Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has introduced stringent new measures governing the distribution and sale of herbal medicines, with a special focus on cannabis, now reaffirmed as a controlled herb due to its research, academic, and economic relevance.
The new regulation was implemented by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin on June 23, 2025. The rule follows a public hearing period, led by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, which ran from May 22 to June 5, 2025, and was later extended through June 15, 2025, totaling 25 days. Approximately 59% of participants were in favor of the draft regulation.
Key provisions of the new rules are as follows:
- The commercial sale of cannabis-based herbal products for smoking is now banned in retail establishments, except when dispensed by licensed healthcare providers or certified practitioners.
- Sales of controlled cannabis herbal products—whether directly, via vending machines, or through digital and online platforms—are strictly prohibited.
- Individuals may only purchase such medicines upon presentation of a prescription from certifiably licensed healthcare professionals or registered pharmacists, according to pharmacy law. Prescriptions must specify exact quantities necessary for treatment, limited to a 30-day supply.
The revised measures will be legally enforceable the day after their formal publication in the Royal Gazette.
Several companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand entered the cannabis sector in 2020, seeking growth after the initial legalization announcement. Notable participants include Osotspa Public Company Limited (SET: OSP), Ichitan Group (SET: ICHI), Carabao Group (SET: CBG), Gunkul Engineering (SET: GUNKUL), RS Public Company Limited (SET: RS), DOD Biotech (SET: DOD), and R&B Food Supply (SET: RBF). However, cannabis-related activities remain a minor part of their overall revenue as their primary business remains elsewhere.
