Thailand Implements Strict Cannabis Sales Ban Without Prescription
Thailand Implements Strict Cannabis Sales Ban Without Prescription
Thailand has officially implemented a strict ban on the sale of cannabis without a medical prescription, marking a significant reversal three years after becoming the first Asian nation to decriminalize the plant. The new order, signed by Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, came into effect yesterday, Thursday, June 26, and reclassifies cannabis buds as a controlled herb.
Under the new regulations, businesses selling cannabis to customers without a valid prescription face severe penalties, including up to one year in jail and a 20,000-baht ($614) fine. Today, Friday, June 27, the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine held an urgent online meeting with officials nationwide to prepare for the enforcement of these changes. While licensed shops can continue operations, they must now source products exclusively from certified pharmaceutical-grade farms and declare their inventory sources monthly. Sales are limited to a 30-day supply for personal medical use.
The abrupt policy shift has triggered widespread confusion among cannabis businesses and advocates. Chokwan “Kitty” Chopaka, a prominent cannabis advocate, noted that many shop owners are “freaking out” due to the unclear guidelines and perceived lack of preparation by authorities. This move follows a period where decriminalization in 2022 spurred a boom in tourism and agriculture, leading to thousands of cannabis dispensaries. However, it also faced public criticism over concerns about unregulated access, particularly for children, and rising addiction rates.
Health Ministry spokesperson Treechada Srithada emphasized that cannabis use in Thailand would now be “fully for medical purposes.” The ministry plans to close violating shops and tighten future licensing requirements. The change is seen by some as politically motivated, coming shortly after the Bhumjaithai Party, which supported decriminalization, exited the ruling coalition. Officials also cited a recent surge in cannabis smuggling cases involving tourists and a study indicating a spike in addiction post-decriminalization as justifications for the stricter stance. Cannabis advocates are planning a rally next month to protest the new restrictions and any further attempts to recriminalize the plant.
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