Thai government approves cannabis regulation

The Cabinet, the principal executive body of the Thai government, approved the proposed regulations on cannabis and hemp.

The proposed rules, presented by the ministry of public health, establishes clearer guidelines following their removal from the List of Schedule 5 controlled substances September 9, 2022.

Implementation of regulations

The government’s recent efforts are a response to the ambiguity surrounding the use of cannabis and hemp products since their partial legalization.

Although the plants are no longer classified as narcotics, products derived from them, including THC concentration exceeds 0.21% will be restricted to medical use, like other substances in Category 5.

Under the bill, cannabis or its extracts may be used for medical treatments and research conducted by government agencies, in addition to their use in herbal products, foods, and cosmetics containing up to 0.21% THC.

Companies that wish to work with cannabis will have to go through the now-simplified licensing procedures, which include permits for production, import, export, sale, and possession, as explained by Dr. Surachoke Tangwiwat, Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Thai.

The Thai government's decision is closely aligned with the Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and the current administration, which hopes to capitalize on cannabis and hemp as potential sources of revenue.

According to the policy statement published in September, the administration intends to utilize the economic potential of these plants by promoting their use for medical and commercial purposes. The Prime Minister estimates that cannabis and hemp could contribute up to 200 billion baht (5.5 billion euros) annually to the economy, a substantial source of revenue for Thailand.

Thailand will host the next Asia International Hemp Expo 2024, scheduled for November 27–30 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok. The event is expected to attract more than 10,000 visitors and feature booths from over 200 companies.

By providing international stakeholders with a platform to explore Thailand’s cannabis and hemp offerings, the government hopes to further stimulate growth and attract investment.