The Ministry of Public Health is pushing to enact a new ministerial regulation on cannabis before the next government takes office, with the draft now under review by the Office of the Council of State.
The regulation, recently forwarded for legal scrutiny, would mark a major shift in the cannabis sector by restricting sales to designated venues such as hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, herbal shops and authorised folk‑healer premises. Sellers would be required to obtain licences from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, which also provides mandatory training.
Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said the ministry had submitted the draft for consideration, though it remained unclear whether approval would come in time. "I will sign the regulation the moment it reaches me, and it will take effect immediately," he said.
"As for the next government, I cannot predict whether cannabis policy will change, but if it stays on the same course, the bill can proceed."
He noted that the draft would not need to return to cabinet even if delayed; a new minister could either continue with it or scrap it, depending on policy direction.
According to the department, Thailand currently has 18,433 registered cannabis shops. Of these, 8,636 licences expired last year, and just 1,339 outlets renewed their permits.
