Thailand's cannabis landscape has undergone dramatic changes since 2022. After becoming the first Asian country to decriminalize cannabis, Thailand reversed course on June 25, 2025, when Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin introduced new regulations re-criminalizing recreational use. Cannabis is now medical-only, requiring a valid prescription. This guide explains exactly what's legal, what's not, and what foreigners need to know.
The recriminalization has had massive economic impact: of the 18,433 cannabis shops operating nationwide, 7,297 have shut down as of February 2026 after failing to renew licenses under stricter rules, leaving 11,136 still operating. New January 2026 regulations require all dispensaries to have medical supervision and certified practitioners on-site. Another 4,587 licenses expire in 2026 and 5,210 in 2027 — further closures are expected. Public health data shows a 3.5x increase in cannabis poisoning cases, a 6.5x increase in cannabis addiction, and a similar rise in cannabis-induced psychosis since 2022 decriminalization. The industry, valued at $1.2 billion, now operates under strict medical-only regulations. See sources: Nation Thailand, Al Jazeera, TIME, CNN.
Current Legal Status (February 2026)
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The June 25, 2025 Recriminalization
On June 25, 2025, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin introduced new regulations that took effect immediately. These regulations classified the cannabis flower (buds) as a controlled herb under the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medicine Knowledge Act B.E. 2542 (1999). Cannabis is now definitively medical-only in Thailand.
Key regulatory changes (Siam Legal, JusLaws):
- Cannabis flower classified as controlled herb - no longer freely available
- Valid medical prescription required for sale, possession, and consumption
- Prescriptions limited to 30 days validity - must be renewed
- 18,000+ cannabis stores affected - must now verify prescriptions
- 70+ shop closures in Bangkok in the first month of enforcement
- License suspension or permanent closure for unlicensed operations
This classification is important: cannabis flowers are NOT reclassified as a narcotic under the Narcotic Act. Instead, they're regulated under the traditional medicine framework, which has different (and generally less severe) penalties than narcotics violations.
Critical Point for Tourists
Many tourists arrive in Thailand expecting cannabis to be legal based on 2022-2024 news coverage. This is no longer accurate - cannabis was recriminalized on June 25, 2025. Purchasing from dispensaries without a prescription, consuming in public, or buying from unlicensed vendors can result in fines up to 25,000 THB (~$700) and imprisonment up to 3 months. See: CNN Travel Advisory.
Timeline: 2022 Decriminalization to 2025 Re-Criminalization
The Cannabis Regulatory Whiplash
Medical Cannabis Legalized First in SE Asia
Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to legalize medical cannabis, allowing use under strict medical supervision.
Full Decriminalization First in Asia
Thailand's FDA removed cannabis from the narcotics list. Possession, cultivation, distribution, and consumption all became legal. The government announced distribution of one million free cannabis plants to households.
Rapid Industry Growth Gray Area
Over 18,000 cannabis stores opened across Thailand. Industry valued at over $1 billion. Dispensaries operated in a legal gray area - technically medical-only but rarely enforcing prescription requirements.
Draft Restrictions Published Warning Signs
First draft of new restrictions released, signaling government intent to tighten regulations.
Comprehensive Bill Proposed Tightening
Ministry of Public Health proposed comprehensive bill to regulate cultivation, production, import, export, sale, and advertisement.
Cannabis Recriminalized Major Change
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin introduced new regulations classifying cannabis flower as a controlled herb. Now medical-only: sale, possession, and consumption require valid prescription (max 30 days). Penalties: fines up to 25,000 THB (~$700) and up to 3 months imprisonment. 18,000+ stores affected; 70+ closures in Bangkok in first month. Industry worth $1.2 billion impacted. (Al Jazeera)
Political Fallout Coalition Crisis
The Bhumjaithai Party, which championed cannabis legalization, withdrew from the ruling coalition over policy disagreements including cannabis re-regulation.
Anutin Becomes PM Political Shift
Anutin Charnvirakul (Bhumjaithai Party leader and the "Cannabis King" who championed 2022 decriminalization) became Thailand's Prime Minister. Despite his pro-cannabis history, the medical-only framework remains in effect.
New Dispensary Regulations Tightened
New ministerial regulations require all dispensaries to have medical supervision and certified traditional medicine practitioners on-site. 7,297 of 18,433 shops shut down after failing to renew licenses. Only 1,339 shops (15.5%) successfully renewed under stricter rules. 11,136 shops remain operating.
