Struggling with New Medical Marijuana Regulations
Thailand has recently introduced stringent new regulations for cannabis use, moving from a more liberal policy to a medical-only approach. These changes, announced in June 2025, follow several years of decriminalization and the growth of cannabis-related businesses.
Under the new regulations, cannabis is classified as a controlled herb, available solely for medical purposes. Sales require a prescription from a medical professional, including those practicing traditional Thai medicine, and the prescribed amount is limited to a maximum of 30 days of use.
The regulations also mandate that only authorized practitioners can sell cannabis, who must adhere to strict guidelines, including detailed sales records and regular inspections. Additionally, dispensaries need Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) certification for sourcing and selling cannabis flowers, adding significant compliance costs. Sales are prohibited near certain locations like temples and public parks, and advertising cannabis products is banned.
These regulatory changes have significant economic implications for small business owners and employees in the cannabis industry. The industry, valued at nearly $1 billion USD in 2024, is experiencing rapid contraction due to the shift to medical-only sales, leading to financial uncertainty for many businesses. Small growers and retailers face significant challenges in obtaining GACP certification and complying with the new regulations, which may lead to market exit for many.
Thousands of people who built businesses after 2022 are at risk of losing their income due to the increased regulatory burden and reduced market size. Investors are also pulling back, exacerbating financial instability for startups and international firms involved in the cannabis sector. The strict regulations may lead to a resurgence of black market activities, as legal access becomes more restricted, posing further social and economic risks.
Mr. Pan, owner of Apollo Cannabis, expressed concerns about the mandatory patient cards complicating transactions with tourists. He also mentioned the immediate effects, stating that he had to close his shop for half a day to secure a 'patient card'. Some small cannabis shop owners and employees have raised concerns about the impact of these changes on their businesses.
At Friendly Cannabis, another employee, Ham, 23, shared doubts about the standards of GACP-certified cannabis and the potential for chemical contamination. Ham, along with Mr. Pan, agreed that the mandatory patient cards add another barrier to operations.
Employee Bank, 28, at B Good @21Market, expressed concerns about the sudden changes in cannabis regulations and the need to adapt quickly. The new regulations require people to present a doctor's prescription and a medical certificate to buy cannabis. Bank also stated that B Good @21Market has started the process of hiring licensed professionals to comply with the regulations.
These new regulations aim to eliminate substandard operations, but they also bring uncertainty to small businesses' ability to plan long-term strategies. The cannabis industry in Thailand is facing a challenging period of adjustment and adaptation to these new regulations.
- The new regulations in Thailand, which classify cannabis as a controlled herb for medical purposes, have raised concerns among employees in the cannabis industry about the sudden increase in compliance costs, such as obtaining Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) certification.
- Under the new regulations, cannabis businesses in Thailand are facing challenges in adapting to mandatory patient cards, which complicate transactions with tourists and add another barrier to operations, leading to concerns about the impact on businesses.
