Thailand is poised to tighten its cannabis regulations with a plan that could require both Thai citizens and visitors to hold a doctor’s certificate to buy cannabis. The proposal, shared at a Bangkok press briefing by the Public Health Minister, signals a significant shift from Thailand’s 2022 decriminalisation. The move comes just three years after the landmark decision that put the country at the forefront of Asia’s cannabis reforms.
Data from government health authorities shows the cannabis market expanded rapidly after decriminalisation, with shops opening across major cities and tourist hubs. While the policy initially spurred agricultural growth and tourism, gaps in regulations sparked concerns about addiction, underage use, and Thailand’s international image as a “weed tourism” destination. Officials emphasise that the new rule aims to curb recreational use and ensure medical access remains the priority.
Under the forthcoming framework, anyone seeking to purchase cannabis flowers for smoking would need a doctor’s prescription for medical use. The rule would apply to both locals and foreigners, reflecting officials’ determination to distinguish medical use from recreation. A senior official from the Department of Traditional and Alternative Medicine stated, “Anyone who wants to buy cannabis flowers to smoke, Thai or foreign, must have a doctor’s prescription for medical use. We don’t want people saying they came to Thailand just to smoke cannabis. That gives a negative impression.”
Regulation of cannabis remains limited in Thailand. Authorities have banned school consumption and required clear labeling for cannabis-infused foods and drinks, but enforcement has faced challenges. The health ministry is drafting a comprehensive cannabis law that must clear cabinet and parliamentary approval. The new framework seeks to close gaps that allowed rapid industry growth, with estimates placing the sector’s value at around one billion USD annually.
Cannabis advocates argue the government’s approach is excessive. They note the recreational surge has ebbed and warn that a doctor’s note could hinder patients seeking legitimate medical relief. Thai and international experts have cautioned that over-regulation may push markets underground, complicating oversight and potentially harming patients who rely on cannabis for medical reasons.
Attention has also turned to illicit trade. Since decriminalisation, authorities report increased cannabis smuggling, including cases involving foreign nationals. International cooperation, such as joint operations with the United Kingdom, has led to seizures and arrests. A notable incident on Samui Island involved 375 kilograms of cannabis found in suitcases, resulting in the detention of several foreign nationals. These developments have intensified calls to tighten legal clarity and enforcement.
Thailand’s long tradition of herbal medicine and wellness tourism makes the issue especially delicate. Public health officials argue that medical certification would realign cannabis with its therapeutic intent—helping with chronic pain, cancer-related symptoms, and certain neurological conditions—rather than entertainment use. At the same time, public health researchers warn that heavy-handed rules could drive the market underground and undermine safety, as observed in global studies on restrictive cannabis policies.
In the international arena, Thailand’s approach differs from countries like Canada or several U.S. states, where regulated markets draw clear lines between medical and recreational use. Many Asian nations still maintain strict penalties for cannabis, though reform discussions continue to surface, influencing regional policy debates.
For Thai society, the issue intersects health, culture, and caution about social impact. Gan ja, as cannabis is known locally, has deep roots in traditional practices, rural communities, and evolving farm economies. Farmers who capitalised on the 2020s boom now face uncertainty about market prospects, while urban businesses must adapt to tighter restrictions. Religious and community leaders have expressed concern that easy access could affect social order, especially among youth.
Efforts to educate the public are expanding. The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with health authorities, is intensifying outreach on the risks of early cannabis use, given studies linking adolescent use to negative educational and mental health outcomes. Community programs and peer-led campaigns are increasingly common in major cities.
Looking ahead, mandatory medical certification could meaningfully reduce recreational demand, provided guidelines are transparent and healthcare access remains accessible for patients. Implementation will depend on coordinated action among health, police, immigration, and educational agencies at all levels.
For now, Thai citizens and visitors should anticipate stricter enforcement. Prospective buyers will need to consult licensed medical professionals to obtain appropriate documentation before legal purchases. Those treating chronic conditions with cannabis should cultivate relationships with qualified clinicians, following international models that emphasize medical oversight.
As policy discussions continue, public consultations and expert forums will shape a balanced framework that respects Thailand’s traditions, innovation, and hospitality. Anyone considering cannabis use—medical or otherwise—should stay informed on current laws and plan for a regulated environment.