Thailand draft bill would restrict cannabis to medical use

Thailand has prepared a draft cannabis control law that would limit cannabis and its extracts to medical treatment under professional supervision, or authorised research. The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) expects the proposal to go to the cabinet soon after completing public consultation.

The bill is intended to address regulatory gaps that emerged after cannabis was removed from Thailand's narcotics list in June 2022. In the absence of a comprehensive law, recreational use expanded rapidly and authorities introduced a series of ad hoc measures, while earlier attempts to pass wider legislation did not succeed.

For foreigners living in or visiting Thailand, the key point is that this remains a draft rather than an enforceable new law. However, if approved, it would substantially change the position for people who currently buy cannabis products from retail outlets, particularly those seeking them for non-medical purposes.

One framework for cannabis businesses

Dr Thewan Thaneerat, DTAM deputy director-general, said the proposed law would establish a single framework for cultivation, production, imports, exports, sales and public health protection.

Anyone wishing to cultivate, produce, import, export or sell cannabis would need a three-year licence issued by the DTAM. The proposed exemptions cover the sale of roots, branches, stems, leaves and seeds, as well as medical practitioners using cannabis to treat patients under existing laws.

This could be particularly relevant to foreign-run or foreign-connected businesses in Thailand's cannabis sector, as the draft would place their activities within the same licensing framework. It would also affect travellers considering bringing cannabis products out of the country, as export activity would require a licence.

Limits on sales, use and promotion

The bill would ban sales to people under 20, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Sales would also be prohibited in temples, schools, dormitories, public parks, zoos and amusement parks.

Advertising, promotional activity and marketing involving cannabis flowers, resin and smoking devices would be banned, with the stated aim of discouraging recreational consumption.

Producing, importing, exporting or selling cannabis without a licence, or selling it to prohibited groups, would carry possible prison terms and fines. Unauthorised cannabis use would also be punishable by fines, although the draft details reported did not specify the proposed penalties.

Committee led by public health minister

The proposal would establish a national cannabis committee, chaired by the public health minister, to oversee national policy and regulation.

Cannabis decriminalisation was a flagship policy of the Bhumjaithai Party under Anutin Charnvirakul, who was public health minister at the time.

DTAM director-general Dr Pongsathorn Phokphermdee said the department submitted the completed draft to Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat on July 20 for cabinet review.

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3 August 2026