Did Thailand’s Weed Boom Backfire? New Rules Clamp Down on Cannabis Use

Once hailed as Asia’s cannabis pioneer, Thailand is now rolling back liberal policies, citing addiction, smuggling, and a legal vacuum.

Bangkok | June 29, 2025 — Three years after becoming the first country in Asia to legalize marijuana, Thailand has taken a major U-turn. New rules that came into effect this week restrict cannabis sales to medical use only — and a full recriminalization might be on the way.

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Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin told CNN that recreational use is over, and only those with a doctor’s prescription will be able to legally purchase cannabis.

“Cannabis is permitted for medical use only,” Somsak emphasized.

More than 18,000 dispensaries across Thailand will now have to adjust to tighter rules, including maintaining medical sales records and adhering to advertising bans. Shops face closure or fines — and possibly prison — for violations.

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From Weed Cafes to Crackdown

Since marijuana was decriminalized in 2022, a cannabis “green rush” saw dispensaries, weed cafés, hemp spas, and even Mike Tyson-branded gummies flood the market. But a lack of regulation led to a surge in recreational use, especially in tourist areas like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya.

The government’s failure to follow through with legislation created a loophole that allowed the recreational cannabis industry to flourish. Now, that loophole is being shut — and critics argue it’s too little, too late.

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Why the Sudden Shift?

Officials point to rising addiction among youth, public nuisance complaints, and increased smuggling. Between October 2024 and March 2025, 800 smugglers were arrested and over 9 tons of cannabis seized — many cases linked to tourists mailing products abroad.

In Phuket, proposals are underway to create cannabis-free zones, and tourists are being warned: Thailand is not a weed tourism destination.

Backlash from Cannabis Advocates

Many in the cannabis business say they’ve been blindsided.

“Once it was legalized, state officials failed to follow through,” said Ake Khattiyadamrong, a cannabis shop owner in Chonburi.

Activists argue that requiring doctor’s certificates is both ineffective and unfair, claiming that these certificates are easily purchased — turning regulation into a profit scheme for some doctors.

Kitty Chopaka, a prominent cannabis advocate, said the issue isn’t legal weed, but poor enforcement.

“If the existing rules were enforced, we wouldn’t be here,” she said.

Economic Fallout

Thailand’s cannabis market was once estimated to reach $1.2 billion by 2025, but that projection is now in doubt. Oversupply, falling prices, and inconsistent rules have already forced many businesses — including Chopaka’s own store — to shut down.

“There’s not enough sales… People buy directly from farms,” she added.

What’s Next?

Thailand’s government is preparing a new cannabis control bill, but parliamentary hurdles and political tensions may delay or dilute its passage. For now, sellers and farmers face uncertainty — while advocates push for clear, fair, and science-based rules.

“I want to see fair access,” Chopaka said. “I want to see rules that make sense.”

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Thailand cannabis law, Asia marijuana legalization, cannabis crackdown Thailand, Public Health Minister Somsak, cannabis shops Bangkok, weed tourism, marijuana smuggling, Thai cannabis industry, recreational weed ban, cannabis advocacy

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