Thailand tightens cannabis sales as dispensaries face closure ahead of election

Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis in 2022, but has since tightened its regulation in a series of policy changes.

According to a draft of an amended Health Ministry regulation on “controlled herbs”, sales of cannabis will only be allowed at medical facilities, stores selling herbal products, pharmacies, and through traditional medicine practitioners.

Establishments must also have at least one practitioner, who has completed training from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, on duty during operating hours, according to the draft regulation.

The changes are currently under legal review, after which it will be signed and implemented, according to local media reports citing Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat, who did not give further details on the timeline.

He added that the changes will not affect patients who rely on cannabis for medical purposes.