Thailand to Push Cannabis Industry Toward Medical Use Only
Thailand to Push Cannabis Industry Toward Medical Use Only
BANGKOK, May 12, 2026 — Thailand’s government is moving to tighten controls on cannabis sales and cultivation, with Public Health Minister Phatthana Phromphat warning that illegal cannabis sales and unauthorised recreational use remain punishable under the law.
Speaking during a Senate session on Monday chaired by Mongkol Surasajja, Phatthana said the government had no policy to legalise recreational cannabis and was accelerating a new Cannabis and Hemp Bill aimed at tightening regulation of cultivation sites, farms, prescriptions and retail sales.
“Selling or giving cannabis to others to smoke is not allowed,” the minister said, adding that authorities could immediately arrest individuals involved in illegal cannabis sales.
Thailand currently has about 12,000 licensed cannabis shops operating nationwide, according to the Public Health Ministry.
Phatthana said many licences would expire between 2026 and 2028, with an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 shops expected to lose licences this year, followed by another 4,000 to 5,000 in 2027.
The minister said cannabis outlets would gradually be required to transition into medical facilities within the next two to three years.
Under the proposed framework, cannabis clinics and facilities would need licensed medical professionals from six recognised disciplines present at all times.
The draft Cannabis and Hemp Bill is currently undergoing public consultation until May 21 before being submitted to Parliament under an accelerated process.
Authorities said the legislation aims to regulate cannabis cultivation and farming operations, sectors that currently do not require formal registration.
Phatthana said personal cannabis cultivation was not illegal, but commercial sales required certification, quality control standards and approval from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine.
The government also plans tighter monitoring of medical cannabis prescriptions through electronic documentation systems to prevent fraud and detect repeated supply patterns lacking legitimate treatment purposes.
Despite the tighter restrictions, Thailand continues supporting cannabis-derived products for economic purposes, including cosmetics and food supplements, provided they comply with regulations from the Thai Food and Drug Administration.
The proposed reforms come as Thailand faces growing debate over the social impact of cannabis liberalisation following the country’s decriminalisation policies in recent years.
