Bangkok, Thailand — October 2025
Thailand’s leading cannabis advocacy group, the Writing Thailand’s Cannabis Future Network, has called for a complete reform of the country’s cannabis regulations. The network is urging the government to fast-track the Cannabis Bill and remove unnecessary restrictions that slow down the industry’s growth.
During a meeting with Dr. Sakda Alapach, Deputy Permanent Secretary and spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, representatives from the network discussed practical changes to make cannabis laws more efficient, fair, and beneficial to both consumers and entrepreneurs.
Key Reform Proposals
1. Remove Prescription Requirements for Cannabis Flowers
Currently, cannabis flowers can only be purchased with a medical prescription, which limits access and encourages illegal market activity.
The network suggests dividing cannabis use into two categories:
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Category 1: For patients with medical prescriptions for specific conditions.
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Category 2: For general consumers who can apply for a “Cannabis Health Card” valid for one year.
According to Prasitchai Nunual, Secretary-General of the network, this system would help the government regulate cannabis more effectively, collect better data, and prevent underage use—unlike the current system that unintentionally allows unrestricted access.
2. Simplify Cannabis Growing Standards
The group proposes simplifying cultivation regulations. Once a grower is certified for cannabis production, they should not be required to repeat expensive quality testing for every crop. This change would help reduce redundancy, cost, and barriers for small farmers and local entrepreneurs.
3. Revise Licensing for Cannabis Businesses
The network also recommends repealing regulations that require cannabis shops to register as healthcare facilities.
Most cannabis business owners cannot afford to operate under such medical-level requirements. Instead, they propose establishing a clear and fair licensing system that differentiates between medical and commercial cannabis operations.
Read also: A drug made from marijuana reduced back pain in a large study | Bicaro Holding
Government Response
Dr. Sakda confirmed that the Ministry of Public Health has acknowledged the network’s proposals and will review them carefully with input from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine.
A preliminary report will be submitted to the Ministry within two weeks.
Regarding the prescription system, Dr. Sakda said the Ministry would present the issue to the Minister for further consideration but, for now, the current rules remain in place.
He also noted that the matter of classifying cannabis shops as healthcare facilities had already been raised by the previous government and will be re-evaluated by the new administration, creating an opportunity to revise outdated regulations.
Read also: Thailand to Approve Only Medical-Grade Cannabis as Industry Expands
Looking Ahead
The Writing Thailand’s Cannabis Future Network believes these reforms will modernize Thailand’s cannabis laws, promote responsible use, and support economic growth in the cannabis and wellness sector.
At Bicaro Holding, we welcome these forward-looking discussions. As a company committed to sustainable cannabis cultivation and wellness innovation, we support policies that create a transparent, inclusive, and thriving cannabis ecosystem for Thailand’s future.