09/07/2026
🇹🇭 Thailand Introduces Draft Law to Restrict Cannabis to Medical Use Only
Thailand has introduced a new draft Cannabis and H**p Act that would allow cannabis exclusively for medical purposes while prohibiting all recreational use and sales. The draft legislation is being promoted by Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat as part of the government’s effort to strengthen cannabis regulation.
Key Highlights of the Draft Law
🛑 Cannabis Shops Must Operate as Medical Facilities
All existing cannabis dispensaries will be required to convert into licensed medical facilities.
A qualified medical doctor must be present to evaluate patients and authorize the dispensing of cannabis products.
Authorities will closely monitor customers who repeatedly purchase unusually large quantities of cannabis, with investigations and enforcement actions taken where necessary.
📍 GPS Monitoring and Crackdown on Illegal Shops
The Thai government has identified more than 6,000 cannabis shops operating without valid licenses or with expired permits. Law enforcement agencies are actively conducting inspections and taking legal action against illegal operators.
Licensed cannabis businesses will be listed on an official government website, including their GPS location and license validity. Any shop not appearing on the official registry may be subject to immediate enforcement.
⚠️ Stricter Controls from Cultivation to Distribution
Unlike previous regulations, which mainly focused on production and sales, the new draft law introduces controls beginning at the cultivation stage.
Violations of the law may result in significantly increased criminal penalties and financial fines.
✈️ Preventing Illegal International Exports
Although cannabis has been removed from Thailand’s narcotics list, many countries still classify it as an illegal drug.
To combat the use of fraudulent licenses and illegal exports, Thailand will implement an electronic licensing system and strengthen cooperation with Customs authorities and airports to prevent unauthorized cross-border trafficking.
Summary
The Thai government’s policy, supported by the Bhumjaithai Party, is to ensure that cannabis is used strictly for medical purposes. If this draft law is enacted, recreational cannabis use and sales in Thailand will face much stricter legal restrictions.
Source: The Nation Thailand
