Cannabis Made Illegal Again by Thai Government

Despite legalizing cannabis and removing it from Thailand’s narcotics list back in 2022, the government has again taken steps to recriminalize the substance. 

Once the new ruling is in effect, the government will implement strict restrictions on using the plant for recreational purposes, limiting it to medical usage only. This was made clear on June 24th, 2025, when the Ministry of Health introduced a new policy that prohibited retailers from distributing cannabis to buyers without a doctor’s prescription. 

Why is Cannabis Being Made Illegal in Thailand Again?

Thai Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin has given a variety of reasons for this recriminalization of cannabis, including: 

• The high usage of the plant in many areas has resulted in multiple complaints, especially in tourist hotspots such as Phuket. 
• The rising popularity of the substance has resulted in more health issues.
• Some locals believe that hindering recreational use of cannabis will improve tourism and living conditions. 
• Tourists and locals alike have complained about the negative impact of public cannabis consumption on their health and well-being. 
• Many cannabis stores have been taking advantage of the lack of regulations to sell the substance in areas frequented by non-cannabis consumers. 
• Widespread and unrestricted consumption of cannabis has created health problems and social repercussions for children. 

Impact of New Policy on Cannabis Industry

According to business owners and cannabis activists, this most recent push to make the plant illegal for recreational use once again will have negative effects on the cannabis industry and Thailand’s economy as a whole. The Thai cannabis industry is now valued at over $1 billion, just a few years after Thailand became one of the first Asian countries to decriminalize the drug. 

There are now more than 18,000 cannabis stores across Thailand, as well as thousands of growing operations. According to the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the industry is estimated to be worth at least $1.2 billion by the end of 2025. 

With this new recriminalization, many cannabis businesses now worry about the future. Pongchanok Wisetraksakul, an operations manager of a cannabis store in Phuket, stated that many owners have yet to recover the significant investments they’ve made to open their businesses. 

The Thai Health Minister mentioned that compensation may be available for those who invested heavily in this sector of Thailand’s economy, but no details have been announced. 

Business owners, cannabis activists, and other critics of the policy reversal stress that this move will have a negative impact on Thailand’s sustainable growth. They point to the large influx of tourists since the plant’s decriminalization and Thailand’s developing agricultural sector, the benefits of which will be lost once cannabis is recriminalized. 

When Will Cannabis Be Illegal Again?

The order issued by Thailand’s health ministry will not go into effect until it is added to Thailand’s Royal Gazette. This could occur in a matter of days, after which the order becomes law and cannabis will be re-added to the narcotics list.

Once the new ban is put into law, a doctor’s prescription will be required to purchase cannabis in Thailand, and shops will be placed under more scrutiny. 

What to Do if You Are Worried About the New Cannabis Law in Thailand

Siam Legal provides frequent legal updates and guidance on how new Thai legislation will affect you. As a full-service law firm in Thailand that has assisted foreigners with their legal needs for over 22 years, our experienced lawyers have the knowledge and understanding of Thai law to help you navigate these uncertain times.

If you’re visiting Thailand or need cannabis for medical reasons, our legal updates will help you stay compliant with the law, explain how the new rules might impact your travel plans, and provide criminal defense services if you are facing charges.

Category: Administrative Law