Following the signing of the new Ministry of Public Health announcement on "Controlled Herb (Cannabis) B.E. 2568" by Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, which updates the previous version effective since November 11, 2022, questions have emerged regarding the true impact of the change.
On June 24, 2025, reporters noted that the earlier 2022 regulation—issued under then-Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul—had the following key elements:
- Clause 2: Only the cannabis flower was designated as a controlled herb.
- Clause 3(5): Sales for smoking were prohibited in commercial establishments, except by licensed medical practitioners or traditional medicine professionals—effectively limiting usage to medical purposes only.
- Clauses 3(6)–(8): Prohibited sales through vending machines, advertising, and sales near temples, schools, dormitories, parks, zoos, and amusement parks.
The newly signed 2025 regulation by Somsak contains nearly identical provisions:
- Clause 3: Again, only the cannabis flower is regulated.
- Clause 4(5): Same restrictions on smoking sales, limited to licensed medical professionals.
- Clauses 5(6)–(8): Same prohibitions on vending, advertising, and selling near sensitive locations.
This similarity has led many to question whether the updated law truly brings any changes or simply reaffirms the old rules.
It’s important to note that for cannabis to be reclassified as a narcotic, the Narcotics Control Board must first propose the change and secure a resolution from the board. Following that, the Health Minister would need to sign a separate announcement reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic substance.