Thailand's cannabis landscape has dramatically changed in 27 June 2025. If you've been purchasing cannabis freely, those days are over. Here's everything you need to know about obtaining legal medical cannabis prescriptions under the new regulations.
It's important to understand that cannabis in Thailand has always been medical - even during the period of open sales without prescriptions, the legal framework technically required medical use. The new regulations simply enforce what was already the law. For a comprehensive understanding of the current legal landscape, check out our complete 2025 guide to buying weed in Thailand laws.
Need immediate legal access to cannabis in Thailand? Our CannaboxMD medical prescription service connects you with authorized practitioners who can evaluate your condition and provide legitimate medical cannabis prescriptions under the new 2025 regulations. Don't risk legal penalties - get proper medical documentation today through our streamlined process that works with all seven categories of authorized cannabis prescribers in Thailand.
Key Takeaways
- Immediate Action Required: Cannabis purchases without prescriptions are now illegal in Thailand as of June 27, 2025. If you're currently using cannabis, you need legal medical documentation immediately.
- What Changed: All cannabis purchases now require a doctor's prescription and medical certificate. The "open sales" period is over, and enforcement is active with fines up to 20,000 baht ($620) and potential imprisonment.
- Who Can Help: Seven types of practitioners can prescribe cannabis: medical doctors, traditional Thai medicine practitioners, pharmacists, dentists, Chinese medicine practitioners, applied traditional medicine practitioners, and licensed folk healers.
- International Visitors: Medical tourism is still possible - foreign visitors with legitimate medical conditions can obtain prescriptions from Thai practitioners just like locals.
- Enforcement is Real: Recent airport seizures and multi-agency coordination show the government is serious about implementation. No legal protection exists for unprescribed cannabis use.
Breaking: New Legal Requirements (June 2025)
Thailand has implemented strict new restrictions requiring a doctor's prescription to purchase cannabis, effective June 27, 2025. Licensed cannabis shops can now only sell to customers with valid medical prescriptions, marking a complete shift from the previous system where dispensaries operated without requiring prescriptions.
This isn't a policy proposal anymore – it's binding law published in the Royal Gazette, making compliance mandatory for all cannabis purchases.
Current Legal Status
Cannabis flowers are now classified as "controlled herbs" under strict medical oversight. Anyone purchasing, possessing, or using cannabis without proper medical documentation faces legal consequences including fines up to 20,000 baht ($620) and up to one year imprisonment.
The government is actively enforcing these regulations through coordinated efforts between the Health Ministry, Customs, Immigration, and local police, with recent airport seizures demonstrating serious implementation.
Who Can Prescribe Medical Cannabis
Cannabis prescriptions can be issued by seven categories of authorized practitioners:
- Medical doctors (MDs)
- Traditional Thai medicine practitioners
- Applied traditional Thai medicine practitioners
- Licensed folk healers under the Traditional Thai Medicine Professions Act
- Chinese medicine practitioners
- Pharmacists
- Dentists
Each practitioner type has different evaluation approaches, making it important to connect with the right professional for your specific condition.
Prescription Requirements
Essential Documentation:
- Doctor's prescription specifying medical condition
- Medical certificate detailing your health condition
- Maximum 30-day supply limit per prescription
- Monthly renewal requirement for continued treatment
Important Notes:
- Prescriptions must specify the exact amount necessary for treatment
- All purchases must be from licensed dispensaries only
- Detailed sales records are maintained and subject to regular inspections
How CannaboxMD Can Help You Navigate the New System
As the founder of Cannabox, I've been anticipating this regulatory shift for the past three years. What started as Thailand's leading cannabis dispensary directory has now evolving into a medical cannabis prescription service designed specifically for this transition. Having predicted these changes in our strategic planning, we've spent three years building the infrastructure to help patients navigate exactly this scenario. Our professional assistance handles the complexity, ensuring you get proper medical evaluation and legal compliance without navigating bureaucracy alone. Here's how we support patients:
Multi-Practitioner Network Access
We provide connections to all seven authorized cannabis prescriber types through our vetted network. Our system matches you with the most appropriate practitioner for your specific medical condition, whether you need a traditional Thai medicine approach or conventional medical evaluation.
Streamlined Process
Instead of navigating bureaucracy alone, our service includes:
- Fast-track evaluation matching you with suitable practitioners
- Time-saving coordination across different practitioner categories
- Quality assurance with vetted medical professionals
- Ongoing compliance support for renewals and regulatory changes
International Visitor Support
We understand that tourists and expats face unique challenges. Our network includes practitioners experienced with international patients, offering different evaluation approaches suitable for visitors' backgrounds and medical histories.
