<h2>Thailand's Evolving Cannabis Policy: A Return to Medical Use</h2>
<p>The landscape of cannabis legislation in Thailand is undergoing significant changes. As of June 2025, the Thai government announced a policy shift that limits cannabis access to medical purposes only. This move reclassifies cannabis flowers as controlled herbs and implements stringent licensing requirements, effectively criminalizing unauthorized cannabis consumption. These changes, initially reported by The Nation, also impose restrictions on sales, allowing only certified practitioners, such as traditional healers, to distribute cannabis under tightly regulated conditions. Users of medical cannabis are now limited to a maximum usage period of 30 days, reflecting the country's renewed caution towards cannabis regulation.</p>
<p>Under these new rules, cannabis flowers are now classified as controlled herbs, requiring special licenses for research, sale, export, or processing. Licensees must regularly report and document the sources and intended uses of the plants. Furthermore, sales are restricted to certified suppliers, and only from sources that meet Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) standards. The Thai government has also banned cannabis advertising and commercial sales near sensitive locations like temples and public parks, reinforcing its commitment to controlled cannabis use.</p>
<h2>New Leadership and Future of Cannabis Legalization in Thailand</h2>
<p>On September 5, 2025, Thailand welcomed a new prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, known for his role in advocating cannabis decriminalization. Charnvirakul, a seasoned politician with previous roles as health minister and deputy prime minister, is recognized for his pragmatic approach. His rise to premiership follows the removal of former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra via a court ruling. Charnvirakul's track record includes instrumental efforts in managing the COVID-19 pandemic and advocating for cannabis policy reforms.</p>
<p>Charnvirakul's leadership marks a potential turning point for cannabis policy in Thailand. His previous declaration in July 2024, when serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, emphasized that cannabis would not be relisted as a narcotic—a decision that supports its cultivation, possession, and consumption. This stance mirrors his longstanding commitment to the cannabis industry, which he believes can contribute significantly to the national economy and agricultural sectors.</p>
<h2>Cannabis Industry Growth Amid Regulatory Changes</h2>
<p>Thailand's journey to becoming the first Asian nation to decriminalize cannabis began in 2018 with medical legalization and was followed by decriminalization in 2022. This progressive stance resulted in booming business and tourism, though regulatory clarity was lacking, leading to disputes among political entities. The growing cannabis industry, projected to reach a value of $1.2 billion by 2026, fueled the establishment of numerous dispensaries and promoted cannabis as a lucrative cash crop for farmers.</p>
<p>Canna Daily News highlights the significance of Thailand's evolving cannabis narrative. While the new government regulations indicate a cautious retreat to medical use, the commitment of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to cannabis policy reform suggests that the possibility of broader legalization remains on the horizon. The potential expansion of the cannabis market under new leadership could have lasting impacts on Thailand's economy and its legal landscape.</p>
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