Incorporation
Thailand Cannabis Regulations 2025: Key Business Insights
TL;DR: New Thailand Cannabis regulations in 2025 have introduced a strict medical-only framework, requiring businesses to comply with new prescription, licensing, and staffing rules. Under the Thai Traditional Medicine Act, cannabis can only be sold via licensed dispensaries to patients with valid prescriptions. On-site medical professionals are now mandatory.
Thailand is once again changing its cannabis laws and has moved towards stricter regulation and medical oversight. As of June 2025, cannabis will be treated as a controlled medicinal substance under a new legal framework introduced through the Ministerial Notification on Controlled Herbs (Cannabis), B.E. 2568. The regulation, signed by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, is now in full effect.
These changes have all but ended the availability of recreational cannabis use and bring the industry fully under the supervision of licensed medical practitioners and regulatory authorities. While cannabis remains legal for medical purposes, businesses and consumers alike will need to adapt to a more tightly regulated environment.
Key Points
- Cannabis can now only be sold to customers with valid medical prescriptions from certified doctors or licensed traditional medicine practitioners, ending recreational sales.
- Sales are restricted to dispensaries formally licensed under the Thai Traditional Medicine Act, with mandatory on-site medical professionals during operating hours.
- All prescriptions use the standardized Phor Thor 33 form and are limited to a maximum 30-day supply to prevent overstocking and misuse.
- Existing cannabis businesses must transition from recreational retail to medical-only operations, requiring new licensing, qualified medical staff, and compliance systems.
- Only seven professional groups can prescribe medical cannabis, including medical doctors, Thai traditional medicine practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, and other licensed healthcare providers.
What are the new Thailand Cannabis Regulations for 2025?
Thailand’s revised cannabis regulations introduce a number of new requirements for Cannabis businesses. These rules are designed to tighten oversight, remove any loopholes that were used for allowing recreational sales, and ensure that cannabis is available strictly for legitimate medical purposes.
The new requirements for cannabis businesses in Thailand include:
Medical Prescription Required for All Purchases
Under the new framework, Cannabis can now only be sold to people with a valid medical prescription. These prescriptions must be issued by certified medical doctors or licensed traditional medicine practitioners. This replaces the previous system where consumers could buy cannabis without any documentation.
Sales Limited to Licensed Dispensaries
Only dispensaries that are formally licensed under the Thai Traditional Medicine Act will be permitted to sell cannabis products. These licensed shops must ensure that all cannabis transactions are for medical purposes only and supported with a proper prescription. Sales for recreational use will no longer be possible under the new system.
On-Site Medical Professionals
Cannabis dispensaries must now have certified medical personnel on-site during operating hours. This requirement ensures that qualified professionals are available to provide medical advice and verify prescriptions.
Monthly inspections will be conducted by authorities to check that businesses are complying with this requirement. Any businesses that are found to be in violation of this requirement more than once, risk having their licenses permanently revoked.
Restrictions on Smoking Cannabis On-Site
Smoking Cannabis in the shop is now strictly regulated. Smoking or other forms of use will only be allowed if they are part of a supervised medical treatment plan conducted by a licensed medical professional. General use and smoking within shops will be prohibited.
Prescription Supply Limits
To prevent over stocking or misuse, each prescription will be limited to a maximum of a 30-day supply. This limit applies to both extracts and flower-based cannabis products and must be clearly stated on the prescription form. Businesses must verify that they do not exceed this threshold when dispensing products.
How is the Prescription Framework for Medical Cannabis Expected to Work?
On June 26, 2025, Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine confirmed the introduction of a standardized prescription system for medical cannabis. This framework, established under the Ministerial Notification on Controlled Herbs (Cannabis), B.E. 2568 and will guide how medical cannabis is prescribed, dispensed, and monitored throughout the country.
To help with the transition to the new framework, the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine will provide online training for eligible healthcare providers. This initiative is aimed at ensuring consistent understanding and application of the new system.
Prescription Form: Phor Thor 33 (ภ.ท. 33)
The new prescription form, Phor Thor 33 (ภ.ท. 33), has been completed and is now in effect. This form Phor Thor 33 or prescription for cannabis will include the following required details:
- Source and type of cannabis used
- Intended medical purpose
- Quantity stored on-site
- Name and license number of the prescribing practitioner
- A specific daily dosage and is valid for a maximum period of 30 days per prescription.
This documentation will form the cornerstone of cannabis prescription compliance and patient tracking.
Who Can Prescribe Medical Cannabis?
Only seven professional groups will be permitted to issue cannabis prescriptions:
- Medical doctors
- Thai traditional medicine practitioners
- Dentists
- Pharmacists
- Licensed Chinese traditional medicine practitioners
- Recognized folk healers
These practitioners must hold valid licenses and will be held accountable under their respective professional laws.
