Archive · 28 Jun 2025
Thailand Bans Unprescribed Cannabis Sales After Decriminalization
Thailand has made it harder to buy cannabis.
Now, you need a doctor's note to get it.
This is because the government wants to control how people use it and make sure it's not causing problems like addiction, after they made it legal a few years ago.
Shops that sell cannabis without a prescription will get shut down, and the people running them could go to jail or pay a fine.
Some people who sell cannabis are upset about this change and are planning to speak out against the government.
Thailand has banned the sale of cannabis without a prescription.
The new order, signed by the Health Minister, went into effect on Thursday.
Shops that violate the order face closure and potential fines and jail time.
The move follows public backlash and concerns over addiction and unregulated access.
Cannabis advocates are planning to protest the new regulations next month.
- Who
- The Health Minister signed the order.
- What
- Thailand is banning the sale of cannabis without a prescription.
- When
- The new rules went into effect on Thursday.
- Where
- Thailand
- Why
- The government is responding to public backlash and rising addiction rates.
Cannabis Advocates
Health Ministry
Regulation Approach
Cannabis Advocates
The change in regulations was politically motivated.
Health Ministry
The government's move is necessary to regulate cannabis use.
- Policy Change
- Banning cannabis sales without a prescription
- Effective Date
- Thursday
- Penalty for Violation
- Maximum one-year jail term and 20,000-baht (USD 614) fine
- Current Licensed Shops
- Approximately 18,000
- Health Ministry's Stance
- Cannabis use will be fully for medical purposes
