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Thailand's Cannabis Law Rollercoaster Ride
Thailand's once-booming cannabis industry, valued at over $1 billion, is facing an uncertain future after the government reintroduced a ban on recreational use in June 2025. The abrupt policy shift has sent shockwaves through thousands of cannabis shops across the country, many of which now fear they'll be forced to shut down or operate illegally.
Since the landmark legalization of cannabis in 2022, dispensaries have flourished, particularly in tourist hotspots like Bangkok's famous Khao San Road. Colorful storefronts offering various strains and infused products became a staple in the area, catering to both locals and tourists seeking a legal high. But under the new rules, cannabis can only be purchased with a prescription from a licensed medical professional, drastically narrowing access and reshaping the market overnight.
The government has yet to finalize the operational details, leaving business owners scrambling for clarity. Some reports suggest dispensaries will need to re-register as medical clinics, a costly and complex process that many small businesses simply can't afford.
Natthakan Punyathanaworakit, a cannabis entrepreneur in Bangkok, has already closed one of her three shops due to mounting uncertainty.
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