Prescribing professionals are responsible for patient outcomes, including monitoring side effects and ensuring appropriate dosing. Failure to properly prescribe Cannabis may result in disciplinary action under relevant professional regulations.
Which Medical Conditions Can Be Treated with Medical Cannabis?
The Phor Thor 33 form includes 15 pre-approved medical conditions for cannabis use. However, prescribing professionals retain discretion to authorize use for other symptoms as clinically justified.
The list of approved conditions include:
- Chronic pain
- Muscle spasms and cramps
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Cancer-related symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Parkinson’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Asthma
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Anxiety disorders
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Depression
What Types of Cannabis can be Prescribed for Medical Use?
Prescriptions can be issued for several approved types of cannabis, each suited to different medicinal needs. Approved types of Cannabis that can be prescribed include:
- Extracts (including THC and CBD formulations)
- Cannabis flowers, which may be smoked or combined with other herbs
- Alcohol-based tinctures, traditionally used in Thai medicine
Each type of Cannabis must only be used for the medical purpose stated in the prescription.
How does the New Regulation Affect Current Cannabis Businesses?
For cannabis businesses currently operating in Thailand, the new regulatory framework is going to have a significant effect on how they operate. In order to comply with the new regulations, existing businesses are going to have to restructure their operations.
The current recreational retail environment is effectively ending. Businesses must now transition into properly licensed medical cannabis businesses.
Immediate Business Model Adjustments Are Required
Shops can no longer sell cannabis products to walk-in customers without a valid medical prescription. This eliminates the main revenue model for dispensaries that targeted general recreational users.
Under the new requirements, businesses must operate as licensed medical dispensaries with systems in place to verify prescriptions, store patient data securely, and restrict product access to qualified patients only.
If a business cannot legally dispense products under the new rules, it will no longer be allowed to operate.
Licensing Under the Thai Traditional Medicine Act
All cannabis businesses must obtain the appropriate licence under the Thai Traditional Medicine Act. This requires not only registration with the relevant authorities but also updating the company’s objectives and scope of business to reflect medical-only activities. Businesses currently operating under a general commercial license will need to review their structure and make any necessary adjustments to remain compliant.
Staffing Changes
Previously, cannabis businesses in Thailand could operate without medical personnel, allowing staff with little or no clinical training to manage sales. Under the new regulations, however, all dispensaries are now required to have a certified medical professional, such as a doctor, pharmacist, or licensed Thai traditional medicine practitioner, on-site at all times during operating hours.
This is a major change from the previous retail style model, moving cannabis operations into the regulated clinical services.
To comply, businesses will need to hire qualified practitioners, revise employment contracts, and establish clear protocols for prescription verification, patient interaction, and compliance reporting. This staffing requirement is not optional; failure to meet it may result in penalties or license revocation following routine inspections.
Changes to Product Offering and Store Experiences
On-site cannabis use is now only permitted as part of a licensed medical treatment plan, under direct supervision. This makes cannabis cafés and recreational use areas no longer possible under the new framework.
Shops will also be limited in the types and quantities of products they can offer. Only approved medical formulations, such as extracts, dried flowers, and tinctures, will be allowed, and all products must match what is prescribed.
How can Belaws help?
For more information about the new Thailand cannabis regulations for 2025 and how it may affect your business or plans, why not talk to one of our experts now?
Please note that this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Our consultations last for a period of up to 1 hour and are conducted by expert Lawyers who are fluent in English, French and Thai.
Consultations can be hosted via WhatsApp or Video Conferencing software for your convenience. A consultation with one of our legal experts about your company registration is undoubtedly the best way to get all the information you need and answer any questions you may have about your new business or project.
USD 150
Up to 1 hour
Online payment (Paypal or Credit card)
Legal consultation can be conducted in English, French or Thai
Legal consultations are handled by experienced lawyers from the relevant fields of practice
FAQ About Thailand Company Registration
What are the new Thailand cannabis regulations for 2025 and how do they affect recreational use?
Thailand’s new cannabis regulations in 2025 have introduced a strict medical-only framework under the Ministerial Notification on Controlled Herbs (Cannabis), B.E. 2568. Cannabis can now only be sold to customers with valid medical prescriptions from certified doctors or licensed traditional medicine practitioners, effectively ending recreational sales. The regulations took effect in June 2025 and bring the industry fully under medical supervision. For businesses navigating these complex regulatory changes, Belaws.com provides specialized legal guidance to ensure full compliance with Thailand’s evolving cannabis laws.
Can I still buy cannabis without a prescription in Thailand in 2025?
No, you cannot buy cannabis without a prescription in Thailand under the new 2025 regulations. All cannabis purchases now require a valid medical prescription issued by certified medical doctors or licensed traditional medicine practitioners using the standardized Phor Thor 33 form. This completely replaces the previous system where consumers could purchase cannabis without documentation. Understanding these prescription requirements is crucial, and Belaws.com’s legal experts can help both businesses and individuals navigate the new medical cannabis framework.
