Thailand Ban Cannabis: What You Need to Know About the 2024–2025 Law Changes
In 2022, Thailand made international headlines by becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to decriminalize cannabis. This landmark decision sparked a rapid boom in cannabis dispensaries, farms, wellness clinics, and related businesses across the country. However, just a few years later, the Thai government reversed course, leading to widespread discussion about a Thailand cannabis ban.
By 2024, clear steps were taken to ban recreational cannabis in Thailand and return the plant to a tightly controlled legal status.
Government Moves to Ban Recreational Cannabis in Thailand
In early 2024, Thailand’s Health Minister, Cholnan Srikaew, announced plans to end recreational cannabis use by the end of the year. The government cited rising concerns about misuse, public health risks, and the impact on young people.
Proposed regulations focused on:
- Limiting cannabis use strictly to medical and health-related purposes
- Introducing fines and criminal penalties for recreational use
- Requiring licenses for cultivation, distribution, and prescriptions
- Increasing oversight of cannabis clinics and suppliers
By May 2024, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin publicly supported re-listing cannabis as a narcotic drug, instructing the Ministry of Public Health to amend existing laws. This announcement significantly accelerated fears of a full Thailand cannabis ban.
Reclassification of Cannabis as a Narcotic
The most critical development came with the reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic substance, effectively ending Thailand’s brief period of liberal cannabis policy. While medical cannabis remains legal, its use is now highly regulated and restricted to approved medical conditions under professional supervision.
This change marked a decisive shift away from recreational cannabis and confirmed that Thailand no longer allows free cannabis use.
Impact on Thailand’s Cannabis Industry
The policy reversal had major consequences for the cannabis industry:
- Thousands of dispensaries faced closure or forced transition to medical-only models
- Investors raised concerns about lost capital and legal uncertainty
- Cannabis tourism sharply declined
- Small businesses struggled to meet new licensing and compliance requirements
Industry groups warned that the rapid policy change damaged confidence in Thailand’s regulatory environment and left many entrepreneurs in legal limbo.
Why Are There Rumors About a Thailand Cannabis Ban in 2025?
Searches for “Thailand ban cannabis 2025” increased due to confusion caused by rapid legal changes in 2024. While discussions continued into 2025, the rumors largely stem from:
- Government announcements signaling stricter enforcement
- The reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic
- Unclear timelines during the transition period
- Media headlines oversimplifying complex legal reforms
These factors created the impression of a future ban, even though most restrictions were already implemented earlier.
Is Cannabis Banned in Thailand Today?
As of March 31, 2025, cannabis in Thailand is restricted to medical use only. Recreational use, possession without authorization, and unlicensed cultivation are illegal and can result in fines or criminal penalties.
Important for Travelers and Expats:
- Do not assume cannabis is legal because of past policies
- Medical cannabis requires proper documentation and prescriptions
- Possession without approval can lead to serious legal consequences
Conclusion
Thailand’s cannabis policy has come full circle. After pioneering decriminalization in 2022, the country has now effectively banned recreational cannabis and reinstated strict controls. Anyone searching for information about the Thailand cannabis ban should understand that the law has already changed, and compliance is essential.
If you’re traveling, investing, or living in Thailand, staying informed about current cannabis laws is crucial to avoid legal trouble.
