Thailand has taken a decisive step in reversing its cannabis liberalization policy by reclassifying the plant as a narcotic, according to The Nation. The Ministry of Public Health signed the order on June 25, effectively bringing an end to the country’s short-lived experiment with recreational cannabis.
The regulation, once published in the Royal Gazette, will take effect within 30 days. It reclassifies cannabis as a Type 5 narcotic under Thai law — reinstating restrictions that had been lifted in June 2022, when the plant was removed from the narcotics list in a regional first.
The move marks a dramatic policy shift for a country that once championed cannabis as a tool for economic recovery, tourism growth, and alternative medicine. Since 2022, cannabis dispensaries have proliferated across Thailand’s major cities, with a booming industry projected to reach tens of billions of baht.
Now, that industry faces a crackdown.
What the New Regulation Means
Under the updated order, cannabis will only be legal for medical and health-related use, and even then, only under strict control:
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Recreational use is (seemingly) banned outright.
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Medical use will require a prescription from licensed professionals.
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Online sales and advertising are prohibited.
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Cultivation, distribution, and possession will be limited to those with government-issued licenses.
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Dispensaries must comply with new licensing and reporting requirements, though the full framework is still being finalized.
The Ministry of Public Health is holding a public hearing from June 25 to July 25 to solicit feedback before fully enforcing the reclassification. The regulation is expected to be formally adopted under the Narcotic Drugs Act of 1979 by the end of this year.
From Legalization to Recriminalization
The move marks a dramatic policy shift for a country that once championed cannabis as a tool for economic recovery, tourism growth, and alternative medicine
Thailand decriminalized cannabis in 2022, becoming the first country in Asia to do so. Initially positioned as a policy for medical and wellness use, the lack of clear regulation led to widespread recreational consumption.
Cannabis cafés and dispensaries rapidly emerged in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and beyond – often catering to tourists and young adults. The surge in cannabis availability drew concern from educators, health professionals, and conservative lawmakers, who warned of social and mental health risks, particularly among youth.
In 2024, the government, now led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin — signaled a change in direction. The current administration emphasized its intent to restrict cannabis use solely to controlled medical purposes, citing the need to protect public health and reduce social harm.
The reclassification order signed on June 25 formalizes that shift.
Industry Faces Uncertainty
Thailand’s cannabis industry, once hailed as a new economic engine, now faces legal ambiguity and potential collapse. Thousands of dispensaries opened during the past two years, many operating without long-term regulatory clarity.
With the new rules in place, these businesses may be forced to shut down, seek medical-only licenses, or significantly alter their operations. Industry stakeholders have expressed frustration at the lack of a structured transition plan and the sudden nature of the policy reversal.
Farmers who invested in cannabis cultivation, entrepreneurs who opened dispensaries, and hospitality businesses that integrated cannabis products into their offerings now face significant financial risk.
Regional and Global Implications
Thailand’s cannabis experiment drew international attention. The kingdom had positioned itself as a progressive outlier in Asia, a region where most nations maintain harsh anti-drug laws.
The reversal may dampen regional momentum for reform and raise questions about the sustainability of cannabis liberalization without robust legal frameworks. Thailand’s policy journey is now seen by many as a cautionary tale: bold reform without regulation can backfire.
What’s Next?
The next 30 to 60 days will be pivotal. The public hearing phase will give health officials, legal experts, business owners, and advocacy groups a chance to weigh in. However, government sources have made it clear that the policy direction will not change — cannabis is moving back onto the narcotics list.
As Thailand prepares for this next chapter, the challenge will be in implementing a clear, enforceable system that protects public health without causing further damage to a once-promising industry.
