Thailand tightens controls on medical cannabis sales

Thailand’s Public Health Ministry implemented stricter regulations on medical cannabis in 2026, restricting licenses to legally registered healthcare facilities, pharmacies, and herbal medicine shops. The new ministerial rules, effective this year, classify cannabis as a controlled herbal substance and mandate oversight for commercial activities like study, export, distribution, and processing. Only authorized premises can apply for licenses, with cannabis flower buds reserved for traditional Thai medicine practitioners and licensed folk healers under tighter controls. Dispensing now requires official prescriptions, limited to 30-day supplies per patient, and businesses must retain records for at least one year. Storage must comply with safety standards, including odor and smoke control systems. Dr. Tewan Thaneerat, deputy director-general of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, stated the measures prioritize public safety and professional supervision. Previously suspended or revoked businesses face potential denials for future license renewals. The department regulates only cannabis flower buds as controlled herbal products, requiring cultivation and harvesting certification for exporters and distributors. Authorities emphasize clearer medical cannabis standards while supporting Thailand’s legal herbal medicine industry. Licensed premises must employ staff trained in basic medical cannabis knowledge during operations. The rules aim to balance legal oversight with the long-term development of Thailand’s herbal medicine sector.