File photo for reference only

 

In a sweeping overhaul of Thailand's cannabis market, authorities are set to close the majority of the country's 18,000 cannabis shops. This drastic measure comes as the Ministry of Public Health plans to transform dispensaries into medical clinics, requiring resident doctors on site. This change is part of a broader initiative to realign cannabis use strictly for medical purposes.

 

Dr Somlerk Jeungsmarn, head of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, confirmed that only 2,000 shops are expected to remain after meeting the stringent new requirements. The ministry aims to standardise cannabis prescriptions and bolster control, with completion anticipated by year’s end.

 

Since cannabis was decriminalised in June 2022, usage has surged to 1.5 million users, prompting these regulatory changes. The rapid rise in recreational use occurred amid a legislative void, creating a billion-dollar market. While cannabis advocates raise concerns about the feasibility of restructuring such a sizeable industry, authorities are firm on their course.

 

Under the Controlled Herbs Announcement (Cannabis) BE 2568, issued on June 26, medical cannabis users must secure prescriptions from recognised medical professionals. Shops are mandated to follow a standard prescription form, Phor Thor 33, with mandatory monthly sales and prescription reporting starting July.

 

The ministry is also considering telemedicine as a means to enhance access to cannabis prescriptions, ensuring wider reach to medical advice and oversight.

 

Production and Quality Control

 

Strict quality standards have been set to ensure consumer safety, covering levels of heavy metals, pesticides and microorganisms. Currently, 69 cultivation plots across the nation meet GACP certification standards, yielding 71,850 kilograms of dried cannabis flowers annually. Of this, 24,000 kilograms are exported, while over 40,000 kilograms cater to domestic needs.

 

With 51 more plots awaiting certification, production capacity could increase to 125,000 kilograms per year. Clinics will only use certified cannabis, adhering to regulated CBD and THC thresholds.

 

Medical Training and Oversight

 

The country is taking significant steps to train healthcare professionals, with 2,000 doctors participating in courses starting July 16. This equates to a ratio of one doctor for every ten shops, necessitating closures of those unable to comply.

 

Shop staff training commences on July 17, targeting 100,000 workers to ensure compliance with new standards.

 

Government inspections since the announcement have led to 82 licence suspensions, five revocations, 322 closures, and seven prosecutions, underscoring the seriousness of the new regulatory environment.

 

As Thailand redefines its cannabis landscape, the focus on medical integrity and regulation aims to balance public health with burgeoning industry potential.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-09

 

 

Thailand to force cannabis shops to hire doctors

 

Photo of Thanakrit Jit-areerat (left) courtesy of The Nation
 

Only approved doctors can prescribe cannabis sourced from certified suppliers

Thailand’s cannabis boom is about to get a massive reality check. Starting later this year, thousands of cannabis retailers will be legally transformed into healthcare facilities—and required to have a doctor on-site to dispense weed.

 

At a packed press conference yesterday, July 8, Thanakrit Jit-areerat, Secretary to the Minister of Public Health, announced that the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) had officially launched its new Cannabis Prescription system. The system was tested for the first time today, July 9, with 50 patients.

 

“Cannabis isn’t classified as a narcotic, but we must have control measures,” Thanakrit said. “Complaints about cannabis use have surged tenfold, now impacting 1.5 million people.”

 

Ever since cannabis was decriminalised, public anxiety has grown over widespread recreational use and quality issues. To tackle this, the Ministry of Public Health is introducing sweeping regulations to rein cannabis back into the realm of medicine.

 

Under the new Herbal Control Announcement (Cannabis) for 2025, only doctors from seven designated medical fields will be authorised to prescribe cannabis. Furthermore, any cannabis sold must come from standardised, approved sources to guarantee consumer safety.

 

DTAM has also issued an official prescription form for medical cannabis, marking a decisive shift away from casual retail sales. Shops will be allowed to sell cannabis only to customers with a valid prescription.

 

“These policies won’t negatively impact the 18,000 shops already operating,” Thanakrit said. “We will work closely with retailers and local health offices to ensure everyone understands the changes.”

 

Dr Somruek Chungsaman, Director-General of DTAM, confirmed that a formal letter will be sent to the Royal Thai Police outlining what constitutes proper and improper cannabis possession to avoid confusion.

 

“Once regulations take effect this year, every cannabis outlet will effectively become a healthcare facility,” Dr Somruek said. “Until then, shops must use the controlled herb prescription system. Staff authorised to dispense cannabis will be specially trained by the department.”

