Thailand Committee Reviews Cannabis Controls

Thailand’s House Public Health Committee is reviewing the country’s cannabis policy amid growing concerns over widespread sales, legal loopholes and public health risks. The committee is considering whether cannabis should be returned to the narcotics list, a move that could have significant implications for farmers, businesses and consumers.

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The review follows concerns that uncontrolled sales and unregistered cultivation have expanded since cannabis was liberalised in June 2022. A meeting chaired by Sakoltee Phattiyakul on 18 June brought together representatives from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), medical networks, academics and civic groups campaigning against drug-related harms.

The debate highlighted sharp divisions over cannabis regulation. Medical and anti-drug groups support temporarily returning cannabis to narcotics control while a dedicated cannabis law is developed. Cannabis operators and civic networks oppose the proposal, arguing it could harm farmers and businesses attempting to operate legally.

Dr Tewan Thaneerat, deputy director-general of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, said concerns had continued since legalisation. He noted that the Public Health Ministry introduced three regulations in June 2025 covering research, sales, processing and exports in line with international standards.

Officials are now working on a new cannabis and hemp bill alongside the FDA, the Department of Health Service Support and the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Public Health. The draft was previously submitted to the Cabinet but was not considered before Parliament was dissolved. Public hearings are expected to conclude by late July before the bill is resubmitted.

Ekkapop Sittiwantana, deputy chairman of the committee from the People’s Party, said cannabis should be returned to the narcotics list until the new law is enacted. He warned that widespread unregistered cultivation and informal sales had created loopholes that could be exploited by grey businesses and called for proper registration of cannabis plants.

Assoc Prof Dr Smith Srisont, representing doctors, academics and civic groups opposed to drug-related harms, also supported tighter controls. He argued that despite extracts containing more than 0.2% THC remaining classified as narcotics, cannabis availability had already created practical concerns and that narcotics control should be restored before a separate regulatory law is introduced.

The FDA told the committee that most inspected cannabis products met labelling and testing standards. However, it said many sales channels remain outside the legal system, creating enforcement challenges.

Cannabis operators and the Thai Cannabis Future Network argued that legal businesses face unfair competition from the black market, illegal imports and ongoing legal uncertainty. The network also raised concerns about alleged pressure linked to cannabis licensing and the cost of obtaining medical prescriptions.

The Nation reported that Sakoltee concluded the meeting by directing officials to compile a list of all licensed cannabis shops in Bangkok and FDA-certified cannabis products for review. The committee will also examine cannabis-related harm and consider both public-sector proposals and the Public Health Ministry’s draft bill as lawmakers seek a balanced regulatory framework.

Picture courtesy of The Nation

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 21 June 2026

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