What is the Phor Thor 33 form and what information does it contain for cannabis prescriptions?
The Phor Thor 33 (ภ.ท. 33) is Thailand’s new standardized prescription form for medical cannabis. It includes the source and type of cannabis used, intended medical purpose, quantity stored on-site, name and license number of the prescribing practitioner, and specific daily dosage valid for a maximum period of 30 days. This form is the cornerstone of cannabis prescription compliance and patient tracking in Thailand. Belaws.com helps medical professionals and dispensaries understand proper documentation requirements to avoid compliance issues.
What licensing requirements do cannabis dispensaries need to comply with in Thailand 2025?
Cannabis dispensaries must be formally licensed under the Thai Traditional Medicine Act and have certified medical personnel on-site during all operating hours. Dispensaries must verify prescriptions, store patient data securely, and restrict product access to qualified patients only. Monthly inspections are conducted by authorities, and businesses found in violation more than once risk permanent license revocation. Given the strict compliance requirements and severe penalties, Belaws.com provides essential legal support to ensure dispensaries meet all licensing and operational standards.
How much cannabis can be prescribed at one time under Thailand’s new medical cannabis system?
Each cannabis prescription in Thailand is limited to a maximum 30-day supply to prevent overstocking and misuse. This limit applies to both extracts and flower-based cannabis products and must be clearly stated on the Phor Thor 33 prescription form. Dispensaries must verify they do not exceed this threshold when dispensing products to patients. Belaws.com helps dispensaries establish proper inventory management and dispensing protocols to maintain compliance with quantity restrictions.
Can existing cannabis businesses continue operating under Thailand’s new 2025 regulations?
Existing cannabis businesses must completely transition from recreational retail to medical-only operations to continue operating. This requires obtaining new licensing under the Thai Traditional Medicine Act, hiring qualified medical staff, implementing prescription verification systems, and updating business objectives to reflect medical-only activities. Businesses that cannot meet these requirements will no longer be allowed to operate. Belaws.com specializes in guiding cannabis businesses through this critical transition, ensuring they can continue operations while meeting all new regulatory requirements.
What types of cannabis products can be legally prescribed for medical use in Thailand?
Approved medical cannabis products in Thailand include extracts (THC and CBD formulations), cannabis flowers which may be smoked or combined with other herbs, and alcohol-based tinctures traditionally used in Thai medicine. Each type must only be used for the specific medical purpose stated in the prescription and match what is prescribed on the Phor Thor 33 form. Businesses looking to understand product compliance and manufacturing requirements can benefit from Belaws.com’s comprehensive knowledge of Thai cannabis product regulations.
Are cannabis cafes and on-site consumption still allowed under Thailand’s new cannabis laws?
Cannabis cafes and general on-site consumption are no longer permitted under Thailand’s new regulations. On-site cannabis use is now only allowed as part of a supervised medical treatment plan conducted by a licensed medical professional. This effectively ends cannabis cafes and recreational use areas that were previously operating. Business owners affected by these changes should consult with Belaws.com to explore alternative business models that comply with the new medical-only framework.
What staffing requirements must cannabis dispensaries meet under Thailand’s 2025 regulations?
All cannabis dispensaries must have a certified medical professional on-site at all times during operating hours. This represents a major shift from the previous retail model where staff with little clinical training could manage sales. Qualified practitioners include doctors, pharmacists, or licensed Thai traditional medicine practitioners who can verify prescriptions and provide medical guidance to patients. Belaws.com assists dispensaries in understanding employment law requirements and ensuring proper credentialing of medical staff.
Related articles
What is the cost of registering a company in Thailand in 2025?
21/10/2021
All you need to know about the cost of creating and registering a company in Thailand.
All you need to know about the cost of creating and registering a company in Thailand.
Raising funds in Thailand with a SAFE
21/10/2021
As an entrepreneur seeking funding in Thailand, there are a variety of term sheet options available, including the SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity).
As an entrepreneur seeking funding in Thailand, there are a variety of term sheet options available, including the SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity).
What happens to my Thai company if a shareholder passes away / dies?
26/10/2021
Taking the time to plan for things such as the unexpected death or sickness to shareholders
Taking the time to plan for things such as the unexpected death or sickness to shareholders
Subscribe today
Subscribe today
To our newsletter for all the latest legal news
in South East Asia, Belaws updates and
special promotions on our services.
To our newsletter today for all the latest legal news in South East Asia,
Belaws updates and special promotions on our services.
Belaws 2017 - 2025.
Belaws provides information and software only. Belaws is not a "lawyer referral service" and does not provide legal service or participate in any legal representation.
Belaws is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or a law firm. The use of Belaws is subject to our Terms of Use.
