GOING GREEN: Bangkok’s New Cannabis Cafes
With attitudes (and regulations) easing towards cannabis, some local eateries have begun to offer CBD-infused menus.
With Thailand weighing legalisation of cannabis for medical use, the country has seen more relaxed attitudes towards the plant. Although medical cannabis can be legally prescribed from clinics, it remains highly regulated.
Following these changes, some local eateries have begun to offer cannabidiol (CBD)-infused menus and services. CBD is a compound found in the plant that purportedly offers health benefits, such as reducing anxiety and relieving pain. It is not to be confused with THC, the psychoactive component. So customers won’t experience a mental high from CBD.
Here are a few spots worth checking out in the city, many of which offer delivery services:
420 Cannabis Bar
Open daily 10:30am – 9pm
Locations:
Srinakarin 57 – https://goo.gl/maps/1gjZFtfUFt6j6wLE7 / 061-250-9898
Sukhumvit 71 (BTS Phra Khanong) – https://goo.gl/maps/ykPkNzEJ1FWnYXas8/ 081-583-8283
Ari (BTS Ari) – https://goo.gl/maps/fsooqvJQJghqLbMq8/ 062-589-7535
Silom (Convent Road) – https://goo.gl/maps/dC2EStWvAHity6ET6/ 065-635-0947
Best known as the first cannabis bar in Bangkok, the neon-lit 420 Cannabis Bar has expanded to four branches around the city since its original spot opened in Srinakarin. Diners can have a cup of CBD-infused bubble tea and eat baked spinach and cheese, and chocolate cookies “on the moon.” Available for delivery via LINEMAN, Grab, and Robinhood.
Leaf Cannabis Cafe
Open daily: 10am-8pm
Location: Sathon Soi 3 (Soi Suan Phlu) – https://goo.gl/maps/ArW4EVmdwJy1zMXE9/ 02-007-6699
The first cafe and bakery in the Sathon area, Leaf Cannabis Cafe offers a small but cozy two-story hub. Sharing the space with Mardi Decor, the eatery is adorned with decorative rattan furniture. You can come chill out and have a sip of one of their many CBD-infused teas alongside their scrumptious chocolate chip cookies and brownies. Available for delivery via LINEMAN and Grab.
MD-82 Cafe
Open daily: 10am-11pm
Location: 324 On Nut Rd, Prawet, Bangkok 10250 – https://goo.gl/maps/D6UzpwEHbJ6oDYEf8/ 097-952-8245
MD-82 is easily distinguished by its setting inside a refurbished airliner. Guests are greeted by staff dressed as pilots and flight attendants. As diners make their way onto the plane for seating, they can order from a cannabis menu that is sourced from the medical clinic next door. Drinks include their signature 420 Teapot (B320) as well as their CBD-infused coffee and cocktails. CBD food highlights include their smoky pork-chop steak (B320) and “fully happy” pizza (B320). The cafe has also recently opened up a spa section in which customers can relax by way of essential or CBD oils – the latter provided one is eligible for prescription via the clinic next door.
Kiew Kai Ka
Open daily: 11am-10pm
Location: 33 Nak Niwas Road, Ladprao – https://goo.gl/maps/omqYysiJ1gqNzwD59/ 02-227-0685
This Thai restaurant offers a cannabis twist to many of their traditional Thai dishes, including omelettes, green curry, and larb moo. Available for delivery via Grab, LINEMAN, Foodpanda and Gojek.
420 Degree Bar @ Gump’s Ari
Open daily: 8am-11pm
Location: GUMP’s Ari Community Space – https://goo.gl/maps/3gTBc72v6c8dSkhY6/ 065-514-7065
Situated in the delightfully picturesque GUMP community space in Ari, this mini booth offers cannabis-infused corn dogs (2pcs/B79 and cheese balls (5pcs/B89) as well as tea (B165). Interestingly enough, they sell “Bob Marley” balm.
Language of Flowers
099-963-9995 / https://www.instagram.com/languageofflowersbakehouse/
This bakery features plenty of cakes, including carrot, red velvet, dark chocolate, white chocolate, cheesecake and more. Cakes range from B1,200 – B2,700 depending on size, with an additional B700 for a cannabis topping. If you’re looking for something more light, their special cannabis choux cream (B135 per piece) is great for an evening snack. Delivery only via Line.
Empty Plates
093-324-0078 / https://www.instagram.com/emptyplatesbkk/
Aiming to educate diners about what CBD is, private fine dining service Empty Plates recently featured a four-course CBD tasting menu via Instagram for B1,900. They now offer a seven-course menu, and are planning to change regularly and seasonally. Before the latest COVID restrictions were implemented (and perhaps after they are lifted), Empty Plates required a minimum of eight guests.
Panpuri Wellness Spa
02-253-5959 / https://www.panpuri.com/th
Although the service is currently unavailable and postponed due to the COVID situation, wellness spa Panpuri will be offering a unique cannabis and onsen experience at all their branches from Fridays to Sundays. Customers can relax in Japanese baths followed by a meal of cannabis-infused food and beverages.
Little Red Oven Haus
095-942-9328 or Facebook.com/littleredovenhaussathorn11
This classic pizza shop on Sathorn Soi 11 offers a special cannabis menu called “Happy Pizza.” This home-made wood-fired margarita pizza includes an FDA-approved cannabis extract from a brand called “House of Cannabis.” The restaurant has been serving up fresh pizzas since 2012. Delivery is available via Foodpanda, Grab Food and more.
NOTES FOR CONSUMERS:
- One cannabis leaf weighs approximately 150 mg (THC* content less than 0.30 mg).
- Who should avoid using/consuming Cannabis?
– People under 25 years old
–Pregnant and lactating women
–Patients with cardiovascular disease, liver, and kidney impairment
–People who use Warfarin Anticoagulants and those who use drugs that affect the central nervous system
–People with a history of allergy to products or extracts derived from cannabis
*THC stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinal. It is a cannabinoid molecule in marijuana which is the main psychoactive ingredient – the substance that causes the characteristic marijuana high.