Thailand’s Cannabis Advocates Push Back Against New Medical Certificate Rule

Thailand’s Cannabis Advocates Push Back Against New Medical Certificate Rule

Activists Say Public Health Ministry’s Plan Ignores Public Input and Threatens Patient Access

Cannabis advocates in Thailand are raising alarm over a new Public Health Ministry proposal that would require all cannabis users—Thai and foreign—to present a medical certificate. Critics argue the regulation is overly restrictive, poorly communicated, and risks reversing the country’s progress on cannabis reform.

“No One Asked the Public”

Daycha Siripatra, a respected traditional medicine practitioner, said the policy creates unnecessary barriers for patients who rely on cannabis for alternative medical treatments.

“This policy was made without listening to the voices of the people,” Daycha told the Bangkok Post. “It will harm those using cannabis to manage their health. Before enforcing this rule, the ministry should gather public input.”

He warned the move could trigger backlash from patients and small business owners who have invested heavily in cannabis cultivation and wellness since Thailand decriminalized the plant in 2022.

“People won’t remain silent. Patients and investors will speak out,” he added.

Correlated Articol:

Thailand Medical Cannabis Regulations 2025: Medical Certificate Now Required for Legal Use

Traditional vs. Modern Medicine: A Divided Front

Panthep Puapongpan, dean of the College of Oriental Medicine at Rangsit University, criticized the Public Health Ministry for favoring the opinions of modern medical practitioners, many of whom remain hesitant to embrace cannabis as a legitimate treatment.

“Modern doctors often refuse to recognize cannabis’s benefits,” Panthep said. “Some even have financial conflicts of interest that sway them toward pharmaceuticals.”

He warned that restrictive measures could drive patients back to the black market, risking exposure to unsafe or unregulated cannabis products.

“Instead of helping, these rules may push patients into illegal markets,” he said. “The ministry needs to listen to those who have genuinely benefited from cannabis treatment.”

Fast-Tracking a Controversial Regulation

Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced on Wednesday that the government will issue new cannabis regulations within 40 days, fast-tracking a policy that has already sparked debate.

The proposed rules would limit cannabis use exclusively to medical purposes. All users, Thai and foreign alike, would be required to present a medical certificate issued by a licensed practitioner, whether from modern medicine or traditional Thai medicine.

“Cannabis smokers, whether Thai or foreign, will need medical certificates,” Somsak said during a press conference.

Dr. Somlerk Jeungsmarn, Director-General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, added that only patients suffering from conditions like chronic pain, seizures, headaches, and insomnia would qualify. 

A possession limit of a one-month supply may be introduced, and exceeding that amount could lead to criminal charges.

Home Growers Left in Limbo

For many individuals who grow cannabis at home for personal medical use, the new rules raise more questions than answers.

“We don’t know if home cultivation for self-treatment will still be allowed,” Daycha said. “There’s too much uncertainty. Will patients be protected—or punished?”

The 2022 cannabis reform, which positioned Thailand as the first Asian country to decriminalize cannabis, was seen as a bold move to boost healthcare innovation and rural economic opportunity. Now, critics fear that progress is being rolled back with little consultation or clarity.

Advocates Demand Transparency

With the clock ticking on the ministry’s 40-day timeline, cannabis advocates are calling for public hearings and inclusive dialogue, not just decisions made behind closed doors.

They urge policymakers to consider the voices of patients, traditional healers, medical cannabis users, and small business owners before finalizing laws that could reshape the industry.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Thailand Cannabis Legalization Update 2025

What is the latest cannabis policy change in Thailand?

Thailand’s Public Health Ministry has proposed a regulation requiring all cannabis users—including locals and tourists—to present a medical certificate before using cannabis. The new rule aims to limit cannabis use strictly to medical purposes only and would effectively ban recreational cannabis consumption.

🕒 The new policy is expected to be finalized within 40 days, as of the announcement made in May 2025.

Who can legally use medical cannabis under the proposed law?

Only patients diagnosed with specific qualifying conditions will be eligible, including:

- Chronic pain or arthritis
- Seizures (e.g., epilepsy)
- Migraines or chronic headaches
- Insomnia and sleep disorders

A certified prescription from a licensed practitioner—either in modern Western medicine or traditional Thai medicine—will be required.

Can You Use Cannabis for Recreational Purposes in Thailand in 2025?

No. If the proposed rule is enforced, recreational cannabis use in Thailand will become illegal again. This marks a sharp shift from Thailand’s 2022 cannabis decriminalization, which previously allowed open use and retail sales.

Will tourists and foreigners need a medical certificate to use cannabis in Thailand?

Yes. According to Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, foreign tourists in Thailand must also present a valid medical certificate to legally use cannabis. Without one, cannabis possession or use may be considered a criminal offense.

Can traditional Thai medicine doctors issue cannabis prescriptions?

Yes. Patients can obtain medical certificates from:

- Licensed modern medical doctors
- Certified traditional Thai medicine practitioners

However, critics argue that traditional healers are being sidelined in the policy-making process, and clear implementation guidelines are still missing.

Is Home Cultivation of Cannabis Allowed for Patients in Thailand?

Unclear. The proposed law has not clarified whether home-growing cannabis for personal medical use will remain legal. This uncertainty worries many patients and caregivers who rely on home cultivation for affordable treatment.

🌿 Advocacy groups are urging the government to protect home growers and define their legal rights.

What is the legal cannabis possession limit in Thailand?

The draft regulation suggests a limit of one month’s supply of cannabis for certified medical users. Exceeding this amount may result in criminal charges, but exact quantity limits have not been officially defined.

Why are cannabis activists and patients protesting the new law?

Cannabis advocates argue the proposed rule:

- Ignores public input and patient experience
- Prioritizes the views of anti-cannabis medical professionals
- Could force patients into illegal markets
- Threatens small businesses and rural farmers who invested after decriminalization

🔊 “The ministry must listen to those who’ve actually benefited from cannabis,” said Dr. Panthep Puapongpan, Dean of Oriental Medicine at Rangsit University.

Will the new regulation affect cannabis businesses in Thailand?

Yes. If cannabis is restricted to certified medical use:

- Dispensaries and cannabis cafes may face closure
- Cannabis wellness tourism could decline
- Rural growers and entrepreneurs may suffer heavy losses

Business owners are demanding clarity and legal protection to avoid economic fallout.

Are there public hearings planned about this cannabis law?

Not yet. Advocacy groups are calling for transparent public hearings and inclusive policy dialogue, involving:

- Patients
- Traditional healers
- Cannabis users
- Small-scale growers and investors

They argue that top-down policymaking without community consultation will only deepen the divide between regulators and the public.

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