BANGKOK — Thailand’s government has moved to significantly tighten control over cannabis sales, requiring prescriptions for all purchases and forcing thousands of businesses to adapt their operations after the health minister signed new regulations this week.
New Regulations Take Effect
Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin signed an order on Monday, June 23, banning cannabis shops from selling products to customers without valid medical prescriptions. The regulation also seeks to reclassify cannabis buds as controlled herbal medicine, marking a dramatic shift from the country’s previous liberal approach to cannabis sales.
The move comes after the Pheu Thai Party-led government took further steps to address public concerns over cannabis accessibility, following the withdrawal of the Bhumjaithai Party from the cabinet coalition.
Massive Industry Impact
More than 18,000 licensed cannabis shops across Thailand will need to overhaul their business practices under the new rules, according to Dr. Somrak Chingsaman, director-general of the Thai Health Ministry’s Department of Traditional and Alternative Medicine.
Under the updated regulations, cannabis flowers can only be sold to patients holding prescriptions from qualified medical practitioners. Thailand has approximately 30,000 licensed traditional medicine practitioners nationwide, plus additional modern medical doctors, pharmacists, and dentists authorized to prescribe cannabis-based treatments.
Strict Compliance Measures
Cannabis shop operators must now verify prescriptions carefully, checking doctor registration numbers, diagnoses, and daily dosages. Prescriptions can be issued for up to 30 days, typically allowing about one gram per day or 30 grams per month. Purchases exceeding these amounts may trigger investigations for suspected recreational use.
The Department of Traditional and Alternative Medicine plans random compliance checks and will hold online training sessions for doctors on July 9. Additional training programs are being developed for shop operators to support patient care protocols.
Background and Public Concerns
Thailand became the first Asian country to decriminalize cannabis in 2022, largely due to advocacy by the Bhumjaithai Party during the previous Prayut Chan-o-cha administration. The policy boosted tourism and agricultural sectors while spawning thousands of retail businesses.
However, the government faced mounting public criticism over allegations that inadequate regulation made cannabis accessible to minors and contributed to addiction problems. The Pheu Thai Party consistently signaled its intention to bring cannabis back under stricter government control.
“When cannabis was removed from the narcotics list, society didn’t fully agree. Draft legislation couldn’t reach consensus in parliament, causing social chaos because it came about unnaturally,” Minister Somsak explained during a Wednesday meeting with cannabis business representatives.
Addiction Concerns Rise
Phanurat Lukboon, secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, said his agency is prepared to study and implement the regulatory changes. He cited research from his office showing that cannabis addiction rates spiked significantly after decriminalization.
Assistant to Public Health Minister Thanakrit Jit-areerat noted that children under 15 in Roi Et province are using cannabis recreationally, creating serious social problems. His office has ordered nationwide inspections of illegal cannabis operations following numerous public complaints.
Industry Reassurances
Despite the restrictions, officials emphasized that legitimate medical cannabis businesses will receive full government support. Minister Somsak stated that the government understands the difficulties faced by businesses that have already invested in cannabis operations.
“Regardless of whether cannabis returns to narcotic status in the future, it won’t impact operators conducting medical cannabis business. The government will fully support medical applications,” he said.
Quality Control Measures
The new regulations require all cannabis products to come from certified cultivation sources, addressing previous issues with substandard products, chemical growth enhancers, and illegal smuggling operations.
Thanakrit defended against criticism that the policy changes are politically motivated, characterizing the issue as primarily social rather than political.
“While some may label this as political, this is about addressing public concerns. It’s politicians’ responsibility to solve social problems,” he said.
The regulations are now in effect, with enforcement agencies increasing staff to crack down on illegal sales and consumption in retail establishments.
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