General Election Policy Uncertainty
Thailand holds general election on February 8, 2026. Most political parties (including Bhumjaithai) now vow to limit cannabis to medical use only. Drug policy could shift depending on new government, but full re-legalization is extremely unlikely. The Cannabis & Hemp Act still awaits passage.
What Tourists CAN and CANNOT Do
The following lists clarify exactly what activities are permitted and prohibited for tourists and foreigners in Thailand as of January 2026, following the June 25, 2025 recriminalization.
What You CAN Do (Since June 25, 2025)
- Obtain medical cannabis with a valid Thai prescription from a licensed Thai practitioner (prescription valid max 30 days)
- Purchase CBD products containing less than 0.2% THC from licensed retailers
- Consume prescribed medical cannabis in private spaces only
- Visit licensed clinics to discuss medical cannabis options (some serve foreigners)
What You CANNOT Do (Since June 25, 2025)
- Purchase cannabis buds without a valid Thai prescription (recriminalized June 2025)
- Possess cannabis without a valid prescription
- Consume cannabis recreationally (even in private) - now requires prescription
- Consume cannabis in any public space (even with prescription)
- Bring cannabis into Thailand (even with a foreign prescription)
- Take cannabis out of Thailand (under any circumstances)
- Purchase from unlicensed street vendors (70+ shops closed in Bangkok for violations)
- Use foreign medical marijuana cards or prescriptions - Thai prescription required
- Smoke near schools, temples, or religious sites
Foreign Prescriptions Are NOT Valid
Your medical marijuana card from California, Canada, or any other jurisdiction has no legal effect in Thailand. You cannot bring cannabis from your home country, even with a valid foreign prescription. You must obtain a new prescription from a licensed Thai practitioner.
Penalties for Recreational Use
Violations of Thailand's cannabis laws can result in significant penalties. The severity depends on the nature of the offense and the circumstances.
| Offense | Penalty (as of June 25, 2025) |
|---|---|
| Public consumption without prescription | Fine up to 25,000 THB (~$700) + up to 3 months imprisonment |
| Possession without valid prescription | Fine up to 25,000 THB + up to 3 months imprisonment |
| Purchase without prescription | Fine up to 25,000 THB + up to 3 months imprisonment |
| Unlicensed cannabis sales | License suspension or permanent closure, criminal prosecution |
| Operating unlicensed dispensary | Business closure, fines, potential criminal charges |
| Import (smuggling) | Immediate seizure and criminal prosecution |
| Export (any amount) | Strictly illegal - severe penalties including imprisonment |
| Consumption near schools/temples | Enhanced penalties - enforcement prioritized |
Source: Siam Legal, JusLaws
Important Legal Context
Ignorance of the law is never accepted as a defense in Thai courts. The fact that cannabis was legal in 2022-2024 does not protect you from prosecution for violations after June 2025. Police are especially vigilant in tourist areas.
Dispensary Status in 2026
The status of Thailand's thousands of cannabis dispensaries remains complex. Here's what you need to know:
The Numbers (February 2026)
- 18,433 total shops were operating nationwide as of December 28, 2025 (Nation Thailand)
- 8,636 licenses expired in 2025 — of those, only 1,339 (15.5%) renewed
- 7,297 shops shut down rather than comply with stricter requirements
- 11,136 shops still operating with valid licenses
- 4,587 licenses expire in 2026 and 5,210 in 2027 — more closures expected
- January 2026 regulations: dispensaries must now have medical supervision and certified traditional medicine practitioners on-site
- Online sales and vending machines: prohibited under new rules
Licensed Dispensaries
- Still operating: 11,136 dispensaries continue under the medical-only framework
- Prescription required: All sales of cannabis buds require a valid Thai prescription
- Medical supervision: New Jan 2026 rules require certified practitioners on-site
- Verification: Legitimate dispensaries will verify your prescription before selling
- CBD products: Can be sold without prescription if they contain less than 0.2% THC
Unlicensed Vendors
- Still visible: Some unlicensed vendors continue to operate, especially in tourist areas
- Buyer beware: Purchasing from unlicensed vendors is illegal
- No protection: If you're caught buying from unlicensed vendors, you face prosecution
- Product safety: Unlicensed products have no quality control
High-Risk Tourist Scenarios
Police in tourist areas are aware that many visitors expect cannabis to be legal. Street vendors who openly display cannabis products may be operating illegally. Just because something is openly sold does not mean it's legal. You bear full legal responsibility for your purchases.
