A major policy reversal puts Thailand back on a tightly regulated path for cannabis. As of late June, buying cannabis nationwide requires a doctor’s prescription. The aim is to limit use to medical and health contexts, winding back the era of dispensaries and weed cafés that drew tourists from Bangkok to Pattaya.
The shift unsettles a sector that blossomed after decriminalization in 2022. Thailand had become a regional cannabis destination, boosting local tourism and small businesses. Health authorities now argue that liberalization outpaced regulation, pointing to concerns such as rising addiction, underage use, street smoking, and cross-border smuggling.
Public Health officials say all shop sales must be prescription-based. Licensed stores are required to keep detailed records and undergo regular inspections. Online sales, vending machines, and cannabis advertising are banned. With more than 18,000 licensed cannabis sellers, businesses face a stark choice: adapt to the new rules or risk closure, fines, or imprisonment. The Health Ministry emphasizes that cannabis is for medical use only and notes that discussions on recriminalization are underway to curb recreational use.
Thailand’s original plan centered on a tightly controlled medical cannabis sector. Gaps in licensing and enforcement allowed thousands of ventures to flourish, including cannabinoid cafés, hemp spas, and cannabis-themed events that attracted international attention and celebrity endorsements.
Industry forecasts have shifted. The Commerce Ministry once projected the sector could reach about $1.2 billion by 2025, but health officials say the actual figure will be lower due to unregulated activity. The current approach aims to fill regulatory gaps and prevent misuse, with the expectation that compliant businesses will endure through the transition.
Advocates warn that tighter controls could hinder a growing economy supporting farmers and small enterprises. A shop owner in Chonburi described the situation as disheartening, noting Thailand’s early recognition of cannabis benefits and subsequent regulatory gaps that have complicated public understanding and education.
Critics fear the market could move underground, raising the risk of corruption and disadvantaging legitimate operators. Some vendors report selling edibles without licenses, while enforcement remains limited. The prescription system also faces scrutiny, as certificates can be obtained through networks, increasing costs for consumers amid economic pressures.
Public sentiment around cannabis use—especially odor, addiction, and youth exposure—remains a political flashpoint. In Phuket, authorities considered a zoning approach to tightly control where cannabis can be sold. Officials insist the shift prioritizes public safety and medical regulation, not a shutdown of cannabis commerce.
Smuggling remains a pressing concern. Authorities report ongoing cross-border trafficking linked to Thailand’s cannabis reputation. International cooperation has intensified, with stricter border screening and joint enforcement helping curb illicit movements.
The political climate adds complexity. Legislative efforts to regulate cannabis have stalled amid intra-party disagreements. As coalitions shift, new restrictions move slowly through Parliament, and officials emphasize that real policy clarity will take time to emerge.
Experts warn that regulatory uncertainty could deter investment and complicate operations for responsible firms, even as illicit activity persists. The Health Ministry stresses the need for clear laws and responsible business practices to balance health, safety, and economic opportunities.
From health and cultural perspectives, Thailand faces a delicate balance. Cannabis has roots in some rural communities for pain relief and herbal remedies, yet decades of narcotics regulation created a complex landscape. Liberalization highlighted potential health policy gains and new tourism income, but limited education and enforcement left gaps critics warned would invite social harms.
Thai readers should note the country is moving toward tighter control of cannabis commerce. The government emphasizes that Thailand should be a destination for culture and nature, not recreational drug use. Visitors are encouraged to respect local laws and enjoy the country’s heritage and landscapes within a regulated framework.
Looking ahead, Thailand’s cannabis journey offers lessons for other countries considering legalization. Regulation must accompany liberalization with education, enforcement, and clear rules. If Parliament advances recriminalization, foreign investment and the livelihoods of farmers and small businesses could be affected as global attitudes toward cannabis evolve.
Practical guidance remains: obtain medical prescriptions where required, purchase only from licensed outlets, and stay informed about evolving laws. Stakeholders—policymakers, business owners, and health professionals—should pursue transparent, evidence-based approaches that balance medical benefits with social safeguards.
For the public, staying informed through reputable news outlets and official Health Ministry communications is essential. Report suspicious activity to authorities and avoid unlicensed cannabis products. Responsible use and lawful compliance are the best safeguards for health and livelihood during this transitional period.