Thousands of Cannabis Shops Shut Down After Rules Tightened

Thailand Closes Thousands of Cannabis Shops After Rules Tightened

Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has confirmed that more than 7,000 cannabis retailers shut down in 2025 after most failed to renew licences under stricter government regulations. The Cabinet-approved framework now demands that cannabis sellers operate from designated facilities and that only authorised medical professionals can prescribe products. Prior rules from 2016 have been replaced to improve oversight of sales, processing and consumer safety. Only about 15.5 per cent of establishments applied for renewal, leaving the majority to cease operations as their permits lapsed. The new regime also tightens requirements around storage conditions and trained staffing for businesses in the sector.