Thailand’s cannabis industry is entering a new era as medical prescription requirements officially take effect on June 26, 2025. The updated regulations from the Ministry of Public Health aim to shift the country’s cannabis market from open retail sales to a controlled medical model, prioritizing patient safety and public health.
Among the businesses leading this transition is WeedeN, one of Thailand’s largest cannabis retail chains, with 34 outlets across Phuket, Samui, Phangan, and Bangkok’s Khaosan Road. The company is repositioning itself as an educational and wellness hub—focusing on awareness, compliance, and responsible consumption instead of purely recreational sales.
Cannabis Now Requires a Medical Prescription
Under the new rules, cannabis remains a controlled herb in Thailand—legal for adults aged 20 and above to possess and use personally—but sales will now be restricted to medical purposes only.
To purchase cannabis legally, customers must present a valid prescription issued by:
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Licensed Thai medical doctors
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Certified traditional medicine practitioners
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Qualified pharmacists
This means both locals and foreign tourists will now need to consult a healthcare professional before obtaining cannabis products.
“This change doesn’t ban cannabis—it encourages informed and responsible use,” WeedeN stated, emphasizing the importance of understanding legal compliance, dosage, and safety.
WeedeN’s Shift Toward Education and Compliance
To adapt, WeedeN has redesigned its retail spaces and trained staff to act as cannabis educators. Each store now offers:
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Guidance on how to obtain medical prescriptions
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Information on product quality, strain types, and safe usage
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Clear instructions for compliance with Thai regulations
The company has also strengthened partnerships with FDA-approved farms and licensed suppliers, ensuring all products meet the latest safety and medical standards.
WeedeN’s loyalty program, previously targeting recreational users, is now being restructured to serve long-term patients who rely on medical cannabis for treatment.
A Turning Point for Thailand’s Cannabis Industry
The new prescription law signals a major policy shift from Thailand’s previously relaxed cannabis framework. Analysts suggest the move reflects the government’s goal to balance accessibility with public health priorities, especially after the 2022 decriminalization.
While the law may tighten access, it also paves the way for higher-quality standards, medical research, and sustainable industry growth. Retailers focusing on education and compliance are expected to thrive under the new system.
“In this new era, education may become the most valuable product of all,” WeedeN shared, reflecting a broader sentiment across the industry.
Impact on Cannabis Tourism
Thailand’s once-booming cannabis tourism sector will experience notable changes. Visitors who wish to purchase cannabis will now need a prescription from a Thai healthcare provider, adding an extra step to their experience.
However, this transition could attract a new wave of wellness and medical tourists—those seeking legitimate treatment and education about therapeutic cannabis use. By emphasizing compliance, knowledge, and patient care, retailers like WeedeN are positioning themselves as trusted leaders in this evolving market.
Bicaro Holding’s Perspective
At Bicaro Holding, we view Thailand’s regulatory transition as a positive step toward long-term industry credibility and medical integration. A clear, structured framework benefits both patients and investors, ensuring sustainable cannabis growth rooted in trust, science, and safety.
As Thailand continues shaping its cannabis future, education and transparency will remain the cornerstones of responsible progress.