BANGKOK – Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has enacted significant amendments to the nation’s cannabis regulations, introducing stricter controls and mandatory certification requirements that took effect on June 26, 2025.
The changes, formally published in the Royal Gazette on June 25, 2025, amend the existing Announcement on Controlled Herbs (Cannabis) B.E. 2565. The revised framework impacts a broad spectrum of stakeholders within the burgeoning Thai cannabis sector, including growers, exporters, distributors, and consumers.
Mandatory Government Certification and Supply Chain Control
A cornerstone of the updated legislation is the strict control over cannabis cultivation and collection practices. The amendment mandates that all growers and exporters of cannabis must now obtain Good Agriculture and Collection Practices (GACP) certification exclusively from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM), a body operating under the Ministry of Public Health.
This represents a pivotal shift, as third-party GACP certifications, previously accepted, are no longer recognised under the new rules. The government-issued DTAM GACP certification is now the sole standard permitted.
The process for obtaining the DTAM GACP certification is detailed within the amendment. It involves verification by DTAM that applicants comply with specified standard operating procedures for cannabis agriculture and collection. This rigorous verification process is estimated to take between 60 to 90 days to complete before certification is granted.
Impact on Distribution and Export
The implications extend downstream the supply chain. Cannabis distributors, including dispensaries that have become increasingly common across Thailand, are now explicitly required to source cannabis flowers only from growers who possess the specific DTAM GACP certification. This measure aims to ensure that cannabis sold legally meets the government’s mandated quality and safety standards from cultivation through to the point of sale.
Exporters of cannabis are also directly affected. To prevent the seizure of shipments by Thai Customs, exporters must now present valid DTAM GACP certification for their products. This requirement underscores the government’s intent to control the quality and legality of cannabis leaving the country, aligning export standards with domestic production requirements.
Public Consumption and Quantity Limits
The amendment also addresses aspects of public consumption and prescribed use. It introduces a prohibition on smoking cannabis inside business premises. An exception is made only if the smoking is conducted under the direct supervision of a licensed medical practitioner. The eligible practitioners are defined as those licensed under the Medical Profession Act, the Thai Traditional Medicine Act, or the Dental Professional Act.
Furthermore, the legislation sets a limit on the quantity of cannabis that can be sold to individuals holding a prescription for medical use. The quantity is restricted to not exceed a 30-day supply for the patient. While the amendment does not explicitly define the quantity in grams, it appears to be arbitrarily interpreted or guided as a limit of 30 grams per patient per month.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite the clear intent to regulate the industry more stringently, certain practical challenges in implementing the new rules have been noted. Specifically, the method by which dispensaries are expected to verify a patient’s prior cannabis purchases to ensure compliance with the 30-day/30-gram limit remains unclear within the published amendment. This lack of explicit guidance could pose difficulties for retailers attempting to adhere strictly to the new quantity restrictions.
The comprehensive changes reflect a move towards tighter government control over Thailand’s cannabis industry following its significant liberalisation. The mandatory DTAM GACP certification requirement establishes a centralised quality standard for cultivation and export, while restrictions on smoking premises and prescribed quantities aim to manage public health and access. Stakeholders across the industry are now navigating these new regulations, with the coming months expected to reveal the full impact of the amendments effective June 26, 2025.
The Ministry of Public Health’s announcement marks a critical point in the evolution of Thailand’s cannabis policy, signalling a phase of consolidation and stricter enforcement aimed at building a more regulated and controlled market.
