BANGKOK — Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has announced plans to reclassify cannabis as a controlled substance, limiting its legal use exclusively to medical purposes. The move follows months of public debate and increasing concern over the widespread availability of cannabis products since its decriminalisation in 2022.
Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin made the announcement on June 24, 2025, stating that the ministry will reintroduce regulations requiring a valid doctor’s prescription and medical certification for the purchase of cannabis. The reclassification will mean stricter controls on cannabis sales and usage, in contrast to the more liberal approach seen in recent years.
Somsak stressed that this is not a crackdown prompted by political shifts, specifically, the recent withdrawal of the Bhumjaithai Party from the government. Instead, he said the decision reflects public sentiment gathered through consultations held between May 22 and June 10, which indicated broad support for restricting cannabis to medical use.
Under the new guidelines, cannabis-related businesses will face tighter regulations. Shops must either have a licensed medical doctor on-site or arrange for monthly medical supervision. Businesses that fail to meet these requirements risk having their licences revoked.
The Bhumjaithai Party, which had championed the legalisation of cannabis and proposed a Cannabis Control Bill, has faced criticism for what some see as an overly optimistic and poorly managed rollout of cannabis policies. While the plant was removed from the narcotics list in 2022, there has been ongoing debate about how to regulate its use effectively.
Minister Somsak expressed frustration over what he described as a disconnect between political promises and practical implementation. He highlighted the sudden growth of cannabis businesses without clear legal frameworks as a major concern for health authorities.
He also clarified that the decision to reclassify cannabis is not driven by politics but by a need to address legal ambiguity and respond to public health concerns. “Cannabis will be treated as a controlled medicinal herb,” he said, confirming the ministry’s commitment to placing the plant back under stricter regulation.
Conclusion
For expats and tourists in Thailand, this shift means a likely end to the open sale of cannabis in dispensaries without medical oversight. The Health Ministry is expected to release further details and timelines for enforcement in the coming weeks. Visitors and residents should remain informed and cautious, as the legal landscape around cannabis in Thailand is set to change significantly.
