The government warns dentists against pre-signing cannabis prescriptions without patient diagnosis, which violates four important laws. Strict legal action will be taken if violations are found.
On 17 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Ploytale Laksamee Saengchan, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government continues its efforts. to strengthen control and monitoring of cannabis use with strict measures. Under the Ministry of Public Health announcement regarding Controlled Herbal Medicines (Cannabis) B.E. 2568 (2025 CE). Dentists are warned to be cautious when prescribing controlled herbal medicines (cannabis) using form Phor.Thor.33. They must not pre-sign such prescriptions without conducting patient diagnosis or providing patient services. If dental professionals are found to have pre-signed such prescriptions, strict legal measures will be enforced.
Ms. Ploytale added that dentists pre-signing prescriptions without examination are practicing below professional standards, violating dental ethics and the following laws:
1. Traditional Thai Medicine Protection and Promotion Act B.E. 2542 (1999) (this law controls "cannabis flower clusters" as controlled herbal medicine).
2. Narcotics Code B.E. 2564 (2021) (this law regulates "cannabis extracts" containing THC over 0.2%, classified as a Schedule 5 narcotic).
3. Dental Profession Act B.E. 2537 (1994) (this law governs dental ethics and licensing).
4. Medical Facilities Act B.E. 2541 (1998) (important operational conditions to be complied with under Section 34).
The Deputy Government Spokesperson concluded by stating: “Issuing controlled herbal medicine (cannabis) prescriptions (form Phor.Thor.33) without patient diagnosis or case-by-case service constitutes a violation of the Dental Council’s professional ethics regulation, Article 17. Dental professionals must not knowingly issue false certificates or provide dishonest opinions related to their profession.”