Bangkok – Thailand, which in 2022 became the first country in Asia to legalize cannabis by removing the plant from its narcotics list and allowing cultivation and use in food and beverages, is now moving toward stricter regulations on how cannabis may be sold and used.
From pioneer to stricter control
Thailand made international headlines in 2022 when it removed cannabis from the country’s narcotics classification, effectively becoming the first nation in Asia where adults could cultivate, possess, and use cannabis under relatively open conditions. The decision was part of a broader strategy to promote agriculture, medical research, and tourism.
During this period, the number of cannabis shops and cafés grew rapidly in cities such as Bangkok and tourist hubs like Phuket. However, the lack of clear regulations blurred the line between medical and recreational use, making oversight difficult.
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Policy revision – focus on medical use
As of 2025, the Thai government has significantly tightened regulations. Cannabis flowers are now classified as controlled herbs and may in practice only be sold to individuals with a valid medical prescription from a licensed practitioner. Recreational use and sales without a prescription are prohibited, with fines or imprisonment for violations.
The government has clarified that there is no “free cannabis” policy and that the focus is on shifting the industry from recreational consumption to a strictly medical framework.
Criticism and the road ahead
The rapid liberalization was followed by criticism from both the public and political actors, who argued that insufficient regulation made access too easy and increased concerns about youth exposure. Against this backdrop, authorities are now working to establish a more precise legal framework limiting cannabis to medical and research-related purposes.
Thailand therefore remains a key test case for cannabis policy in Asia, having moved from pioneer status to a more controlled and medically focused regulatory model.
What did USA threaten to do. They are the reason hemp is illegal in Japan after WWll