Thailand Hits Reverse on Cannabis: What Travelers Need to Know About the Coming Policy Change

Thailand is about to make a major change to its cannabis policy, reinstating the requirement for a medical prescription to buy cannabis. Travelers hoping for easy access will soon face new hoops, while the local cannabis scene scrambles to adapt.

Thailand’s Cannabis Scene Set for a Shake-Up: Are Travelers Ready?

If you were planning a trip to Thailand hoping to stroll into a cannabis dispensary like you could in recent years, it’s time to check the latest regulations. In June 2025, Thai officials announced they will soon require a medical prescription for anyone wanting to buy cannabis. This is a major U-turn from the 2022 decriminalization, which unleashed a wave of new cannabis shops and drew curious tourists from around the world (Reuters).

What Does This Mean for Tourists?

No More Walk-Ins: Cannabis will only be available to those with a prescription from a Thai medical professional. This will make spontaneous stops at dispensaries a thing of the past for most visitors (DW).
Legal Risks: The new rules create a serious risk for travelers unaware of the policy. Using or carrying cannabis without that all-important prescription could lead to legal trouble. Public consumption remains illegal, and penalties can be harsh (Wikipedia).
Industry Changes: Many dispensaries may close or downsize, and products that became popular with travelers could become harder—or impossible—to find (Bangkok Post).

Why the Sudden Shift?

The government says the new rules are meant to address public health and safety concerns, especially making sure that young people don’t have easy access to cannabis. Officials hope that tighter control will clear up confusion and prevent misuse (AP News).

Looking Forward: Less “Cannabis Tourism”?

With stricter access, the easy-going cannabis tourism Thailand briefly became famous for could shrink fast. The prediction? Travelers may focus on the country’s traditional attractions instead—think temples, beaches, and food markets. The local cannabis industry may also get smaller, with only a few highly regulated players left on the scene.

Traveler Tip: If you need medical cannabis, plan ahead, talk to local doctors, and always check the rules before heading out. Better safe than sorry!