Thailand’s Health Ministry has issued a new order banning the sale of cannabis buds—the flowering tops of the cannabis plant—without a doctor’s prescription, reclassifying them as a controlled herb under traditional medicine regulations. The order, signed by Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin and published in the Royal Gazette on June 27, imposes penalties up to one year in jail and a 20,000‑baht fine for non-compliant sellers. It mandates that only certified pharmaceutical-grade cannabis from licensed farms be sold, limited to a 30-day personal supply, and only with medical authorization
Thailand’s Historic Move in 2022: A Cannabis First for Asia
Thailand’s 2022 decriminalisation of cannabis was a landmark decision for the region. Cannabis was removed from the list of narcotics under the Narcotics Act, allowing for the legal cultivation, sale, and consumption of cannabis, though technically only for medical use.
Despite the initial intent to promote medical cannabis, loopholes in regulation allowed widespread recreational use. Dispensaries proliferated, and cannabis became easily accessible – often even to minors. Tourists flocked to cannabis-friendly establishments, while local farmers, many of whom had suffered from the economic effects of COVID-19, found a profitable new cash crop.
Public and Political Backlash: Addiction, Children, and Tourism Woes
The unregulated boom soon drew criticism. Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals raised concerns about cannabis use among teenagers and young adults. A 2023 study by Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) indicated a sharp rise in cannabis addiction cases following decriminalisation. Moreover, there were increasing reports of cannabis-laced snacks being inadvertently consumed by children.
Adding to the pressure, Thai officials reported a surge in cannabis smuggling cases involving tourists. The growing international perception that Thailand was becoming a “cannabis free-for-all” also worried government officials, concerned about the country’s image and the long-term consequences on public health.
The New Order: Prescription Now Mandatory for Cannabis Sales
Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin signed a new order this week, prohibiting the sale of cannabis to anyone without a prescription. This decision aligns with his broader goal to reclassify cannabis buds as a controlled herb, with the potential future step of listing it once again as a narcotic.
While the order does not yet outline specific penalties for violation, it represents a serious shift in regulatory approach. Once published in the Royal Gazette, the law will come into immediate effect.
Phanurat Lukboon, secretary-general of the ONCB, confirmed that his agency is prepared to implement and enforce the new regulations. He reiterated that the 2023 study showed a “significant increase” in cannabis addiction, justifying a more cautious approach to access.
Political Dynamics Behind the U-Turn
The policy reversal is as much political as it is public health-oriented. The ruling Pheu Thai Party, which leads the current government, had promised to recriminalise cannabis during the election campaign. However, its coalition partner at the time, the Bhumjaithai Party, had been the driving force behind the 2022 decriminalisation.
With tensions rising within the coalition and growing public concern, the Health Ministry’s latest move appears to be a political compromise. While not fully recriminalising cannabis, the prescription-only rule adds a layer of medical gatekeeping without entirely rolling back the 2022 reforms.
Cannabis Advocates Push Back
Not everyone is on board with the new regulations. A coalition of cannabis advocates and business owners has accused the government of using cannabis policy as a political tool. In a statement released Wednesday, the group said they will stage protests at the Health Ministry in the coming weeks.
Many argue that the lack of a clear regulatory framework – rather than cannabis itself – is the root cause of the problems. They fear that reclassification as a narcotic would criminalise thousands of small farmers, dispensary owners, and users who have built livelihoods around the plant.
What’s Next for Cannabis in Thailand?
Though the new order does not yet criminalise cannabis possession or consumption outright, the direction is clear. The Thai government wants stricter control and medical oversight. Reclassification as a narcotic could be the next step, potentially reshaping the industry once again.
Whether this move will satisfy public concern or provoke further backlash remains to be seen. Much depends on how the government balances public health priorities with the economic benefits and individual freedoms tied to the cannabis boom.
Summing Up
Thailand’s cannabis journey – from pioneering decriminalisation to dialing back access – is a cautionary tale of how progressive policies, when not matched with strong regulation, can lead to unintended consequences. While the 2022 move opened economic and medical opportunities, it also exposed societal gaps in education, enforcement, and youth protection.
Now, with the Health Ministry’s new order, Thailand is attempting to reassert control – but not without igniting fresh debates over personal freedoms, public health, and political agendas. As the situation unfolds, the global community will be watching closely, especially other nations considering similar reforms.
