Government intends to enforce medical certificates for cannabis users to prevent illicit exportation
As of June 25, 2025, Thailand introduces stricter cannabis regulations to ensure compliance, protect public health, and prevent illegal exports.
In a recent press conference, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin outlined the new measures, which include the requirement for legal cannabis access through medical certification or licensed business operations under stringent conditions.
Operators must adhere to Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) and THC limits (less than 0.2% THC for extracts) to remain legal. Medical cannabis use continues to be allowed with prescriptions, but recreational use is fully banned, and cannabis flower is classified as a controlled narcotic.
To combat illegal exports, the government has taken decisive action. Cannabis has been reclassified as a narcotic, and general sales, advertising, and recreational use are prohibited. Strict penalties, including imprisonment and fines, are enforced for possession beyond prescribed limits.
The government's efforts focus on cracking down on smuggling and non-compliance within the industry, particularly targeting the widespread illegal export reported during the previous liberalization phase. Major smuggling routes involve India and the UK.
To bolster these efforts, a joint committee has been established, including representatives from Customs, Agriculture, Immigration Bureau, Airports of Thailand, and other relevant agencies. This committee is tasked with preventing illegal cannabis exports at Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports.
Significant cannabis seizures have already been made at Suvarnabhumi Airport, and the Airports of Thailand are cooperating in enforcing the law, having seized hundreds of kilograms of cannabis in initial crackdowns.
In addition, the government is coordinating with international organizations and diplomatic missions worldwide to publicize legal penalties and prevent scams claiming cannabis can be legally exported. Ras Chaleechan, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, emphasized the ministry's commitment to collaborative enforcement against cannabis smuggling by foreigners.
The comprehensive control through herbal law is expected to be faster and more effective than lengthy drug law reforms. Future cannabis sales will require medical certification for conditions such as epilepsy, headaches, pain, and insomnia.
In conclusion, Thailand's new cannabis regulations mandate that legal access requires medical prescription or licensed business operations under strict conditions. The government is actively tightening enforcement to prevent illegal exports and protect public health and legal industry standards.
- Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin recently outlined new cannabis regulations in Thailand, focusing on ensuring compliance and protecting public health.
- These regulations require legal cannabis access only through medical certification or licensed business operations under stringent conditions.
- Medical cannabis use is allowed with prescriptions, but recreational use is banned, and cannabis flower is classified as a controlled narcotic.
- To combat illegal exports, the government has reclassified cannabis as a narcotic, prohibiting general sales, advertising, and recreational use.
- Strict penalties, including imprisonment and fines, are enforced for possession beyond prescribed limits.
- To bolster enforcement, a joint committee has been established, targeting Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports, major smuggling routes that involve India and the UK.
- In addition, Thailand is collaborating with international organizations and diplomatic missions worldwide to publicize legal penalties and prevent scams claiming cannabis can be legally exported.
