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Minister of Health remains unfazed by cannabis demonstration, promises increased enforcement against illicit sales

Thai health minister maintains his stance before the planned July 16 protest, threatening license cancellations, confiscations, and stricter regulations on the usage of medical cannabis.

Minister of Health remains undeterred by cannabis demonstration, pledging tougher measures against...
Minister of Health remains undeterred by cannabis demonstration, pledging tougher measures against illicit distribution

Minister of Health remains unfazed by cannabis demonstration, promises increased enforcement against illicit sales

In the lead-up to a planned cannabis protest on July 16, 2025, the Thai government is enforcing medical cannabis laws more stringently to curb illegal activities related to cannabis use. The Health Minister, Somsak Thepsuthin, has emphasized the importance of using cannabis solely for medical purposes and has warned of immediate action against violations.

Significant training initiatives are underway to ensure medical professionals and cannabis vendors are well-equipped to handle the increased demand for medical cannabis. On July 16, training sessions for 2,000 medical professionals will be held both online and in person, aiming to certify them to diagnose and prescribe medical cannabis. A separate training for cannabis flower vendors, targeting 80,000 participants, will take place on July 17. Once certified, these professionals will be able to prescribe cannabis flowers for patients with conditions such as insomnia, appetite loss, chronic pain, cancer, migraine, Parkinson’s disease, and foreign tourists with documented medical cannabis history from abroad.

The Thai government is taking these measures to ensure the controlled use of cannabis within medical boundaries. A new amendment to cannabis law, which came into effect on June 26, 2025, prohibits the sale of cannabis for smoking on business premises without medical supervision by a licensed practitioner. Buyers, including foreigners, are now required to have a valid prescription specifying the use of cannabis for treatment from licensed medical practitioners under relevant Thai medical or traditional medicine acts. Failure to comply with these regulations carries serious consequences, including police detention and legal proceedings for purchasers without prescriptions and liability for shops selling cannabis without verifying prescriptions.

Somsak Thepsuthin has urged business operators to comply with regulations and consult the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine or their provincial public health offices for further guidance. Professionals, once registered with the department, will be able to prescribe cannabis flowers using Form PT.33. It is important to note that the government is not encouraging cannabis smoking.

Recent crackdowns have seen authorities at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports arrest 32 people attempting to smuggle cannabis out of the country, seizing a total of 940.93 kilograms. The Thai government's efforts to strictly control cannabis use within medical boundaries and crack down on misuse around the time of the protest and beyond are evident in these combined enforcement measures and legal amendments.

[1] Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine press release, July 1, 2025. [2] Ministry of Public Health press release, June 26, 2025.

  1. The Thai government is reinforcing medical cannabis laws to stem illegal activities related to its use.
  2. Somsak Thepsuthin, the Health Minister, has emphasized the importance of using cannabis for medical purposes.
  3. Training initiatives are underway to prepare medical professionals and cannabis vendors for the increased demand in medical cannabis.
  4. On July 16, training sessions will be held for 2,000 medical professionals to certify them for diagnosing and prescribing medical cannabis.
  5. A separate training for 80,000 cannabis flower vendors is scheduled for July 17.
  6. Certified professionals will be able to prescribe cannabis flowers for conditions such as insomnia, appetite loss, chronic pain, cancer, migraine, Parkinson’s disease, and documented medical cannabis history from abroad.
  7. The Thai government seeks to ensure the controlled use of cannabis within medical boundaries.
  8. A new amendment to cannabis law prohibits the sale of cannabis for smoking on business premises without medical supervision.
  9. Buyers, including foreigners, must now have a valid prescription to purchase cannabis.
  10. Failure to comply with regulations could lead to police detention and legal proceedings.
  11. Somsak Thepsuthin urges business operators to comply with regulations and consult the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine for guidance.
  12. Professionals registered with the department will be able to prescribe cannabis flowers using Form PT.33.
  13. The Thai government does not encourage cannabis smoking.
  14. Recent crackdowns at airports have seen 32 people arrested for attempting to smuggle cannabis.
  15. Nearly a thousand kilograms of cannabis were seized from these individuals.
  16. The Thai government's efforts to control cannabis use within medical boundaries are evident in these enforcement measures.
  17. The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine released a press statement on July 1, 2025.
  18. The Ministry of Public Health also issued a press release on June 26, 2025.
  19. The health sector, along with various industries, is impacted by the rising demand for medical cannabis.
  20. Science and medical research are essential for understanding the benefits and risks of cannabis use.
  21. Chronic diseases, such as cancer and respiratory or digestive health conditions, could potentially benefit from medical cannabis therapies and treatments.
  22. Eye health, hearing, skin conditions, and neurological disorders are also areas where medical cannabis may offer relief.
  23. Mental health is another aspect where cannabis could play a role, though the effects can be complex and varying.
  24. Nutrition, fitness, and exercise contribute significantly to overall health and wellness, factors that can influence the effectiveness of cannabis treatments.
  25. Autoimmune disorders may also find relief through cannabis treatments, although research is ongoing.
  26. Climate change, industry, finance, energy, and environmental science all have roles to play in the cultivation and production of medical cannabis.
  27. Manufacturing processes should ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of cannabis products.
  28. Investing in cannabis-related ventures, from biotech to retail, could present opportunities for growth, subject to market dynamics and regulatory developments.

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