Under the new order, cannabis is now strictly designated for licensed medical use only, and the sale of cannabis products without appropriate licensing, including online, is banned.
The announcement also prohibits the sale of controlled herbs or cannabis-derived products for commercial purposes, unless prescribed by a doctor.
Poonwarit Wangpatravanich, President of the Phuket Cannabis Association (PCA), said the announcement will result in a significant drop in cannabis retail sales, particularly affecting small business owners.
“This is a transition period,” said Mr Poonwarit. “Business owners and customers are frustrated ‒ many wonder why they now need medical certificates. But over the next few months, we expect genuine users will adjust and come prepared with documents.”
Mr Poonwarit told The Phuket News that the policy shift will hit the economy hard in the short term.
“Income will drop. Phuket’s GDP will be affected. But we must follow the law,” he said, adding that the association is ready to advise any operators seeking help navigating the changes.
Phuket alone is home to more than 2,000 licensed cannabis shops, Mr Poonwarit noted. Nationally, they estimate 20,000 licensed shops.
Mr Poonwarit believes cannabis shops can adapt by collaborating with clinics or pharmacies.
“It’s not just patients with serious conditions ‒ people dealing with stress, insomnia or appetite issues may also qualify for medical certificates,” he explained.
“Clinics and cannabis shops can work together to ensure proper access under the new regulations,” he added.
He also defended cannabis as a draw for international visitors. “The legality of cannabis is one part of the reason tourists choose Thailand,” he said. “We shouldn’t let personal bias overshadow the real economic benefits.”
ONLY POSITIVE
Kongsak Koophongsakorn, President of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the new control measures as long overdue.
“In the past, the Phuket Chamber of Commerce has always protested that there has been neglect in allowing the use of cannabis, trading cannabis that is against the purpose of the law from the beginning, or the purpose that you said was to use it for medical purposes, or the original purpose.
“This is how it should have been from the beginning. When cannabis was decriminalised, the intention was clearly for medical use,” Mr Kongsak said.
He criticised the previous delay in issuing control regulations, saying the lack of oversight created societal issues and damaged Thailand’s image.
Mr Kongsak sees the new rules as a positive move for tourism, especially for families who had concerns over the smell and visibility of cannabis.
“Many foreign tourists, especially those with families, felt unsafe. Now, they’ll have more confidence that cannabis use is regulated,” he said.
Mr Kongsak acknowledged that while the new restrictions may affect some small cannabis shops, the overall impact on the economy is limited.
“Cannabis was never intended for free trade, so this is simply a return to its original purpose,” he said.
“Large operators have always known it was meant for medical use, so there’s little ground for opposition. The announcement only prevents those without medical certificates from buying,” he added.
He explained that tourism would likely benefit. “I think it is only good and has a positive effect on the tourism business for sure,” he said.
Mr Kongsak’s position is against relying on cannabis to drive economic growth. “We shouldn’t let drugs or intoxicants become legal just to stimulate the economy. It can’t be done. There are many other sectors that deserve stronger support than cannabis.
“Cannabis was never meant for free trade. There are other industries that deserve more focus. We shouldn’t rely on drugs to stimulate the economy,” he repeated.