Thailand, which made global headlines in 2022 as the first Asian nation to decriminalize cannabis, is now on course to reverse this landmark decision. In a move driven by political turbulence and regulatory concerns, the Public Health Ministry is finalizing new rules that will criminalize non-medical cannabis, sparking fears of a clampdown on the booming cannabis industry.

At the center of this reversal is the collapse of political consensus between the ruling Pheu Thai Party, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and the Bhumjaithai Party, which originally championed the decriminalization policy. With Bhumjaithai exiting the coalition last week over unrelated diplomatic tensions, its influence in protecting the cannabis reforms has now effectively ended.

From Policy Pioneer to Crackdown

Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced this week that a new notification from the health ministry will soon come into effect, mandating prescriptions for cannabis use and classifying the plant once again as a controlled narcotic substance — but only for non-medical purposes.

"It’s a festering problem and we have received so many complaints,” Somsak told the press. “Today it is classified as a strictly regulated herb for medical uses, but in the future it will be a narcotic.”

The decision follows public consultation conducted from May 22 to June 15, and the final rules will be implemented imminently. This change aims to curb the widespread recreational use and address the unregulated boom of dispensaries, which number over 10,000 nationwide, including many in tourist hotspots and Bangkok's business districts.

Thailand’s Cannabis Industry at a Crossroads

The decriminalization in 2022, hailed as a groundbreaking policy, allowed cannabis to be removed from the national narcotics list. This ushered in a rapid surge in dispensaries, but without robust laws, the industry remained largely unregulated. While it boosted tourism, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, it also drew criticism for health risks, cross-border smuggling, and underage consumption.

The lack of a clear legal framework has led to policy confusion and political infighting, with Pheu Thai pushing for stricter control and Bhumjaithai defending the liberal cannabis economy. Their ongoing feud played out in Parliament since they formed a coalition in 2023.

But with Bhumjaithai’s sudden departure last week amid a controversy over border tensions, Pheu Thai now faces little resistance in pushing its hardline anti-drug agenda forward.

New Measures and Future Outlook

Under the new directive:

• Cannabis use will be restricted to medical purposes only

• All dispensaries will require a licensed medical doctor on-site to operate

• The draft cannabis bill, which previously aimed to regulate use, sales, and exports of cannabis, is now likely to be scrapped

This leaves Thailand’s cannabis future uncertain. The full-fledged Cannabis Control Bill, which was introduced in September 2024, has not progressed beyond a draft and is expected to be dropped entirely.

Bhumjaithai, despite no longer being in power, voiced its frustration. It accused Pheu Thai of stalling the legislative process and called for expedited consideration of the bill.

Minister Somsak rejected the criticism outright:

“That’s just a daydream,” he remarked.

Political Turmoil and Ideological Clashes

Cannabis policy has become a symbolic wedge issue between conservative and progressive camps in Thailand. While Bhumjaithai marketed legalization as a tool for economic empowerment, rural growth, and medical advancement, Pheu Thai has treated it as a national drug policy liability, arguing it undermines law enforcement and public health.

Tensions had been building since the coalition was formed. Pheu Thai had previously attempted to impose strict controls on cannabis only to withdraw plans after strong opposition from Bhumjaithai. But with their ally gone, Pheu Thai is now free to enact its prohibitionist stance.

Impact on Industry and Tourism

Thailand’s cannabis market, estimated to be worth billions of baht, had already attracted significant foreign investment, particularly in the health, wellness, and tourism sectors. Tourists flocked to Thailand as Asia’s most weed-friendly country, with dispensaries operating with minimal restrictions.

The re-criminalization effort is likely to:

• Trigger legal battles from cannabis business owners

• Lead to mass closures of dispensaries

• Reduce international investor confidence

• Impact medical cannabis accessibility, especially in rural areas

Though cannabis will remain legal only for medicinal use, the licensing burden and enforcement standards could make compliance difficult for smaller players.

Uncertain Future for Entrepreneurs and Consumers

For many small-scale farmers, entrepreneurs, and wellness brands, this policy reversal could spell disaster. The government’s shift toward heavy-handed regulation is likely to create entry barriers and may benefit larger pharmaceutical or medical institutions over grassroots cannabis businesses.

Meanwhile, cannabis advocates have raised concerns about lack of scientific debate and public education around the issue. Many believe Thailand is losing an opportunity to become the regional leader in responsible cannabis commercialization, instead bowing to political pressure and conservative ideology.

Conclusion: From Trailblazer to Crackdown

Thailand’s cannabis journey—from bold decriminalization in 2022 to the proposed re-criminalization in 2025—highlights the fragile intersection of health policy, political alliances, and economic experimentation.

While medical use will continue, the government’s decision to reverse recreational use policies marks a clear departure from its progressive stance, likely leaving the country’s cannabis entrepreneurs, health practitioners, and consumers in legal and operational limbo.

As the final notification awaits formal enforcement, and with the Cannabis Bill’s future bleak, Thailand may no longer remain the weed haven it once promised to be.

Let me know if you'd like this article repurposed into a visual infographic, summary, or comparison with global cannabis policies.

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