On June 24, 2025, reporters announced that Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin signed a new Ministry of Public Health regulation titled "Controlled Herb (Cannabis) B.E. 2568." This regulation updates the previous announcement issued on November 11, 2022, regarding the classification of cannabis as a controlled herb.
The new regulation clarifies that due to the lack of specific legislation governing the use of cannabis leaves, particularly to prevent misuse, it is necessary to strictly control only the flower portion of the cannabis plant (Cannabis genus, Cannabaceae family), classifying it as a controlled herb under Thai traditional medicine law.
Key Provisions Include:
- Effective the day after its publication in the Royal Gazette.
- Repeals the 2022 announcement.
- Designates cannabis flower as the controlled part of the plant.
- Activities such as research, export, sales, or commercial processing require a license under Section 46.
- License holders must:
- Report the origin, usage, and quantity to authorities.
- Provide export details per shipment.
- Sell only to other licensed entities.
- Source cannabis from certified growers.
- Not sell for smoking unless by licensed medical practitioners in approved facilities.
- Not sell via vending machines, online, or electronic networks.
- Not advertise the controlled herb for commercial purposes.
- Not sell at temples, dormitories, parks, zoos, or amusement parks.
Sales for medical use are only allowed via prescription by certified professionals, and prescriptions must specify usage for up to 30 days only.
The regulation also requires existing license holders (under Section 46) to comply with the new conditions from this announcement.
Issued on June 23, 2025
(Somsak Thepsuthin)
Minister of Public Health