Thailand’s cabinet approved a bill on Tuesday that would restrict cannabis use to medical treatment and research, marking a third attempt to establish a comprehensive law since the drug was decriminalised in 2022.
Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said cannabis and cannabis extracts would be used for treatment by medical professionals or for research purposes. “This is to protect the health of people, especially children and youth, and prevent cannabis abuse,” he said.
Mr Pattana said the bill followed a regulatory impact assessment and extensive public hearings. Its guiding principle, he said, is that “cannabis must be used for medicinal and health interest, not for recreation”.
The proposed law would create a national committee, chaired by the public health minister, to set cannabis policy and supporting measures.
Businesses involved in growing, producing, importing, exporting or selling cannabis would need licences valid for three years, issued by the director-general of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine.
Licences would not be required to sell cannabis roots, stems, branches, leaves or seeds, or for medical professionals using cannabis to treat patients.
The bill would prohibit sales to anyone under 20, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women. Sales would also be barred at temples, schools, dormitories, public parks, zoos and amusement parks.
Advertising or promoting the consumption of cannabis buds, resin and related paraphernalia would be banned.
Illegal cultivation, production, import, export and sale could result in imprisonment and fines. People who misuse cannabis would face fines only.
Thailand removed cannabis from its list of narcotic drugs in June 2022, when Anutin Charnvirakul, now prime minister, was public health minister. Limited rules governing its use followed, and thousands of cannabis shops opened across the country.
Previous attempts by the Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai parties to pass cannabis legislation stalled before either bill became law.
Mr Pattana said earlier this year that Thailand had about 11,000 dispensaries, but estimated that only around 2,000 would meet the requirements to operate as clinics within three years.
