Thailand is implementing stricter cannabis regulations aimed at controlling its use for medical purposes, but enforcement appears inconsistent, particularly in tourist areas like Bangkok’s Khaosan Road. Although prescriptions are now required for cannabis purchases, recreational use remains widespread. This reflects the challenges authorities face in redirecting the market toward medical use.
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The Public Health Ministry, led by Pattana Promphat, is consulting on a new Cannabis and Hemp Bill to tighten controls, with plans to accelerate its passage through parliament. Current rules mandate prescriptions, registration with clinics, and transaction documentation, but critics claim these regulations aren't enforced effectively. Activist Chokwan Chopaka highlights the disconnection between official procedures and actual practices, noting that shops frequently bypass rules.
Businesses are grappling with these uneven regulations. While some shops try to comply by employing doctors and requiring prescriptions, others benefit from less strict enforcement. A dispensary employee noted that hiring medical professionals increased costs and discouraged some customers due to privacy concerns, yet said tourists often receive lenient treatment from authorities.
Future regulations are designed to transition businesses toward medical models, with stricter licensing and inspection measures. Critics argue that public education is essential for these rules to be effective, warning that a lack of understanding may push the industry toward informal practices. Policymakers continue to debate tighter controls, but for now, the market operates much as before.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Bangkok Post · 22 May 2026
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