Thailand’s government has announced plans to recriminalize cannabis, just two years after becoming the first Asian nation to decriminalize it. The move could dismantle an industry projected to reach $1.2 billion by 2025, sparking alarm among business owners and activists.
The Ministry of Public Health issued a directive banning recreational cannabis sales and requiring a doctor’s prescription for any purchase. Once published in the Royal Gazette, cannabis will again be classified as a narcotic.
Background & Impact:
- The reversal follows the exit of the pro-cannabis Bhumjaithai Party from the ruling coalition.
- Officials cited social concerns, especially among youth, due to unregulated access.
- Tens of thousands of dispensaries, especially in tourist hubs like Bangkok, now face closure or legal uncertainty.
- Industry advocates say the sector has become a “hostage to politics”, with livelihoods and investments at risk.
Despite the looming ban, cannabis shops remain open for now, with tourists still frequenting them — though the future of Thailand’s cannabis boom hangs in the balance.
Date: June 27, 2025 Source: Reuters, BBC, Channel News Asia
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