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Thailand Implements Ban on Cannabis Sales Without Prescription

By The Hyperhive

|

27 June 2025

Thailand cannabis ban

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Thailand made history in 2022 by becoming the first Asian country to decriminalize cannabis, sparking a boom in shops and tourism. But now, the country is making a big change.

What does this mean for locals, tourists, and the cannabis industry?

Let’s dive into the details of Thailand’s recent move to tighten cannabis rules.

Thailand Cannabis Ban

In June 2025, Thailand’s government introduced new rules to limit cannabis use. Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin signed an order that bans the sale of cannabis without a doctor’s prescription.

This change reverses the open market created after decriminalization, when thousands of dispensaries popped up in places like Bangkok and Phuket.

The new rules, effective after being published in the Royal Gazette on June 26, 2025, aim to make cannabis available only for medical purposes.

Shops must now check for prescriptions, and cannabis buds are now classified as a controlled herb. Breaking these rules could lead to fines of up to 20,000 baht ($614) or a one-year jail term.

The government says this change is needed because of rising addiction cases and smuggling issues. For example, Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board reported a spike in cannabis addiction since 2022.

There have also been cases of tourists smuggling cannabis out of the country, causing international concerns. These problems pushed the government to act, but not everyone agrees with the decision.

Impact on Businesses and Tourism

How will the Thailand cannabis ban impact the country’s growing medical marijuana industry?

The cannabis industry in Thailand grew fast, with over 18,000 licensed shops and an estimated value of $1 billion.

Many people, like Punnathat Phutthisawong, who works at a dispensary in Bangkok, worry about their livelihoods. Small businesses that invested heavily in the cannabis boom now face uncertainty.

Some shop owners, like Bruce Giovani of Amsterdam Café, say they’re already licensed for medical sales, but others may struggle to adapt.

Tourism, a major part of Thailand’s economy, could also feel the effects. After decriminalization, cannabis drew visitors from across Asia and beyond.

Places like Khao San Road became famous for their cannabis shops. Tourists like Daniel Wolf from Australia wonder how the government can enforce these new rules when shops are everywhere.

Some fear the ban could push cannabis sales underground, making regulation even harder.

What’s Next for Cannabis in Thailand?

Thailand cannabis ban

The new rules are seen as a temporary step. Thailand is working on a Cannabis Act to fully regulate the industry, but it might take two years to complete.

For now, the government is giving shops time to adjust, though the exact timeline is unclear. Cannabis advocate Chokwan “Kitty” Chopaka says the rules are confusing and could hurt small businesses the most.

She believes the government’s move is partly due to political pressures and international criticism about smuggling.

While medical cannabis remains legal, getting a prescription might be a hassle for some. The government hopes to balance the benefits of cannabis for health with stricter control to prevent misuse.

For locals and tourists, this means cannabis is still available, but only through medical channels. The future of Thailand’s cannabis industry depends on how these rules are enforced and what the final Cannabis Act will say.

You might also want to read: Thailand to Send 2.5k Monkeys to Jail After This Recent Terror

The Hyperhive

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