Thailand, SEA — Thailand’s Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin moves to reinstate cannabis as a Category 5 narcotic again, 3 years after it was decriminalized.
In June 2022, cannabis was removed from the Thai narcotics list, making it one of Asia’s first countries to legalize its use.
The order was issued by the health minister last Tuesday (June 24, 2025), days after the Bhumjaithai Party–a primary advocate for cannabis use–left the government coalition.
Although the order will not be a total ban, restrictions will be placed to regulate and limit its use in the country, the health minister stated.
On the other hand, store owners are required to have doctors in-house to prescribe the right amount and strain to customers who need it for medical purposes, especially if a medical prescription is not present.
Long ago, Somsask had already criticized cannabis as a recreational use, yet he focused on preventing marijuana misuse in children when he joined the government in 2024.
Meanwhile, cannabis advocate groups in Thailand are planning to hold a rally in front of the Health Minister headquarters on July 7.
The order will take effect once it has been published in Thailand’s Royal Gazette, expected in the next 45 days. — Isa Estrellado, Contributor