BANGKOK – Thailand’s government is moving decisively to reinstate strict controls on cannabis, a dramatic policy reversal that stands to shake a nascent industry estimated to be worth over US$1 billion. The decision marks an abrupt end to a period of liberal access that began in 2022 when cannabis was removed from the country’s narcotics list, a move that had initially aimed to promote its medicinal and economic benefits but led to a widespread commercial boom, including extensive recreational use.\n\n## Political Context and Policy Shift\n\nThe push to reimpose controls follows recent political developments, notably the withdrawal of the Bhumjaithai Party, a key proponent of the initial decriminalization, from the ruling coalition last week. Sources indicated the party’s departure was linked, in part, to alleged disagreements regarding Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s handling of a sensitive border row with neighboring Cambodia. This political shift appears to have paved the way for a significant recalibration of the government’s stance on cannabis.\n\n## Detailing the New Regulations\n\nLate on Tuesday, Thailand’s Health Ministry issued a critical order outlining the framework for the new restrictions. The order explicitly prohibits the sale of cannabis for recreational use. Furthermore, it mandates a doctor’s prescription for any retail purchase of cannabis or cannabis products. These new rules are poised to take effect swiftly, taking legal force upon their official publication in the Royal Gazette.\n\nHealth Minister Somsak Thepsuthin provided further clarity on the government’s long-term intentions, stating definitively that cannabis “will be classified as a narcotic in the future.” This statement signals a potential return to a much stricter legal framework for the plant, reminiscent of its status before 2022.\n\n## Economic Repercussions\n\nThe industry that burgeoned following the 2022 decriminalization has seen explosive growth, supporting thousands of businesses ranging from dispensaries and cafes to farms and processing facilities. The estimated value of over US$1 billion reflects this rapid expansion. The Thai Chamber of Commerce had previously offered an even more optimistic forecast, projecting that the industry, including medicinal products and related businesses, could reach a value of $1.2 billion by 2025. The government’s abrupt policy shift introduces significant uncertainty into this burgeoning market, potentially jeopardizing investments and livelihoods.\n\n## Government Rationale\n\nGovernment spokesman Jirayu Houngsub articulated the primary motivations behind the policy reversal. He stated that the unregulated access resulting from the previous legal framework had created “serious social problems,” emphasizing particular concern for the well-being of children and young people. Mr. Houngsub underscored the government’s view that the policy “must return to controlling cannabis for medical use only,” indicating a clear intent to curb recreational consumption and prioritize health-focused applications under strict medical supervision.\n\n## Looking Ahead\n\nThe move marks a dramatic pivot for Thailand, ending its brief period as the first Southeast Asian nation to largely decriminalize cannabis. As businesses and consumers await the formal publication of the Health Ministry order in the Royal Gazette, the future of the country’s cannabis landscape appears set for a significant restructuring, leaning back towards a more controlled, medically-focused approach.
Thailand Moves to Recriminalize Cannabis, Unsettling US$1 Billion Industry
