Thailand Proposes Stricter Cannabis Regulations Requiring Prescriptions and Medical Certificates

Monday, 26 May 2025, 1:44

Thailand-

In a shift in its cannabis policy, Thailand is set to introduce new regulations, pending approval by relevant government officials, requiring medical certificates for the purchase and use of cannabis, aiming to curb recreational use and reinforce its medical focus.

Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced on May 22nd, 2025, that the Ministry of Public Health plans to issue these regulations within 40 days, mandating that both Thai and foreign cannabis users present a prescription from a licensed medical professional, including traditional Thai medicine practitioners or general physicians.

Thailand made history in 2018 as the first Asian nation to legalize medical cannabis, followed by its decriminalization in 2022, which led to a boom in dispensaries and widespread recreational use due to lax regulations.

The proposed changes aim to address this legal gray area by ensuring cannabis is used solely for medical purposes, such as treating conditions like epilepsy, chronic pain, or insomnia. Somruek Chungsaman, head of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, stated that the policy will prevent cannabis from being associated with recreational tourism, which has raised concerns about Thailand’s image.

The draft regulations include stricter licensing for cultivation, sales, and exports, with penalties for non-compliance, such as fines up to 60,000 baht ($1,700) for recreational use and up to one year in prison or 100,000 baht ($2,800) fines for unauthorized sales. A one-month dosage cap is also proposed, with prolonged use beyond this period potentially leading to prosecution. Cannabis advocates, including Daycha Siripatra, have criticized the policy, arguing it could limit access for those using cannabis for personal medical needs and burden small-scale growers.

While the policy reflects Thailand’s commitment to a health-driven cannabis industry, it has sparked debate over accessibility and enforcement. The regulations, expected to be finalized soon, signal a move toward a more structured framework, balancing medical benefits with stricter oversight to prevent misuse.TPN Media notes that this is only a proposal and enforcement and the exact rules are subject to change. Specifics on the process for prescriptions, such as if shops can issue them directly or what conditions would be eligible, or exact pricing, have not been decided as of press time as it is currently only a proposal.

Photos: Stock photos of Pattaya, which has hundreds of cannabis shops.