 

The first 1,000 Thai traditional medicine doctors will complete their training and be ready to issue prescriptions by July 16, reported The Nation.

 

To help both patients and regulators, an IT system is being developed so retailers can check prescription records and track cannabis use. Officials are also planning to launch telemedicine services in hospitals and clinics, though this system is still in the works.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-10

 

 

Wow. Gonna have to pay an extra $10 somewhere

16 minutes ago, webfact said:

“These policies won’t negatively impact the 18,000 shops already operating,”

and in another article posted today it says "18,000 shops will all close".......never experienced any other country with such contradictory information or rule changes, new rules...EVER.

 

Thai law could be almost classed a torture method.

perhaps a better solution would be to have current health clinics and hospitals where doctors are already in attendance be authorized to prescribe, this of course would negate the need for cannabis shops entirely which seems inevitable anyway

5 minutes ago, freedomnow said:

and in another article posted today it says "18,000 shops will all close".......never experienced any other country with such contradictory information or rule changes, new rules...EVER.

 

Thai law could be almost classed a torture method.

It happens when people like Anutin are trying to fill their own pockets showing no consideration for anything else 

What a stupid decision.... 

3 hours ago, webfact said:

now impacting 1.5 million people

 

i didnt know that someone who enjoys a toke is being 'IMPACTED' by weed. i thought it was consensual freedom of choice

3 hours ago, freedomnow said:

and in another article posted today it says "18,000 shops will all close".......never experienced any other country with such contradictory information or rule changes, new rules...EVER.

 

Thai law could be almost classed a torture method.

 

you know which dictator to thank for that... praise be he... not

2000 shops still open is still alot. They can't all have doctors present to prescribe. How are they "training" doctots to do this this work, it would take years. Or are these "health care professionals" just the shop owner with a few hours training ?

3 hours ago, webfact said:

thousands of cannabis retailers will be legally transformed into healthcare facilities—and required to have a doctor on-site to dispense weed.

 

1 minute ago, henryford1958 said:

2000 shops still open is still alot. They can't all have doctors present to prescribe. How are they "training" doctots to do this this work, it would take years. Or are these "health care professionals" just the shop owner with a few hours training ?

 

You beat me to it absolutely no thought in what they are proposing .............LOL

 

Expect to find photocopies of your passport on the backside of used A4 in the trash.

Or in some cases a nice convenient photo of you holding your passport, prescription and a big ol' bag of weed,  as has been reported elsewhere. ^{_{(I wonder if this was true)}}

 

Fun times ahead.

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Currently, 69 cultivation plots across the nation meet GACP certification standards, yielding 71,850 kilograms of dried cannabis flowers annually. Of this, 24,000 kilograms are exported, while over 40,000 kilograms cater to domestic needs.

 

 

Who is Thailand exporting weed too?  Most international markets are very "mature" with set supply guidelines in place for years.

 

10 minutes ago, henryford1958 said:

2000 shops still open is still alot. They can't all have doctors present to prescribe. How are they "training" doctots to do this this work, it would take years. Or are these "health care professionals" just the shop owner with a few hours training ?

Training involves learning to write scribbled signature and opening bank account.🙃🙃

3 hours ago, smedly said:

It happens when people like Anutin are trying to fill their own pockets showing no consideration for anything else 

And this genius is eager to become prime minister.

Doctors for weed shops?

Real doctors are urgently needed at hospitals and clinics!

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Only approved doctors can prescribe cannabis sourced from certified suppliers

 

Assuming this policy ends up being "the law", cannabis might be one of the most regulated "drugs".

 

It takes years to train doctors, and a good six months to ramp up production of GACP-approved cannabis.

 

 

 

A. Was the 30/60 day delay real?

 

B. Was the delay due in part to certain parties thinking this government won't see out another 30/60 days?  New Gov, New Minister, New Rule (again)

"Shop staff training commences on July 17, targeting 100,000 workers to ensure compliance with new standards."

This means 50 employees for each of 2000 stores! WOW! That's how you create jobs!

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

File photo for reference only

 

In a sweeping overhaul of Thailand's cannabis market, authorities are set to close the majority of the country's 18,000 cannabis shops. This drastic measure comes as the Ministry of Public Health plans to transform dispensaries into medical clinics, requiring resident doctors on site. This change is part of a broader initiative to realign cannabis use strictly for medical purposes.

 

Dr Somlerk Jeungsmarn, head of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, confirmed that only 2,000 shops are expected to remain after meeting the stringent new requirements. The ministry aims to standardise cannabis prescriptions and bolster control, with completion anticipated by year’s end.

