On 23 June 2025, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) issued an official announcement in the Royal Gazette that reclassifies the flowering parts of the cannabis plant as a “controlled herb” under the Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Protection and Promotion Act. This marks a significant departure from the country’s earlier approach to cannabis regulation, particularly the period following its decriminalization in 2022. The new rules came into effect on 24 June 2025.
While this is not yet the long-awaited Cannabis Act, the new rules represent a decisive policy shift: one that re-emphasizes medical use, limits access, and imposes tighter control over cultivation, sales, and distribution.
Key Regulatory Changes
The new announcement repeals the 2022 order that had effectively removed cannabis from the list of controlled substances and permitted widespread retail sales. Under the updated framework:
- Only the flowering parts of the cannabis plant are now regulated. Stems, roots, and leaves remain decontrolled for now.
- Cannabis flowers may only be sold to individuals with a prescription from a licensed practitioner of Thai traditional medicine or medical doctor. Patients may receive supplies for up to 30 days.
- Sales of flowers are prohibited via vending machines, online channels, and social media. Advertising cannabis flowers is banned across all platforms.
- Dispensaries must now be licensed and maintain detailed inventory records. They must also source their cannabis flowers from farms certified under the Good Agricultural and Harvesting Practices (GAP).
- Sales are restricted in specific locations, including temples, dormitories, public parks, zoos, and amusement parks.
Although cannabis flowers have been reclassified as a controlled herb, it has not yet been returned to the narcotics list. Notably, penalties for non-compliance primarily fall on sellers and dispensaries, not individual patients.
What Medical Conditions Qualify Under the New Rules?
Under the Ministry of Public Health’s updated framework, cannabis flowers may now only be prescribed for 15 medical conditions. These conditions include:
- Chronic or severe pain;
- Muscle spasms;
- Joint pain;
- Cancer;
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting;
- Epilepsy;
- Parkinson’s disease;
- Asthma;
- Insomnia;
- Anxiety;
- Depression;
- Alzheimer’s disease;
- Loss of appetite;
- Fatigue; and
- Other conditions approved by a licensed practitioner under Thai traditional or integrative medicine protocols.
Only certified healthcare professionals, including medical doctors, dentists, pharmacists, practitioners of traditional Thai and Chinese medicine, and registered folk healers are authorized to prescribe cannabis. Before issuing a prescription, practitioners must conduct a medical evaluation and complete the standardized order form (Phor.Thor.33), which records the practitioner’s license number, the patient’s diagnosis, and details on the product’s type, source, dosage, and storage. The form must also be kept at the business premises for inspection one year after the prescription has been made.
Permitted forms of prescription cannabis include smokable flowers, oil-based tinctures, and herbal or alcohol-based blends, all of which must be dispensed under a valid prescription. Each prescription is limited to a 30-day supply with clearly documented dosage and usage instructions.
Prescribers are legally responsible for monitoring patient outcomes, managing side effects, and ensuring proper use. Non-compliance may lead to disciplinary or legal consequences.
To support enforcement, the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine will also provide online training for authorized practitioners.
What Could This Mean for Businesses in Thailand’s Cannabis Industry?
Cannabis Dispensaries May Face Operational Disruptions
Retail outlets that previously sold cannabis flowers freely will now need to suspend such sales and ensure they are able to operate within a medically licensed framework. This includes integrating licensed practitioners into their business and implementing prescription-based systems. Tourist-oriented dispensaries, particularly in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, and other resort destinations are likely to see a significant drop in sales volume.
Supply Chain Compliance May Become More Complex
Cultivators must ensure their operations are certified under GAP standards. Distributors and retailers will be required to maintain seed-to-sale records, verify sources, and submit reports to relevant authorities. Businesses without robust compliance systems in place will be at risk of penalties or even closure.
Marketing May Be Limited
The ban on online sales and advertising may significantly reduce market visibility. Cannabis brands may now need to rely on business-to-business (B2B) channels, educational outreach, or clinical branding strategies that focus on scientific communication rather than consumer marketing.
Regulatory Uncertainty
The latest announcement reflects a broader policy reconsideration, with the Thai cabinet publicly expressing interest in revisiting the decision to decriminalize cannabis altogether. This poses a potential risk for businesses and investors, and may require a reassessment of valuations, exit strategies, and regulatory exposure.
What Should Businesses Do Next?
Operators in Thailand’s cannabis industry must act swiftly to ensure their businesses comply with the new regulatory framework. The first priority should be to immediately halt any unauthorized sales of cannabis flowers, particularly those not supported by a valid medical prescription.
Businesses should likewise review their current licensing status and ensure they are fully compliant under Section 46 of the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medical Knowledge Act, B.E. 2542 (1999). This may require renewing existing licenses or applying for new ones that reflect the updated requirements. It is also essential to implement or upgrade compliance systems capable of managing inventory tracking, seed-to-sale reporting, and source verification. These systems will be critical in demonstrating regulatory adherence and avoiding penalties.
Furthermore, staff training should be prioritized, particularly in areas such as prescription verification, patient privacy, and understanding the new sales restrictions. Given the regulatory pivot toward medical use, businesses may also need to revisit their commercial models. This could involve shifting toward licensed medical frameworks or expanding into related sectors such as hemp-derived wellness products.
Operators should also stay informed of ongoing legislative developments, including the awaited Cannabis and Hemp Control Bill as well as the proposed amendments to the Narcotics Act. These future changes could have significant implications for the industry and should be closely monitored.
How can Silk Legal Ensure Your Cannabis Business Stays Compliant?
Silk Legal offers end-to-end legal support for cannabis operators, cultivators, investors, and wellness brands navigating Thailand’s recent regulatory development.
We advise on licensing pathways, compliance with Ministry of Public Health regulations, and corporate structuring that protects shareholder interests. Our team also drafts and reviews SOPs, contracts, and partnership agreements to ensure regulatory alignment.
In addition, we can help clients prepare for future legal shifts, including the potential reclassification of cannabis under narcotics laws. For regulatory guidance tailored to your cannabis business, contact our team at [email protected].
