Overview

• Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin’s June order reclassified cannabis as a “controlled herb” that can only be dispensed with a licensed medical prescription.
• Under the new rules, every cannabis retailer must be licensed as a medical clinic and employ an approved resident doctor to issue prescriptions.
• Health Ministry officials say just 2,000 of the country’s estimated 18,000 cannabis shops can meet the requirements and remain open by the end of the year.
• Prescription guidelines and enforcement protocols are still being finalised, and professionals must complete training approved by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine.
• Entrepreneurs warn that high compliance costs will force many small shops to close despite government claims the changes aim to enhance public safety and protect youth.