Archive · 25 Jun 2025
Thailand to Re-Criminalize Cannabis, Requiring Prescriptions
Thailand is changing its cannabis laws again.
In 2022, they made it legal, but now they're making it illegal again, except for people who need it for medical reasons.
You'll need a doctor's note to buy it.
This is happening because of a political change and because there are lots of cannabis shops, and they weren't properly controlled.
The new rules should be in place soon, and they're causing a lot of surprise and concern for people who run the cannabis businesses.
Thailand is re-criminalizing cannabis except for medical use, reversing 2022 decriminalization.
The health ministry issued an order requiring doctor's prescriptions for cannabis purchases.
The new rules will take effect after publication in the Royal Gazette, likely within days.
The cannabis industry, estimated at over $1 billion, is facing uncertainty.
Re-criminalization follows the Bhumjaithai Party's withdrawal from the ruling coalition.
- Who
- The Thai health ministry is implementing the changes.
- What
- Thailand is re-criminalizing cannabis except for medical use.
- When
- The new rules are expected to take effect soon.
- Where
- Thailand
- Why
- Due to lack of regulation and political shifts after Bhumjaithai Party withdrawal.
Pro-Decriminalization
Pro-Re-criminalization
Cannabis Policy
Pro-Decriminalization
Supports recreational cannabis use, business growth, and tourism.
Pro-Re-criminalization
Advocates restricting cannabis to medical use only and re-criminalizing recreational use.
- Policy Change
- Re-criminalization of cannabis for recreational use
- Effective Date
- Expected soon, after Royal Gazette publication
- Requirement
- Doctor's prescription for purchase
- Reason for Change
- Lack of regulations, political shifts
- Industry Impact
- Uncertainty, potential for significant financial loss
- Political Context
- Bhumjaithai Party's departure from the coalition
