It once sounded like a miracle: Thailand was shifting from one of the world’s most restrictive cannabis policies to a more rational, modern approach to the traditional plant. First came the limited medical legalisation in December 2018, then a broader opening in June 2022, allowing access for all adults, albeit under specific regulations.
But the law, riddled with loopholes, was quickly tested by a booming industry. Cannabis businesses sprang up like mushrooms, and with them came widespread non-compliance. THC limits were often ignored, and products branded as ‘medicinal’ were being sold in neon-lit stores in tourist districts. With growing reports of cannabis being smuggled out of the country and mounting media scrutiny, the newly elected government responded.
Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin announced a reversal of the law, and that cannabis would once again be classified as a narcotic. Despite fierce opposition from the public and industry advocates, a new law was published in the Royal Gazette on June 25, 2025, officially reclassifying cannabis flower as a controlled substance. The regulation, effective immediately, bans advertising, general sales, and recreational use, plunging the once-booming industry into crisis.
The new law draws much firmer lines than before. Operators wishing to remain in the industry must now meet strict conditions:
Medical cannabis remains legal, but only under strict conditions. Only certified medical professionals, including those in traditional Thai medicine, Chinese medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry, may prescribe it.
Businesses licensed before the new law must comply with the updated rules. As Minister Somsak told CNN: “Cannabis will be permitted only for medicinal use.”
This shift is expected to threaten the future of Thailands 18,000 cannabis stores. Violating the rules now carries penalties of up to one year in prison or a 20,000 baht (£460) fine, though the ministry has proposed increasing these penalties.
According to The Guardian, the new law is threatening the livelihoods of many in the cannabis sector. Business owner Natthakan Punyathanaworakit said the latest announcement was the final straw, she had already been struggling and was now forced to shut one of her three stores in Bangkok.
Many fear that smaller businesses will be the first to go, unable to afford the now-required presence of a medical professional on site. Others predict an underground market will quickly re-emerge.
Entrepreneur Chokwan Chopaka argues that the new law won’t actually improve safety, as existing rules were never properly enforced: “If there are no controls, I simply can’t compete.”
For many compliant operators, the added costs of certification, staffing, and compliance are too great.
“It’s the small people — the family businesses where the wife trims while the husband grows — they’re the ones who will suffer,” she said.
Cannabis shop owners on Bangkok’s popular tourist destination, Khao San Road, report fewer customers and growing confusion among travellers. Oler SilaSilarat, a 28-year-old store employee, said: “After legalisation, everyone had the chance to earn. You could open a shop, build a career… and now they change it.”
He worries especially for small-scale farmers who’ve already invested in cultivation but now can’t afford the certifications needed to stay in business. “They have the experience, but they can’t compete with big companies.”
Meanwhile, Minister Somsak insists this shift could still be a long-term opportunity. A 2022 government report projected the cannabis industry could be worth $1.2 billion by 2025, though he admitted that reliable market data is lacking due to previously unregulated transactions.
“Revenues may fall at first, but considering the social harm caused by unregulated use, the change is necessary,” Somsak said, adding that responsible businesses will survive.
Others disagree. One business owner told The Guardian that medical certificates are easily purchased, meaning the new rules may simply create a new revenue stream for some doctors.
Enforcement efforts are already underway. In June, authorities inspected 1,565 cannabis businesses, finding:
Despite protests planned by the Cannabis Future Network, Minister Somsak said the government remains committed to strict enforcement. The Department of Traditional and Alternative Thai Medicine is now working with industry representatives to align cannabis policy with public health goals.
The post Cannabis in Thailand – The Clocks Turn Back appeared first on Business of Cannabis.
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But the law, riddled with loopholes, was quickly tested by a booming industry. Cannabis businesses sprang up like mushrooms, and with them came widespread non-compliance. THC limits were often ignored, and products branded as ‘medicinal’ were being sold in neon-lit stores in tourist districts. With growing reports of cannabis being smuggled out of the country and mounting media scrutiny, the newly elected government responded.
Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin announced a reversal of the law, and that cannabis would once again be classified as a narcotic. Despite fierce opposition from the public and industry advocates, a new law was published in the Royal Gazette on June 25, 2025, officially reclassifying cannabis flower as a controlled substance. The regulation, effective immediately, bans advertising, general sales, and recreational use, plunging the once-booming industry into crisis.
What Do the New Rules Require of Businesses?
The new law draws much firmer lines than before. Operators wishing to remain in the industry must now meet strict conditions:
License holders must report the origin, intended use, and inventory of their cannabis products.
Exporters must register their transactions with the licensing authority.
Retailers and processors may only sell cannabis to recipients licensed under Section 46 of the Act.
All cannabis must come from certified growers and meet regulated harvesting standards.
Smoking cannabis on business premises is prohibited — unless administered by a licensed medical professional.
Sales via vending machines or online platforms are banned.
Commercial advertising of cannabis is prohibited across all media.
Sales are banned in religious sites, residential areas, public parks, zoos, and amusement parks.
What Happens Next?
Medical cannabis remains legal, but only under strict conditions. Only certified medical professionals, including those in traditional Thai medicine, Chinese medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry, may prescribe it.
Businesses licensed before the new law must comply with the updated rules. As Minister Somsak told CNN: “Cannabis will be permitted only for medicinal use.”
This shift is expected to threaten the future of Thailands 18,000 cannabis stores. Violating the rules now carries penalties of up to one year in prison or a 20,000 baht (£460) fine, though the ministry has proposed increasing these penalties.
How Are Operators Responding?
According to The Guardian, the new law is threatening the livelihoods of many in the cannabis sector. Business owner Natthakan Punyathanaworakit said the latest announcement was the final straw, she had already been struggling and was now forced to shut one of her three stores in Bangkok.
Many fear that smaller businesses will be the first to go, unable to afford the now-required presence of a medical professional on site. Others predict an underground market will quickly re-emerge.
Entrepreneur Chokwan Chopaka argues that the new law won’t actually improve safety, as existing rules were never properly enforced: “If there are no controls, I simply can’t compete.”
For many compliant operators, the added costs of certification, staffing, and compliance are too great.
“It’s the small people — the family businesses where the wife trims while the husband grows — they’re the ones who will suffer,” she said.
Impact Already Being Felt
Cannabis shop owners on Bangkok’s popular tourist destination, Khao San Road, report fewer customers and growing confusion among travellers. Oler SilaSilarat, a 28-year-old store employee, said: “After legalisation, everyone had the chance to earn. You could open a shop, build a career… and now they change it.”
He worries especially for small-scale farmers who’ve already invested in cultivation but now can’t afford the certifications needed to stay in business. “They have the experience, but they can’t compete with big companies.”
Meanwhile, Minister Somsak insists this shift could still be a long-term opportunity. A 2022 government report projected the cannabis industry could be worth $1.2 billion by 2025, though he admitted that reliable market data is lacking due to previously unregulated transactions.
Two Visions of the New Thailand
“Revenues may fall at first, but considering the social harm caused by unregulated use, the change is necessary,” Somsak said, adding that responsible businesses will survive.
Others disagree. One business owner told The Guardian that medical certificates are easily purchased, meaning the new rules may simply create a new revenue stream for some doctors.
Enforcement efforts are already underway. In June, authorities inspected 1,565 cannabis businesses, finding:
82 suspended licenses
5 licenses revoked for serious violations
7 criminal cases for unauthorised sales
209 businesses that failed to submit operational reports
44 cases of illegal advertising
4 cases of public smoking
3 online sales violations
1 case of unprescribed sales
Suspicious cannabis seized from 13 individuals
Despite protests planned by the Cannabis Future Network, Minister Somsak said the government remains committed to strict enforcement. The Department of Traditional and Alternative Thai Medicine is now working with industry representatives to align cannabis policy with public health goals.
The post Cannabis in Thailand – The Clocks Turn Back appeared first on Business of Cannabis.
Continue reading...
