Thailand Cannabis Regulation 2025: New Rules Ban Recreational Use
Thailand Tightens Cannabis Laws: Dispensaries to Transition to Medical Clinics to Comply with New Regulations
Cannabis dispensaries in Thailand are facing a major shift in regulations, as the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) announces that they will soon be required to transition into fully licensed medical clinics to continue operating legally.
This change is part of the government’s ongoing effort to regulate cannabis strictly for medical use and bring dispensaries into compliance with stricter healthcare standards.
Dr. Somlerk Jeungsmarn, chief of the DTAM, shared that the ministry is currently drafting a regulation that will specifically govern the use of cannabis for medical purposes. The goal is to establish a more structured, monitored, and accountable medical cannabis framework.
Cannabis Dispensaries to Become Medical Clinics Under New Regulations
Under the upcoming legislation, cannabis dispensaries in Thailand will no longer be able to operate as standalone retail businesses. To continue selling cannabis legally, dispensaries must register as medical clinics or hospitals under the Hospital Act.
This means each dispensary must have a licensed medical professional on-site to issue prescriptions for cannabis-based medical products.
The regulation will also introduce a formal process for prescribing cannabis, requiring patients to present a valid medical prescription in order to purchase products legally.
Massive Licensing Overhaul: 12,000 Licenses Up for Renewal
To date, around 18,000 cannabis licenses have been issued nationwide. However, only a small number of those dispensaries are officially registered as medical facilities.
In November, 12,000 licenses will be up for renewal. Dispensaries that want to continue operating will need to comply with the new law.
Dr. Jeungsmarn emphasized:
“If dispensaries want to continue selling cannabis, they will need to switch to being a hospital or clinic under the new regulation; otherwise, they will not be allowed to sell cannabis.”
The government plans to implement the new rules within three months, ensuring compliance before the renewal period begins.
Regulatory Shift Marks End of Recreational Cannabis Sales in Thailand
These stricter regulations are expected to eliminate dispensaries that sell cannabis for recreational use, effectively ending Thailand’s brief period of legalized weed for non-medical purposes.
Going forward, cannabis will be available exclusively for medical use, and customers must present both a medical prescription and a valid certificate to access cannabis products.
The government also plans to regulate the pricing of medical cannabis to make it more affordable and accessible to patients in need.
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Training Doctors and Expanding Access to Medical Cannabis
As part of this transition, the Thai government has trained over 9,000 doctors who are now authorized to prescribe cannabis for qualified patients.
This ensures that only licensed healthcare professionals are involved in issuing prescriptions, helping to enforce medical oversight and limit misuse.
Policy Reversal Signals End of Recreational Cannabis Freedom
This regulatory shift follows a policy reversal announced by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin on June 24, which officially ended Thailand’s liberal stance on recreational cannabis.
Under the new rules, cannabis will be strictly limited to medical use, closing the door on what was once considered a more progressive cannabis policy.
While the change has received mixed reactions, it reflects the government’s focus on using cannabis to improve healthcare outcomes rather than supporting recreational consumption.
The Road Ahead for Thailand’s Cannabis Industry
As Thailand tightens its cannabis laws, dispensaries will need to adapt quickly or risk losing their licenses. While this regulatory shift will shut down the recreational market, it paves the way for a regulated, professional medical cannabis industry.
With more doctors trained and greater control over access and pricing, Thailand’s medical cannabis sector is positioned for steady, structured growth.
However, the transition won’t be easy. Many existing businesses will need to make significant operational changes to meet the new standards and continue serving patients legally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Thailand Cannabis Regulation 2025
The Thailand Cannabis Regulation 2025 is a new law that reclassifies cannabis use as strictly medical. All cannabis dispensaries must register as licensed medical clinics or hospitals under the Hospital Act to continue operating.
The regulation also bans recreational cannabis and requires medical supervision for all cannabis prescriptions and purchases.
No. Under the new law, recreational cannabis use is banned. Cannabis can now only be purchased with a medical prescription from a licensed doctor and used for approved therapeutic purposes.
The sale or use of cannabis for fun or personal recreation will be illegal.
To remain operational, dispensaries must convert into licensed medical clinics or hospitals. Each shop must employ a licensed medical professional who can issue cannabis prescriptions.
Dispensaries that do not comply with these rules will not be allowed to renew their licenses or continue business.
The government plans to implement the new law within three months, ahead of the November 2025 license renewal deadline.
Dispensaries must meet all new requirements before that time to continue legally selling cannabis.
Currently, Thailand has issued around 18,000 cannabis licenses, but only a few dispensaries are officially registered as medical facilities.
About 12,000 licenses will expire in November 2025, and those businesses will need to comply with the new law to renew them.
Yes. Over 9,000 Thai doctors have already been trained and certified to prescribe medical cannabis.
Only cannabis prescribed by a licensed medical professional will be legally allowed under the new regulation.
Only approved medical cannabis products will be legal under Thailand’s new regulations. These include:
- Cannabis oils
- Capsules
- Tinctures
- Topical treatments (like creams or patches)
Recreational cannabis products—especially dried flower for smoking—will be prohibited unless specifically prescribed by a licensed medical professional.
The government’s goal is to refocus cannabis use on healthcare, not recreation.
Officials say the liberal cannabis laws led to misuse and confusion, so this regulation aims to bring clarity, improve patient safety, and prevent abuse by requiring medical supervision.
You must present the following:
- A valid medical prescription
- A medical certificate
- Purchase cannabis only from a registered clinic or hospital licensed under the new regulation
Without these, you will not be able to legally access cannabis in Thailand.
While recreational sales will end, the regulation opens the door for a structured, well-regulated medical cannabis industry.
With thousands of trained doctors and increased government oversight, Thailand could become a regional leader in medical marijuana research, treatment, and tourism—but only for licensed and compliant operators.
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