Thailand to Mandate Prescriptions for Cannabis Sales

BANGKOK, July 9 (TNA) – Thailand’s Public Health Ministry announced Tuesday that cannabis dispensaries will now require a doctor’s prescription for sales, a move to tighten control over the industry. The ministry will train medical professionals to issue these prescriptions.

Dr. Tanakrit Jitareerat, Secretary to the Public Health Minister, stated that a tenfold increase in cannabis use post-decriminalization prompted new controls. A Public Health Ministry announcement now designates cannabis as a doctor-controlled herbal plant, requiring medical prescriptions for sales and mandating standardized production sources.

Additionally, the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine introduced a specific herbal prescription form. This ensures dispensaries sell only with a doctor’s prescription, enabling full traceability of cannabis origin and sales.

The ministry assured the 18,000 existing shops remain unaffected, with clarity provided by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. Training for doctors begins July 16, followed by vendor training on July 17.

Home cultivation for personal use is permitted, but selling without authorization will lead to legal action. New regulations for all licenses are currently under public consultation until July 12, 2025. -819 (TNA)