Since then, marijuana production and sale became a sprawling national industry, spawning around 11,000 dispensaries, sourcing from farms across the country. The industry, which also helped Thailand become a tourist haunt for those looking to access the substance, was estimated in 2022 to hit $1.2 billion by 2025. Now, however, the Thai government is harshing that buzz as it moved to restrict access to the drug.
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin signed an order Monday, which took effect this week, that reclassified cannabis buds as a controlled herb and banned shops from selling cannabis to customers without a prescription. A version of the policy is now available on the Thai Royal Gazette online.
