Thai Cannabis Industry Faces Stricter Licensing and New Criminal Penalties
Thai Cannabis Industry Faces Stricter Licensing and New Criminal Penalties
BANGKOK, May 20, 2026 — Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is accelerating efforts to introduce a new cannabis and hemp law aimed at tightening regulation of the industry and preventing recreational use, officials said on Wednesday.
The proposed legislation, expected to be submitted to the Cabinet before July, would strengthen controls on cannabis cultivation, sales and consumption following concerns over legal loopholes that emerged after cannabis was removed from Thailand’s narcotics list nearly four years ago.
Speaking at the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine on Monday, deputy director-general Dr. Thewan Thanirat said recreational cannabis use would remain prohibited under the draft law.
Under the proposal, cannabis cultivation, distribution and use outside medical or research purposes would require licences. Recreational use could carry penalties of up to one year in prison and fines of up to 20,000 baht.
Thailand currently regulates cannabis as a “controlled herb” under traditional medicine legislation. Cannabis extracts containing more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, remain illegal.
Authorities said users are now required to obtain medical prescriptions, while new cannabis shops are permitted to operate only as licensed clinics, pharmacies, herbal product retailers or pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Officials said the tighter rules have already reduced the number of cannabis outlets nationwide. Thailand previously had more than 18,000 cannabis shops, but only around 7,000 renewed their licences after stricter regulations were introduced.
The ministry expects more than 4,000 additional outlets to close by the end of 2026 for failing to comply with the new legal requirements.
The draft bill is currently undergoing public consultation until May 21, followed by an additional 30-day hearing process before submission to the Cabinet, Dr. Thewan said.
Public health and youth advocacy groups backing stricter controls warned that Thailand’s image as a “Cannabis Destination” was affecting tourism and public safety. Campaigners cited concerns including youth access, online cannabis sales, public smoking and cannabis-related disturbances in tourist areas.
Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis in 2022, triggering rapid growth in the cannabis retail sector and sparking debate over balancing economic benefits with public health concerns.
