Bangkok, Thailand — Three years after becoming the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis, Thailand is reversing course. The government this week introduced sweeping regulations that restrict cannabis use to strictly medical purposes, a dramatic shift from the liberal policies that triggered a nationwide “green rush.”
As of Thursday, cannabis can now only be sold to individuals with a valid doctor’s prescription. Recreational use is effectively banned, and the country’s more than 18,000 licensed dispensaries must adapt to the new regulations or face closure.
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“This must be clearly understood: cannabis is permitted for medical use only,” said Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin in an interview with CNN on Wednesday. He also revealed the government’s intention to eventually reclassify cannabis as a narcotic — a major reversal of the 2022 policy that allowed open trade and consumption of marijuana products.
New Restrictions on the Cannabis Industry
Under the new Health Ministry guidelines, cannabis shops must:
- Sell only to customers with a medical certificate.
- Keep detailed sales records.
- Submit to regular inspections.
- Cease all forms of commercial advertising.
- Avoid vending machine and online sales.
Violators could face up to one year in prison or a fine of 20,000 baht (approximately $620). Further legislation may increase penalties and impose stricter business regulations.
These rules are expected to significantly impact cannabis tourism in popular destinations like Bangkok’s Khao San Road and Pattaya’s beach strips, where dispensaries and weed-themed cafés flourished amid lax oversight.
Tourists and locals alike will now need documentation proving medical necessity for conditions such as chemotherapy-induced nausea, epilepsy, or chronic nerve pain. Foreign tourists can present prescriptions from their home countries.
“We want tourists to enjoy Thailand’s culture and nature — but not view it as a hub for recreational cannabis,” Somsak said.
From Legal Boom to Backlash
Thailand first legalized medical marijuana in 2018. In 2022, it became the first Asian nation to fully decriminalize cannabis — removing it from the narcotics list. But without accompanying laws to regulate the booming industry, a legal gray zone emerged.
Thousands of cannabis shops and cannabis-themed businesses opened rapidly, from hemp spas to weed festivals. One such event in Bangkok earlier this month featured former boxing champion Mike Tyson promoting his cannabis brand.
A government report from 2022 projected the Thai cannabis industry could be worth $1.2 billion by 2025, though officials now admit that widespread unregulated trade has made it difficult to track the industry’s true size.
Somsak said the new regulations are intended to close this legal gap and prevent the social harms associated with unchecked cannabis use.
“We are not shutting down cannabis shops, but we are prioritizing medical regulation,” he explained. “Revenue may dip at first, but responsible, law-abiding businesses will remain stable.”
Rising Concerns and Smuggling Cases
The push to tighten laws follows rising public concern about cannabis misuse, especially among youth. Reports of underage use, street smoking, and complaints of strong odors have spurred backlash in tourist areas and islands like Phuket, where zoning proposals are being considered.
“Cannabis addiction is rising and has become a social issue,” Somsak warned. “It affects children, causes public nuisance, and damages public safety.”
Adding to the problem is a spike in cannabis smuggling. Several recent cases involving British tourists attempting to smuggle cannabis from Thailand have made international headlines. In response, Thai and British authorities have formed a joint task force to combat illegal drug exportation.
As Thailand moves to reclaim control over its cannabis industry, many are watching to see whether this crackdown marks the end of Asia’s most liberal cannabis experiment — or just a course correction toward more responsible use.
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