Thai Committee Weighs Stricter Cannabis Rules
Thai Committee Weighs Stricter Cannabis Rules
BANGKOK, June 22, 2026 – Thailand’s House Public Health Committee is reviewing the country’s cannabis policy amid growing concerns over widespread sales, regulatory loopholes and public health risks, including whether cannabis should be returned to the narcotics list until a dedicated law is enacted.
The review follows concerns that unregistered cultivation and uncontrolled sales have expanded since cannabis was decriminalised in June 2022. The committee met on June 18 with representatives from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), medical organisations, academics and civic groups.
The discussions revealed differing views over the future of cannabis regulation. Medical professionals and anti-drug groups supported temporarily restoring cannabis to the narcotics list while a comprehensive cannabis law is drafted, while cannabis businesses and industry groups argued such a move would hurt legitimate farmers and operators.
Dr. Tewan Thaneerat, deputy director-general of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, said the Public Health Ministry introduced three regulations in June 2025 covering research, sales, processing and exports. He added that officials are preparing a new cannabis and hemp bill, with public consultations expected to conclude by late July before the draft is resubmitted to the Cabinet.
Ekkapop Sittiwantana, deputy chairman of the committee from the People’s Party, said cannabis should be reclassified as a narcotic until the new legislation takes effect, citing concerns over unregistered cultivation and informal sales.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Smith Srisont, representing doctors, academics and civic groups opposed to drug-related harms, also backed tighter controls, arguing that the current regulatory framework has allowed cannabis to become widely available despite restrictions on extracts containing more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
The FDA told lawmakers that most inspected cannabis products complied with labelling and testing requirements but acknowledged that many sales channels continue to operate outside the legal system, complicating enforcement.
Cannabis operators and the Thai Cannabis Future Network opposed reclassification, saying licensed businesses already face competition from illegal imports and the black market while dealing with regulatory uncertainty.
According to The Nation, committee chairman Sakoltee Phattiyakul instructed officials to compile a list of licensed cannabis shops in Bangkok and FDA-certified cannabis products for further review. Lawmakers will also examine evidence of cannabis-related harms alongside the Public Health Ministry’s draft legislation as they consider a long-term regulatory framework.
