The announcement was made during a press conference at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (July 9), chaired by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat.
Somsuk Sampanprateep, Deputy Director of the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office, explained the main points of the Ministry of Public Health’s announcement, which was published in the Royal Gazette on June 25 and came into effect on June 26.
The updated rules clarify that cannabis is now considered a ‘controlled herb’, with usage permitted primarily for ‘medical purposes’ and under strict regulatory conditions.
Mr Somsuk explained that the new framework supports medical cannabis access for patients with qualifying conditions and aims to balance public health with economic opportunities for legal cannabis businesses.
Importantly, shops selling cannabis must only source their products from farms certified under the Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) standards by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, he said.
Currently, four farms in Phuket meet these standards:
* Phuket Herbal and Health Tourism Community Enterprise
* Blossom Business Co Ltd
* The Emerald Club Co Ltd
* Medigreen Solution Co Ltd
Mr Somsuk stressed that cannabis can only be sold to patients who present a prescription from a qualified medical professional.
Accepted professionals include doctors, dentists, pharmacists, Thai traditional medicine doctors, Thai traditional medicine practitioners, Chinese medicine practitioners and registered folk doctors.
Shops must retain each prescription for at least one year for inspection purposes, he warned.
Key Requirements for Cannabis Retailers:
* Smoking cannabis on the premises is strictly prohibited.
* No advertising of cannabis products is allowed through any medium or method.
* Shops must file detailed reports on product sources (Form PorTor 27) and product usage Form PorTor 28) at the end of every month.
These must be submitted via two channels:
- Email: cannabisreportpk@gmail.com
- Online portal linked to the shop’s specific licence number
Failure to comply with the regulations may result in suspension or revocation of the shop’s cannabis licence, Mr Somsuk also warned.
Individuals with revoked licences will be banned from operating under the Protection and Promotion of Traditional Thai Medicine Wisdom Act B.E. 2542 for a period of two years.
Selling cannabis without a licence is a criminal offence punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine of up to B20,000, or both.
The Phuket Provincial Public Health Office will conduct strict monitoring and enforcement, Mr Somsuk said.
In the initial phase, the focus will be on reviewing submitted reports, ensuring compliance and providing education and support to licensed sellers.
In later phases, follow-up inspections will take place, and legal action will be taken against any violators, he added.
Governor Sophon urged all cannabis-related businesses to follow the guidelines closely, not only to ensure public safety but also to support Phuket’s goal of becoming a leader in sustainable health tourism, said an official report of the announcement.