Thailand Threatens Cannabis Shops with Severe Penalties

Thailand continues to shape its regulations on the Cannabis, with in fine a strictly regulated medical cannabis model.

The Department of Traditional and Alternative Thai Medicine (DTAM) recently issued new enforcement guidelines establishing stricter penalties for companies that fail to comply with the 2025 national regulations governing cannabis as a controlled substance.

Depending on the severity of the violation, operators face license suspensions ranging from 30 to 90 days, while repeat offenses or serious violations can now result in the permanent revocation of their license.

According to Dr. Thewan Thanirat, deputy director general of the DTAM, the goal is to ensure that regulatory authorities and companies follow the same rules, while supporting the development of a safe industry.

License Suspensions for Administrative and Commercial Violations

Under the new guidelines, companies may be subject to a 30-day suspension for administrative violations such as failure to maintain required records on site, submission of incomplete reports, or refusal to provide documents to the authorities.

The same penalty applies to operators who fail to comply with the Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) or equivalent standards when selling or exporting cannabis-based products. Businesses that do not clearly display their operating license, fail to provide an electronic copy during inspections, or advertise cannabis-based products for commercial purposes are also subject to a one-month suspension.

More serious offenses now result in a 90-day suspension. These include the Sale of cannabis without a prescription issued by a qualified practitioner or failure to report export activities to the authorities.

When multiple violations are found during an inspection, the suspension periods may be combined, provided that the total does not exceed 90 days.

Repeated violations may result in the permanent revocation of the license

The most severe penalties target practices that Thai authorities deem incompatible under the national framework for medical use.

Licenses will be permanently revoked for businesses that submit false reports, sell cannabis to prohibited groups—including people under the age of 20, students, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women—without a valid prescription, or allow cannabis use on their premises.

Other prohibited activities include the sale of cannabis through vending machines, online platforms, or other electronic channels, as well as engaging in this activity in restricted areas such as temples, college dormitories, and public parks.

Authorities also warned that companies committing the same violation a second time after serving a suspension could have their licenses revoked immediately.

Public consultation continues on Thailand's future cannabis law

At the same time, Thailand is moving forward with broader legislation aimed at shaping the long-term future of its Cannabis and hemp.

The DTAM has launched a second round of public consultation on the draft Cannabis and Hemp Act, inviting citizens, businesses, and stakeholders to submit their comments by July 1, 2026.

This consultation follows an initial phase that concluded in May, during which feedback was gathered on the general principles of the legislation. The current phase focuses on the specific provisions of the draft bill before it is reviewed by the Minister of Public Health and submitted to the Thai Cabinet.

Officials say the law aims to strike a balance between access to medical marijuana, economic opportunities for licensed businesses, and the protection of public health. It also aims to ease tensions surrounding cannabis policy by giving industry representatives and the general public a chance to voice their opinions before the bill moves on to the next stage of the legislative process.

While the bill will establish the regulatory framework for the sector, Thai officials have made it clear that any decision aimed at reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic substance is not within the DTAM's jurisdiction and would be handled by other government agencies.