Thailand’s Cannabis Rollercoaster: Tight New Rules and Lessons for Asia
Thailand, once praised as Asia’s first to decriminalize cannabis, is tightening controls amid controversy and regulatory confusion. New rules require both locals and visitors to hold a medical prescription to purchase cannabis. This marks a sharp turn from the “green rush” that had turned busy streets into cannabis hubs, and aims to restore order to an industry many say grew faster than the system could manage.
The cannabis story in Thailand has drawn wide attention across Asia. The 2025 shift reflects a clash between economic potential, public health, and the country’s image as a regional innovator with deep cultural roots. For Thai readers, the changes touch on health policy, youth behavior, law enforcement, rural livelihoods, and the country’s tourism brand.