Thailand is set to recriminalize cannabis, affecting an industry valued over $1 billion that flourished after its decriminalization in 2022. This shift follows the departure of the Bhumjaithai Party, which had supported legalization, from the ruling coalition amid political tensions regarding a border issue with Cambodia. The health ministry announced a prohibition on recreational cannabis sales, now requiring a doctor’s prescription for retail purchases. Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin indicated that cannabis will soon be reclassified as a narcotic.
Since decriminalization, thousands of cannabis shops have emerged across Thailand, particularly in tourist areas, prompting estimates that the sector could be worth $1.2 billion by 2025, including medicinal products. However, unregulated access has raised social concerns, especially regarding youth usage. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub emphasized a return to controlling cannabis strictly for medical purposes.
This move has left industry figures like Punnathat Phutthisawong, a dispensary worker, astonished, as many have invested heavily in cannabis businesses. Activists, such as Chokwan Kitty Chopaka, argue that the industry is caught in political turmoil, stifling sustainable growth.
While some cannabis shops in popular areas like Khao San Road still see customers, including international tourists, there is uncertainty about the future of these businesses. Tourists, like Australian visitor Daniel Wolf, remarked on the proliferation of cannabis shops and questioned the government’s ability to reverse the current trend. Overall, the latest developments signal a significant shift in Thailand’s cannabis policy, raising concerns for business owners and advocates alike.
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