The Pending Cannabis & Hemp Act
Thailand's cannabis regulations remain fragmented because comprehensive legislation has not yet passed. The Cannabis & Hemp Act, under review since 2024, would create a unified regulatory framework.
Expected Provisions
- Cannabis Control Board (CCB): New governing body to oversee the entire industry
- Unified Licensing System: Single authority for all cannabis-related permits
- Clear Definitions: Harmonized rules and terminology
- Complete Penalty Structure: Standardized consequences for violations
Current Regulatory Gaps
Until the Cannabis & Hemp Act passes, the following issues persist:
- No single cannabis law — fragmented ministerial directives
- No unified licensing authority — multiple agencies involved
- Inconsistent enforcement — varies by location and circumstance
- Legal ambiguity in edge cases
February 2026 Election & Political Outlook
Thailand held a general election on February 8, 2026. Most political parties — including the Bhumjaithai Party that originally championed decriminalization — now vow to limit cannabis to medical use only. The IDPC has called for the next government to advance evidence-based drug policies rather than policing-led approaches. Full re-legalization is extremely unlikely regardless of election outcomes.
Public Health Data Driving Policy
Since the 2022 decriminalization, Thailand's Health Data Center recorded a 3.5x increase in cannabis poisoning cases, a 6.5x increase in cannabis addiction, and a comparable rise in cannabis-induced psychosis. This public health data is the primary driver behind the medical-only pivot and has bipartisan support across Thai political parties.
Recommendations for Foreigners
Given the current regulatory environment, here are practical recommendations for tourists and expats:
- Verify current laws before traveling: Regulations can change rapidly. Check with the Thai embassy or official sources before your trip.
- Never possess cannabis without a valid Thai prescription: Foreign prescriptions have no legal effect.
- Keep all documentation: If you legally obtain medical cannabis, keep your prescription and receipts on hand at all times.
- Consume only in private spaces: Even with a valid prescription, public consumption is prohibited.
- Never attempt to transport cannabis: Do not bring cannabis into or out of Thailand under any circumstances.
- Avoid unlicensed vendors: Just because something is openly sold does not make it legal.
- Stay updated: The regulatory landscape is evolving. Monitor Thai government announcements.
If You Need Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis remains legal in Thailand. If you have a legitimate medical need, see our guide on how foreigners can access medical cannabis in Thailand. Licensed clinics in Bangkok, Phuket, and other cities can evaluate your condition and issue valid prescriptions.
Related Cannabis Guides
Key Takeaways
- Cannabis was recriminalized on June 25, 2025 - this is no longer uncertain, it happened
- Recreational cannabis is ILLEGAL - medical-only since June 2025
- Medical cannabis remains LEGAL with a valid Thai prescription (max 30 days validity)
- Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin introduced the new regulations
- Cannabis flower classified as "controlled herb" under traditional medicine law
- 7,297 shops shut down (of 18,433) — only 11,136 remain operating
- Jan 2026 rules: dispensaries must now have medical supervision on-site
- 4,587 more licenses expire in 2026 and 5,210 in 2027
- Industry worth $1.2 billion now operates under strict medical-only rules
- Penalties: fines up to 25,000 THB (~$700) + up to 3 months imprisonment
- Public health: 3.5x increase in poisoning, 6.5x increase in addiction since 2022
- CBD products (under 0.2% THC) remain legal with restrictions
- Foreign prescriptions are not recognized - Thai prescription required
- Political context: Bhumjaithai withdrew from coalition; Anutin became PM Sep 2025; Feb 8 2026 election held; all major parties support medical-only
Thailand's cannabis experiment from 2022-2024 attracted global attention, but the regulatory pendulum swung decisively back toward restriction on June 25, 2025. While the framework is less punitive than full narcotic classification, recreational use is now definitively illegal. Foreigners should exercise extreme caution and not assume that outdated 2022-2024 information still applies.
Sources
- Nation Thailand: Over 7,000 cannabis shops close due to stricter regulations (Feb 2026)
- Nation Thailand: 7,000+ cannabis shops close as rules tighten (Jan 2026)
- Al Jazeera: Thailand moves to re-criminalise cannabis
- TIME: Thailand Cannabis Recriminalization
- CNN: Thailand Cannabis Laws Tourism Impact
- Siam Legal: Cannabis Made Illegal Again
- JusLaws: Amendment to Cannabis Laws June 25, 2025
- IDPC: Thailand drug policy challenges ahead of 2026 election
- Formichella & Sritawat: Thailand's 2025 Cannabis Regulatory Overhaul