Health
Thai Cabinet Approves Draft Law Restricting Cannabis to Medical Use
The Thai Cabinet has approved a new draft bill to strictly regulate cannabis, limiting its use exclusively to medical purposes and increasing penalties for violations.
On September 22, 2026, the Thai Cabinet officially approved a draft bill aimed at tightening the regulation of cannabis. According to Prachachat Business, the government is emphasizing that cannabis will be permitted strictly for medical purposes only.
Key provisions of the draft include significantly harsher penalties for non-compliance. Existing cannabis shops will be required to transition into licensed medical facilities once their current permits expire. These facilities must have a resident doctor on-site to oversee the prescription and dispensing of cannabis products. Furthermore, authorities are preparing to deploy inspection teams nationwide, with a specific focus on major tourist destinations, to ensure strict adherence to these new standards.
For residents and travelers, this shift signals a move away from the previous, more permissive environment toward a highly regulated medical framework. Those currently operating or visiting cannabis-related businesses should be aware that the regulatory landscape is changing toward a clinical model.
What remains to be confirmed is the specific timeline for the implementation of these new regulations and the exact criteria for the transition of existing businesses into medical facilities. Travelers are advised to monitor official government announcements regarding the legal status of cannabis products, as enforcement protocols in tourist areas are expected to become more rigorous.