Usually sold illegally for 1,200 to 2,500 THB. They seem cheap until you factor in the 20,000+ THB "fine" (or bribe) if you're caught.

• Dry Herb Vapes: Quality devices like a Pax or Storz & Bickel cost 8,000 to 15,000 THB. The flower itself ranges from 400 to 800 THB per gram at licensed shops.

Essential Notes for Tourists

Even with a prescription, smoking or vaping in public is a "public nuisance." This carries a 25,000 THB fine and potential jail time. Always vape in your private accommodation, provided the hotel allows it. Never do it on a balcony overlooking a public street.

The 2026 crackdown is real. Over 7,000 shops closed last year because they didn't follow the rules. If you walk into a shop in Sukhumvit 11 and they don't ask for your passport and medical info, you’re in the wrong place. Legitimate dispensaries are now required to have a medical professional on-site.

Never fly into Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang with any vaping device in your luggage. Whether it's for flower or oil, customs can seize it, and you could be charged with importing prohibited goods. Buy what you need from a licensed local clinic once you've landed.

Bangkok is a city of contrasts. It’s incredibly welcoming, but Thai culture deeply values "Kreng Jai" (consideration for others). Using cannabis in a way that bothers locals—especially near temples, schools, or family areas—is the fastest way to get the laws tightened even further.

Be the traveler who follows the rules. Get your prescription, buy from licensed shops, and keep your sessions private.