 

Since cannabis was decriminalised in June 2022, usage has surged to 1.5 million users, prompting these regulatory changes. The rapid rise in recreational use occurred amid a legislative void, creating a billion-dollar market. While cannabis advocates raise concerns about the feasibility of restructuring such a sizeable industry, authorities are firm on their course.

 

Under the Controlled Herbs Announcement (Cannabis) BE 2568, issued on June 26, medical cannabis users must secure prescriptions from recognised medical professionals. Shops are mandated to follow a standard prescription form, Phor Thor 33, with mandatory monthly sales and prescription reporting starting July.

 

The ministry is also considering telemedicine as a means to enhance access to cannabis prescriptions, ensuring wider reach to medical advice and oversight.

 

Production and Quality Control

 

Strict quality standards have been set to ensure consumer safety, covering levels of heavy metals, pesticides and microorganisms. Currently, 69 cultivation plots across the nation meet GACP certification standards, yielding 71,850 kilograms of dried cannabis flowers annually. Of this, 24,000 kilograms are exported, while over 40,000 kilograms cater to domestic needs.

 

With 51 more plots awaiting certification, production capacity could increase to 125,000 kilograms per year. Clinics will only use certified cannabis, adhering to regulated CBD and THC thresholds.

 

Medical Training and Oversight

 

The country is taking significant steps to train healthcare professionals, with 2,000 doctors participating in courses starting July 16. This equates to a ratio of one doctor for every ten shops, necessitating closures of those unable to comply.

 

Shop staff training commences on July 17, targeting 100,000 workers to ensure compliance with new standards.

 

Government inspections since the announcement have led to 82 licence suspensions, five revocations, 322 closures, and seven prosecutions, underscoring the seriousness of the new regulatory environment.

 

As Thailand redefines its cannabis landscape, the focus on medical integrity and regulation aims to balance public health with burgeoning industry potential.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-09

 

 

Thank you, Thai government ❤️

So the 18,000 shops that are to be closed, will the owners get any recompense from the Government?

Its not like they chose to close, they appear to be forcing the closures!

40 minutes ago, fondue zoo said:

 

A. Was the 30/60 day delay real?

 

B. Was the delay due in part to certain parties thinking this government won't see out another 30/60 days?  New Gov, New Minister, New Rule (again)

I was wondering the same thing - what happened to the delay???

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In a sweeping overhaul of Thailand's cannabis market, authorities are set to close the majority of the country's 18,000 cannabis shops. This drastic measure comes as the Ministry of Public Health plans to transform dispensaries into medical clinics, requiring resident doctors on site. This change is part of a broader initiative to realign cannabis use strictly for medical purposes.

Got a weed shop near my location, they opened only two months ago... small place.

I guess they won't be able to afford a resident doctor?

Thanakrit,dont you know that cannabis is classified as narcotics in very many countries.

Just wait until Cambodia legalizes Cannabis,that will open a few doors and start a few more arguments.

What is happening here now is totally political,there is a very serious drug problem in Thailand and i can tell you

the cause is not Cannabis.

 

Thailand shooting itself in the foot one more time. Hard evidence that Thailand is not a wise place to choose to invest in a business. The government lacks reason and foresight, may  shut down your investment in industry without compensation and leave you up a creek without a paddle.

Casinos versus cannabis. The power game goes on. 

49 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Got a weed shop near my location, they opened only two months ago... small place.

I guess they won't be able to afford a resident doctor?

 

Same, young guy started with a small weed truck, did well, opened two other locations, also doing well.

Permits up the wazoo, money in his pocket, and now it's all gone.

 

Even if he could reinvent it, he said one or two of the Big 5 have locked down supply/pricing via the GACP requirement.

It's cooked.

 

1 hour ago, mikeymike100 said:

So the 18,000 shops that are to be closed, will the owners get any recompense from the Government?

Its not like they chose to close, they appear to be forcing the closures!

They'll get nothing. I saw this coming from the beginning. There's not a single government on earth that lets their citizens profit from stuff like this without taking its cut. The industry will get monopolized and only the big players will run things.

".....adhering to regulated CBD and THC thresholds" .So would that mean the "public" end of 20%+ THC weed?

People should look more into this GACP weed....

Its almost certain they will be growing PGR cannabis...PGR is a type of cannabis grown with the help of plant growth regulators. They're unregulated and can be harmful to health.

They are know to cause cancer in people...

 

But if the PGR weed they grow kills people thats ok as long as the rich get richer...