Bangkok, Thailand – The Thai Ministry of Public Health has confirmed tighter controls on marijuana use, clarifying that under Thailand’s cannabis laws 2025, cannabis buds may now only be legally used for five specific medical conditions. Access is strictly limited to patients with a valid doctor’s prescription.
Cannabis in Thailand: Approved Medical Uses
Dr. Somlerk Jeungsmarn, Director-General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine https://dtam.moph.go.th/, stated that cannabis is permitted for the treatment of:
– Insomnia
– Chronic pain
– Migraine
– Parkinson’s disease
– Anorexia
Prescriptions must come from licensed doctors or pharmacists and are valid for 30 days of treatment.
Importantly, online sales, vending machines, and cannabis advertising remain prohibited.
Digital Oversight with Cannamed Connect
To ensure proper oversight, authorities have introduced Cannamed Connect, a digital platform that manages prescription applications, patient usage records, and provides a directory of licensed dispensaries across Thailand.
Cannabis Policy Shift in Thailand
Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis in 2022 (https://www.moph.go.th/), a decision that sparked rapid growth in recreational use, particularly in nightlife areas of Bangkok and Pattaya. Cannabis cafés and dispensaries quickly became popular with tourists.
However, the government has since introduced stricter rules to limit cannabis to medical use only, citing public health and social concerns. The new regulations mark a significant shift in Thailand’s cannabis policy, narrowing access to prescription patients while phasing out uncontrolled recreational consumption.
What Tourists and Expats Should Know
For expats and visitors, these new restrictions mean that recreational cannabis in Thailand is not legal. Tourists should not expect to freely purchase cannabis products in cafés or bars. Instead, only patients with an approved medical condition and a doctor’s prescription can legally buy cannabis buds.
If you are considering medical cannabis during your stay, consult a licensed Thai doctor and purchase only from government-approved outlets listed on Cannamed Connect. Buying cannabis from unlicensed sellers or using it recreationally could result in legal consequences.
