BANGKOK, Thailand – The government has reminded the public to comply with cannabis laws in Thailand and abroad, warning that many countries still classify cannabis as a narcotic despite Thailand permitting its use only for medical and health-related purposes under strict legal controls. The administration also called on the public to report the illegal sale of cannabis flower buds and drug-related activities through the Office of the Narcotics Control Board’s 24-hour hotline at 1386. Under the Ministry of Public Health’s 2025 notification on controlled herbs, cannabis flower buds are classified as controlled herbal products, and research, exports, sales, and commercial processing require a license.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan stated that retail sales are permitted only with a valid prescription issued by an authorized healthcare professional and may cover up to 30 days of use. The regulations also ban sales through vending machines and online platforms, cannabis advertising, and sales for smoking on business premises except during licensed medical treatment. Officials warned that illegal sales, processing, or export, or sales without a valid prescription, are punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both. Smuggling cannabis out of Thailand without complying with customs procedures carries penalties of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to four times the value of the goods, including applicable customs duties, or both. (NNT)
