Recently, Thailand has introduced new amendments to its cannabis regulations under the Ministerial Regulation on Permission for Research, Export, Sale, or Processing of Controlled Herbs for Commercial Purposes (No. 2) B.E. 2569 (2026), which became effective on 30 April 2026. Our law firm in Thailand Herrera and Partners H&P with experience assisting foreign clients in medical cannabis businesses, have prepared a summary of the regulatory updates affecting this industry in Thailand.
Previous Requirements for Operating a Cannabis Flower Shop
Under the previous regulations, cannabis flower shops were required to comply with the following conditions:
- Purchases could only be made with a medical prescription issued by qualified professionals, including medical doctors, Thai traditional medicine practitioners, applied Thai traditional medicine practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, Chinese medicine practitioners, or certified local herbal healers. The prescription format was prescribed by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine under the relevant Ministry of Public Health notification regarding controlled herbs (cannabis).
- Restrictions on sale and advertising:
Smoking cannabis within the premises was prohibited, except where permitted under licensed medical supervision.
Sales through vending machines or online platforms were prohibited.
Advertising of cannabis products was prohibited.
Sales were prohibited in temples, dormitories, public parks, zoos, and amusement parks.
Updated Cannabis Regulations in 2026
Under the newly updated regulations, any business intending to sell cannabis must obtain at least one of the following licenses:
- Medical Clinic / Healthcare Facility
- Pharmacy License
- Herbal Product Store License
- Licensed Traditional Healer Practice Premises
Requirements for Herbal Product Stores Under the New Law
- The operator must have legal rights to the premises, either through ownership or written consent from the property owner. Lease agreements must have a minimum term of three years.
- Proper storage facilities are required. Cannabis flowers must be stored separately in designated areas and must never come into direct contact with the floor.
- Appropriate storage equipment must be maintained to preserve product quality.
- The store must register at least one qualified professional with the establishment, such as:
o Medical doctor
o Thai traditional medicine practitioner
o Applied Thai traditional medicine practitioner
o Dentist
o Pharmacist
o Chinese medicine practitioner
o Certified local herbal healer
However, if such professional is stationed at a retail store rather than a licensed clinic or healthcare facility, they are not permitted to issue medical certificates or prescriptions.
In addition, a registered professional cannot be simultaneously registered with multiple stores.
- At least one certified “Budtender” must be present at the premises at all times during operation.
- Dispensing cannabis products must be supported by a Controlled Herbal Prescription Form (Phor.Thor. 33). Prescriptions may cover no more than 30 days per issuance, and all records must be retained at the premises for at least one year for inspection purposes.
- The premises must have an effective odor and smoke control system to avoid disturbing the public.
- Smoking cannabis within the store remains prohibited.
- The shop must also sell other herbal products in addition to cannabis products.
- Certain prohibited words may not be used in the business name.
- Certain prohibited symbols and logos are not allowed for storefront branding.
Existing License Holders
Businesses that previously obtained licenses may continue operating even without a registered medical professional, provided that they complete Budtender training requirements.
However, once an existing license expires, it cannot simply be renewed under the old framework. The operator must fully comply with the new regulations.
Requirements for Cannabis Farms
- Cannabis flowers must originate only from farms certified under GACP standards.
- Sales may only be made to licensed entities, namely:
- Healthcare facilities
- Pharmacies
- Herbal product stores
- Licensed traditional healer establishments
Future Outlook
Thailand is currently in the process of drafting a new Cannabis and Hemp Act, which may be enacted in 2027. Current indications suggest that the upcoming legislation may become more restrictive and less favorable for the cannabis industry.
If you need a legal consultation with a law firm with experience in foreign investment in Thailand cannabis industry, please contact our Bangkok law firm at info@herrera-partners.com
