Summary
The Thai government plans to restrict cannabis use to medical purposes only, reversing the 2022 move that allowed recreational use. Although the order isn't law yet, the decision has created uncertainty in the $1 billion cannabis industry.
Key Facts
- Thailand's Ministry of Public Health wants cannabis use limited to medical purposes only.
- Recreational cannabis use was decriminalized in Thailand in 2022.
- The change is not official until it is published in the Royal Gazette.
- Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub mentioned concerns about social issues among young people.
- Thousands of cannabis stores have opened since decriminalization.
- The Bhumjaithai Party left the ruling coalition over issues unrelated to cannabis.
- The Thai Chamber of Commerce estimated the cannabis market could be worth $1.2 billion by 2025.
- The cannabis industry has faced regulatory uncertainty since its decriminalization.
