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Thailand Tightens Cannabis Laws, Requiring Prescriptions Amid Addiction Concerns and Political Pressure

Thailand will now require prescriptions for cannabis purchases, amid rising addiction concerns and renewed political efforts to re-criminalise the plant

Thailand is tightening its cannabis laws just two years after becoming the first Asian country to decriminalize the plant. Under a new order signed by Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, cannabis sales will be restricted to those with medical prescriptions. 

The measure, announced Monday, also proposes reclassifying cannabis buds as a controlled herb, a significant policy reversal that follows mounting concerns about public health and youth access.

The move comes amid growing criticism that loose regulations have made cannabis too easily accessible, especially to children, leading to a spike in addiction cases. Phanurat Lukboon, head of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, confirmed his agency is preparing to implement the new rules. A study by the agency last year revealed a sharp increase in cannabis addiction following decriminalisation.

Though the new order outlines restrictions, it does not specify penalties for violations. It will go into effect once published in the Royal Gazette, though no date has been confirmed.

Thailand’s decriminalisation in 2022 sparked a boom in cannabis-related tourism and agriculture, leading to the rapid growth of dispensaries nationwide. However, the regulatory vacuum has stirred backlash from health officials and conservative groups.

Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsab said the latest restrictions are necessary because widespread sales for both medical and recreational use had made cannabis too accessible, counteracting the government’s drug control efforts.

The ruling Pheu Thai Party had pledged to recriminalize cannabis but was previously blocked by its coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party, a key supporter of legalisation. That alliance fractured last week after Bhumjaithai exited the coalition following a leaked call between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.

Minister Somsak indicated on Tuesday that he supports eventually relisting cannabis as a narcotic. This push follows a reported surge in cannabis smuggling by foreign tourists in recent months.

In response, cannabis advocacy groups called the new regulations politically motivated. They announced plans to protest at the Health Ministry next month, vowing to oppose any attempt to criminalise cannabis use or sales once again.

Erizia Rubyjeana

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