"Phatthana Phonphat," the Minister of Public Health, has dashed hopes of recreational cannabis enthusiasts, announcing clearly that the current government has no policy for a second round of cannabis liberalization. He unveiled a three-year timeline forcing 12,000 cannabis shops nationwide to convert into medical clinics, emphasizing immediate arrests for illegal sales for smoking.
1. Current legal status: "Controlled herb" not a narcotic, but "free smoking" is prohibited.
Although cannabis has not been fully reclassified as a Category 5 narcotic, the government has declared it remains a "controlled herb," permitting use only "for medical and therapeutic purposes." The policy promoting home cultivation of six plants per household is ended, and any recreational use (smoking or vaping for entertainment) is strictly banned.
2. Fate of 12,000 cannabis shops nationwide.
The Ministry of Public Health has laid out a clear roadmap to regulate approximately 12,000 cannabis shops by allowing existing licenses to expire gradually according to the timeline and enforcing a transition as follows:
New conditions. Shops whose licenses expire and wish to continue business must upgrade and convert into "medical clinics" staffed continuously during operating hours by licensed Thai traditional or professional medical practitioners. Regular retail shops will no longer be allowed to sell cannabis.
3. Strict rules for buyers and establishments.