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Cannabis Use in Thailand: Legalization to Government Crackdowns

Thailand made international headlines for its unexpected decision to legalize cannabis back in 2022, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to decriminalize the drug. Hailed as a forward-thinking move to bolster the economy and expand medical tourism, Thailand has since seen a rise in cannabis use, the emergence of cannabis-induced psychosis and the partial collapse of the cannabis industry.

As the situation has unfolded, the Thai government has been forced to implement stricter regulations as the cannabis market has declined.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=””]

The Rise of Cannabis in Thailand

Cannabis legalization was intended to improve the economy by developing a legal medical cannabis market and attracting international cannabis-related tourism. The Thai government’s initial vision was for cannabis to be used medicinally, particularly to treat pain and anxiety.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3618″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]As part of its legalization efforts, the Thai government even distributed free cannabis plants to households across the country for medical use. The ultimate goal was to position Thailand as a regional leader in medical marijuana while also generating revenue from cannabis-based products.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=””]

A Surge in Cannabis Related Psychosis

The increase in cannabis use has led to a rise in mental health issues. In particular, cannabis-induced psychosis – characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and severe paranoia – has become increasingly common. This is largely due to products with higher THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) concentrations flooding the market.

Some hospitals have reported a significant uptick in patients presenting with symptoms of cannabis induced psychosis. Medical professionals warned that the number of cases would continue to rise as cannabis consumption became more widespread. The increase in cases was particularly concerning due to the lack of adequate infrastructure to address the surge in mental health emergencies caused by cannabis use.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3620″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]A study conducted at the Princess Mother National Institute on Drug Abuse Treatment found that 91.5% of cannabis-dependent patients had psychiatric disorders. Researchers noted that factors such as the duration and frequency of cannabis use, along with the amount consumed, were strongly associated with the development of these disorders.

The sharp increase in cannabis induced psychosis in Thailand mirrors global research, which has shown that frequent and early cannabis use, can increase the risk of developing psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia. This has raised concerns about the long-term mental health effects of cannabis legalization.

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Government Crackdown and the Collapse of the Cannabis Industry

As the public health crisis deepened, the Thai government found itself under intense pressure.

In response to growing concerns about the social and health impacts of widespread cannabis consumption, the Thai government began tightening regulations in 2023 in an effort to curb recreational use which had spiraled out of control.

The crackdown on the cannabis market had significant economic consequences. Many businesses that had invested heavily in the industry found themselves facing closure or major operational downsizing. The economic promises quickly faded as the government sought to balance its policy shift with public health concerns.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=””]

Confusion as Government Flips on Cannabis Law

New government regulations introduced in June 2025 have re-criminalized recreational cannabis use in Thailand, throwing the country’s $1 billion cannabis industry into disarray. Retailers are scrambling to understand and comply with the updated rules, with many fearing they may have to shut down altogether.

Under the new laws, all cannabis purchases must now be made with a prescription from a licensed medical professional.

The specifics of how the system will function – including how prescriptions will be issued – are still being finalized. The most recent reports indicate that cannabis retailers may be required to register as medical clinics but time will tell how the industry develops over the coming years.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=””]The situation in Thailand serves as a cautionary tale for other nations, including Australia, which are considering cannabis legalization. To avoid the pitfalls Thailand has faced, comprehensive public health strategies, clear regulations, and a focus on protecting vulnerable populations are essential to mitigating the risks associated with cannabis use.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]