Thailand may soon require a medical certificate to buy cannabis

Thailand is preparing for apply stricter regulations to regulate cannabis consumption, requiring medical certificates for the purchase of cannabis.

The new rule is expected to be announced in the 40 days, according to Somruek Chungsaman, Head of the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Department at the Ministry of Health.

«Anyone wishing to buy cannabis flowers to smoke, whether Thai or foreign, must have a medical prescription,» he told Reuters. This measure is designed to ensure that cannabis to be used for medical purposes only, and not for recreational consumption.

«We don't want people to say they've come to Thailand just to smoke cannabis. That gives a negative impression,» he added.

From cannabis boom to regulation

Thailand has become the first Asian country to decriminalize cannabis in 2022, This has led to a boom in the cannabis industry and related tourism. However, the lack of a comprehensive legal framework governing the sale, production or consumption of cannabis has led to an explosion in cannabis stores, especially in Bangkok and tourist towns like Phuket.

L’unregulated environment has raised concerns about abuse, including potential access by minors and the rapid expansion of cannabis-related businesses. Somsak Thepsutin, Thailand's Minister of Public Health, confirmed that a stricter legal framework was being drawn up.

«I will improve regulations on cannabis consumption in Thailand,» he told a press conference. «Cannabis smokers may have to present medical certificates. Foreign and Thai cannabis consumers will have to present medical certificates.»

A billion-dollar industry under pressure

Despite the’government plans to restrict recreational cannabis, No definitive measures have yet been taken. The sector, now estimated to be worth over a billion dollars a year, continues to operate in a semi-regulated space. Efforts to control its growth have been piecemeal: banning cannabis in schools, requiring transparent labelling for cannabis-infused products and, more recently, tightening airport security.

Airport and immigration authorities have stepped up their efforts to combat cannabis smuggling, particularly by foreign nationals. Reports indicate that the majority of cannabis seizures at airports involve British and Indian tourists. In a high-profile case in March, 22 suitcases containing 375 kg of cannabis were seized at Samui island's international airport, leading to the arrest of 13 foreigners, most of them British.

The British government has also been working with Thailand to combat international cannabis trafficking. A joint operation in February led to the seizure of more than two tons of cannabis, More than 50 British nationals have been arrested in Thailand since July 2023 for smuggling attempts.

Human rights activists oppose new rules

While the Thai government calls for greater control, the cannabis advocates believe that the mandatory prescription of’a doctor is excessive.

According to Prasitchai Nunual, general secretary of the Cannabis Future Network, the popularity of cannabis is already declining.

«Cannabis is not popular with young people. In fact, the number of smokers has not increased at all, which has led to the closure of many stores,» he said.

Despite this decline, the ministry of health is determined to adopt a comprehensive cannabis law. The bill is currently being drafted and will have to be approved by the Cabinet before being submitted to Parliament for debate. If adopted, it will probably formalize the obligation to medical cannabis prescription and will fill the regulatory gaps that have characterized the Thai cannabis industry since decriminalization.