Thailand strengthens new regulations on cannabis management: prohibits smoking in stores, restricts sales, and requires a doctor's prescription

The new policy is still awaiting formal announcement in the Royal Gazette and will take effect the following day.

With the surge in the number of users after the legalization of marijuana in Thailand, the Ministry of Public Health recently introduced new regulations regarding the sale and use of marijuana, aiming to reshape the market order and reduce abuse. The new regulations require that in the future, the purchase of marijuana products must be accompanied by a doctor's prescription, and significantly tighten the space for smoking and advertising promotion in stores.

Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin signed the order on Tuesday, and it is expected to take effect the day after it is published in the Royal Gazette.

Indoor smoking ban in effect: unless under medical supervision

This rule aims to combat stores using entertainment consumption as a selling point, redefining the usage scenarios and purposes of cannabis products.

Sales require a doctor's prescription, with a maximum purchase of 30 days' supply each time.

New regulations emphasize that in the future, consumers must present a doctor's prescription to purchase cannabis products, and the amount purchased each time must not exceed a 30-day supply.

Not only that, commercial activities involving cannabis, such as research, export, sales, and processing, must obtain relevant licenses and meticulously record their sources, uses, and quantities, and report to the relevant authorities.

Online sales and advertising are completely prohibited

In the sales channels, new regulations also draw a red line. Sales of cannabis products are prohibited on channels such as vending machines, e-commerce platforms, social media, websites, etc. In addition, all forms of advertising and promotion, whether online or offline, are also strictly prohibited.

This wave shows that the government intends to reduce the channels for teenagers and general consumers to access marijuana.

After legalization, the number of marijuana users doubled.

According to data provided by Pol Lt Gen Phanurat Lukboon, Secretary-General of the Narcotics Control Board, the number of marijuana users has sharply increased since Thailand decriminalized marijuana in 2022. An estimated 350,000 habitual users in 2019 have more than doubled to over 700,000 by 2024. This significant increase has prompted the government to reassess its policy direction to balance between legalization and public health.

Although the legalization was initially seen as an opportunity to revitalize tourism and promote industry innovation, it now appears that the Thai government is gradually refocusing the use of marijuana on the 'medical aspect' rather than recreational use. This may indicate a continued tightening of policies and the establishment of a more rigorous regulatory framework in the future.

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