Dispensaries have 3 years to shift to clinical use

BANGKOK: The Ministry of Public Health has begun implementing a full transition to cannabis use for medicinal purposes, allowing dispensaries a three-year timeframe to convert into medical clinics in order to continue operating.

https://www.thephuketnews.com/dispensaries-have-3-years-to-shift-to-clinical-use-99786.php

Well, we've already had 4 years of recreational cannabis sales, now we're going to get another 3. That seems to be an indication of how seriously the powers-that-be consider the issue.

Paul Laew

Thank you Anutin! He's a fairly good politician.

I'm sure there has been incredible pressure from NGOs and even the US to make it illegal again. This is almost Clinton-esque.

9 minutes ago, davb said:

I'm sure there has been incredible pressure from NGOs and even the US to make it illegal again. This is almost Clinton-esque.

Why do you think the USA would put pressure on Thailand about weed. Its legal in 24 states and the District of Columbia? No problems at all.

4 minutes ago, marin said:

Why do you think the USA would put pressure on Thailand about weed. Its legal in 24 states and the District of Columbia? No problems at all.

Those are states, but the federal government is against it, and even just passed new restrictions crushing even the hemp market. It's possible even Cannabis seeds have been made illegal with the legislation earlier this year.

3 minutes ago, davb said:

Those are states, but the federal government is against it, and even just passed new restrictions crushing even the hemp market. It's possible even Cannabis seeds have been made illegal with the legislation earlier this year.

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/what-the-federal-marijuana-policy-shift-means-for-cannabis-use-and-research

President Trump signed an executive order reclassifying the federal status of marijuana, categorizing it as a drug with less potential for harm and dependence. It's a major shift in policy that could have wide-ranging effects on cannabis use and research. William Brangham discussed more with Beau Kilmer of the RAND Drug Policy Research Center.

On 4/2/2026 at 5:00 PM, davb said:

Those are states, but the federal government is against it, and even just passed new restrictions crushing even the hemp market. It's possible even Cannabis seeds have been made illegal with the legislation earlier this year.

Americans Now Use Marijuana More Often Than Alcohol - An estimated 17.7 million people report using marijuana daily, compared to 14.7 million who drink alcohol.

Daily cannabis use overtakes drinking for first time in US

Long-term study shows 2022 was the first year daily or near-daily use of cannabis surpassed daily or near-daily drinking.