After multiple delays and political reshuffling, Thailand’s Cannabis and Hemp Bill is set to re-enter Parliament. But industry stakeholders remain sceptical.
It’s been nearly two years since Thailand made global headlines by decriminalising cannabis—a bold move that saw dispensaries mushroom across the country and gave rise to a booming but loosely regulated green economy.
Now, the long-awaited Cannabis and Hemp Control Bill is reportedly being reintroduced into Parliament in Q2 2025, after several failed attempts to pass it in previous sessions.
But for many operators, it’s déjà vu.
“We’ve seen draft after draft, and none of them truly reflect the reality on the ground,” says Pattarakorn Suwan, a dispensary owner in Phuket. “The government is playing catch-up with an industry that’s already evolved.”
The proposed bill is expected to include stricter controls on recreational use, clear guidelines on medical licensing, and tighter regulations around cultivation and product marketing. However, critics argue the latest drafts are still overly vague and risk alienating both local businesses and international investors.
“If the goal is to ensure safe, regulated cannabis while supporting the local economy, the legislation must balance health concerns with economic opportunity,” says legal advisor and cannabis policy analyst Suda Rungreung.
The lack of a clear regulatory framework has already cost Thailand potential partnerships with major foreign players, many of whom cite regulatory uncertainty as a deal-breaker.
Meanwhile, lawmakers face pressure from public health advocates, who want cannabis re-listed as a narcotic, and business groups, who argue that backtracking could devastate a sector that’s created thousands of jobs.
Whether the new bill can bridge the divide remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Thailand’s cannabis industry is at a crossroads, and the decisions made in the next few months could define its global standing for years to come.