Thai cannabis shops given 3 years to become clinicsThe Ministry of Public Health has announced moves to make cannabis use in Thailand for medicinal purposes only, allowing shops a three-year timeframe to convert into medical clinics in order to continue operating. There are about 11,000 registered cannabis shops nationwide, with their permits set to expire over the next three years, the minister said, adding that around 40% of permits expire each year. Public health officials estimated that process is complete, there would be about 2,000 licensed clinics remaining. He issued a ministerial announcement removing cannabis from the narcotics list in 2022 when he was the public health minister in the government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. However, the absence of a law and clear regulations led to a free-for-all, with cannabis shops proliferating all over the country.

Source: Bangkok Post April 03, 2026 01:13 UTC