<h2>Thailand Revises Cannabis Policy: Medical Access Only</h2>
<p>In a significant policy shift on June 25, 2025, Thailand's government announced new regulations, recalibrating its approach to cannabis by restricting its use to medical purposes. Distributed via the Royal Gazette, these amendments reclassify cannabis as a controlled herb, necessitating a medical prescription for legal access. This marks a pivotal transition from the country's previous stance, where cannabis had been openly accessible. The Thai public health minister confirmed that unauthorized cannabis use is expected to remain a criminal activity as these changes take root.</p>
<p>Under the new regulations, cannabis can only be dispensed by authorized healthcare professionals, including certified traditional folk healers. Medical prescriptions must specify detailed treatment plans, with a cap on usage set at 30 days. Shifts in political backing and increased incidences of cannabis smuggling have been cited as primary drivers for this policy reversal.</p>
<h3>Regulatory Details and International Ramifications </h3>
<p>The updated guidelines specify several aspects of cannabis management: currently, only cannabis flowers are categorized as controlled substances. Special permits will be mandatory for the handling, research, or trade of cannabis flowers, ensuring traceability and adherence to Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP). Furthermore, transactions are restricted to licensed entities, with sales prohibited near sensitive areas like temples and public parks. Cannabis advertising and commercial promotions face a blanket ban.</p>
<p>The developments occur amidst rampant smuggling concerns and the exit of political supporters who initially endorsed broader legalization. The new directives aim to streamline and compartmentalize the cannabis sector, establishing Thailand as a tightly regulated market.</p>
<h3>Approved Medical Use and Market Adaptation</h3>
<p>The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) has outlined over 15 medical conditions qualifying for cannabis prescriptions, which include chronic illnesses like cancer, asthma, and depression. The DTAM is set to release an official prescription format to standardize the process, reinforcing the medical framework around cannabis use.</p>
<p>Initial legalization efforts in 2022 positioned Thailand as a pioneer within Asia for both medical and recreational cannabis use. However, political dynamics under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin have rekindled a more conservative regulatory landscape, pushing for medical exclusivity while the industry recalibrates.</p>
<h2>Economic Implications on the Cannabis Industry</h2>
<p>Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, contrary to a previous proposal to re-classify cannabis as a narcotic, announced the preservation of its legal status outside the narcotics category. This reversal comes amid forecasts of Thailand's burgeoning cannabis market reaching a potential value of $1.2 billion by 2025, buoyed by tourism and new dispensary openings.</p>
<p>The updated regulatory framework puts a spotlight on the dynamic interplay of political, economic, and cultural forces shaping Thailand's cannabis landscape, with significant implications for both domestic and international players in the cannabis sector.</p>
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