Thailand Tightens Cannabis Rules: Doctor’s Certificate May Be Required for All Purchases
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.