What Thailand’s cannabis re-criminalization really means

OG Article  By Natasha Sethi Watch Today's LIVE Episode on YouTube, X, and Rumble

July 10, 2025

Just like one can count on Thai food to deliver, one can rely on Thai laws to confound. Thailand’s cannabis free-for-all may be coming to an abrupt end, with a renewed push for re-criminalisation. Here’s the blunt truth, and what it actually means for locals, tourists, and the country’s billion-baht weed industry.

What Thailand’s cannabis re-criminalisation really means

Almost three years after the Land of Smiles made headlines as the first Asian country to decriminalize cannabis, the Thai government is now reversing course. New regulations issued by the Ministry of Public Health will soon make recreational use illegal again, a move that’s set to shake up the country’s booming weed scene.

No prescription, no purchase

Under the new rules, all cannabis purchases must be backed by a doctor’s prescription. The sale of marijuana for recreational use will be banned, and cannabis flowers will be reclassified as a narcotic, as they were before 2022.

The changes will take effect once published in the Royal Gazette, which could be any day now.

What this means for businesses

According to health officials, over 18,000 licensed cannabis shops across Thailand are expected to be impacted. From now on, dispensary operators will be required to verify every prescription, including a doctor’s registration number, diagnosis, and dosage. Patients can be prescribed up to 30 grams per month; anything beyond that could spark investigations for suspected recreational use.

Some in the industry had hoped cannabis would become a pillar of Thai agriculture, wellness, and tourism. But years of political uncertainty and a lack of clear regulation have stalled any real, long-term progress, says cannabis rights activist Chokwan ‘Kitty’ Chopaka.

What to expect

While the final details are still pending, one thing is clear: Thailand is rolling back its cannabis high. Stoners and dispensary owners alike are bracing for impact, with many calling for clearer guidance, better communication, and support for those already invested in the business. Much like navigating a modern-day situationship.