Comprehensive Support Services
- Practitioner matching based on your condition and preferences
- Appointment coordination and scheduling assistance
- Prescription renewal management
- Regulatory compliance monitoring
- Support during policy transitions
Step-by-Step Process
Option 1: Using Cannabox Services
- Contact CannaboxMD for practitioner matching and evaluation coordination
- Medical assessment with our recommended qualified practitioner
- Receive prescription and certificate if medically appropriate
- Purchase from licensed dispensaries with proper documentation
- Monthly renewals through continued practitioner relationship
Option 2: Direct Practitioner Contact
- Find a qualified practitioner from the seven authorized categories
- Schedule medical evaluation to assess your condition
- Obtain prescription and medical certificate if approved
- Purchase from licensed dispensaries only
- Return monthly for prescription renewals
Medical Conditions Commonly Treated
While regulations don't specify exact conditions, Thailand's medical cannabis program typically covers:
- Chronic pain conditions
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
- Cancer-related symptoms (nausea, appetite loss, pain)
- PTSD and anxiety disorders
- Sleep disorders and insomnia
- Multiple sclerosis symptoms
- Inflammatory conditions
Critical Legal Restrictions
Age and Demographics:
- Minimum age: 20 years old
- Prohibited for pregnant women (unless with doctor's permission)
- Prohibited for breastfeeding women (unless with doctor's permission)
Usage Restrictions:
- Public smoking illegal (fines up to 25,000 baht ~$700)
- Cannabis sales prohibited in temples, dormitories, public parks, zoos, amusement parks
- No online sales or vending machine purchases allowed
- No commercial advertising permitted
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Purchasing without prescription: Criminal prosecution possible
- Selling without license: Up to 1 year imprisonment + 20,000 baht fine
- Repeat violations: Escalated penalties and permanent license revocation
Why Professional Guidance Matters Now
The enforcement landscape has changed dramatically. Recent developments show the government's serious commitment to implementation:
- Active enforcement: Airport seizures and multi-agency coordination
- No legal protection: Cannabis purchases without prescriptions offer no legal defense
- International implications: 73kg recently seized affecting multiple countries
- Escalating penalties: Repeat offenders face increasingly harsh consequences
For International Visitors
Medical Tourism Framework: International visitors with legitimate medical conditions can obtain prescriptions from Thai practitioners, just like locals. The government explicitly wants to end cannabis tourism while supporting legitimate medical use by visitors with actual health conditions.
Multiple Pathways Available: The seven authorized practitioner categories include options that may be more suitable for international visitors, with different practitioners offering various evaluation approaches.
Documentation for Travel: Valid prescriptions allow transport within Thailand, subject to possession quantity restrictions and proper documentation.
Industry Impact and Future Outlook
Dispensary Changes: Over 18,000 licensed cannabis shops must adapt to medical-only sales or face closure. Dispensaries now require medical professionals on-site and face monthly inspections.
Political Stability: With the Bhumjaithai Party (cannabis legalization advocates) withdrawing from the ruling coalition, the Pheu Thai Party now has clear authority to implement medical-only cannabis policy. As we predicted in our 2024 analysis, political changes have been driving Thailand toward stricter medical-only regulations.
Long-term Perspective:
- Medical cannabis appears here to stay given Thailand's infrastructure investment
- Recreational use unlikely due to political momentum and international pressure
- Expect increasing regulation, higher standards, and stricter enforcement
Getting Started Today
If you're currently using cannabis in Thailand, you need legal protection immediately. The "grace period" mentioned by officials is unclear, and enforcement is already active.
Contact CannaboxMD for immediate assistance with:
- Practitioner network access across all seven authorized categories
- Fast-track medical evaluations
- Prescription coordination and renewal management
- Ongoing compliance support
The cannabis industry in Thailand has fundamentally changed. Those who adapt quickly to the medical framework will maintain legal access, while those who don't risk legal consequences and complete loss of access.
Remember: This regulation is now binding law. Cannabis purchases without prescriptions are legally questionable, and getting caught leaves you without legal protection and facing potential prosecution.
Bottom Line
Thailand's cannabis laws have permanently shifted to medical-only access. The days of purchasing cannabis without prescriptions ended on June 27, 2025, and enforcement is active with real legal consequences. If you currently use cannabis in Thailand, you must obtain proper medical documentation immediately to avoid fines up to 20,000 baht and potential imprisonment.
- The good news: Multiple pathways exist for legitimate medical users, including international visitors. Seven types of practitioners can prescribe cannabis, from medical doctors to traditional Thai medicine practitioners, making access possible for various medical conditions. Professional services like CannaboxMD can streamline the process and ensure compliance.
- Action required now: Don't wait for clearer guidance or assume there's a grace period. The law is in effect, enforcement is happening, and unprescribed cannabis use offers no legal protection. Get evaluated by a qualified practitioner and obtain proper documentation to maintain legal access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Will cannabis users in Thailand need medical certificates?
A: Yes, absolutely. As of June 27, 2025, all cannabis users in Thailand must have both a medical prescription AND a medical certificate from an authorized practitioner. This includes both Thai residents and international visitors. The medical certificate details your health condition, while the prescription specifies the cannabis treatment. Without these documents, cannabis possession and use is illegal and punishable by fines up to 20,000 baht and potential imprisonment.
Q: What is the future of cannabis in Thailand?
A: Cannabis in Thailand is transitioning to a strictly regulated medical-only system with no plans for recreational legalization. The long-term outlook shows medical cannabis will remain available through proper channels, with increasing regulation and higher standards. Key future trends include: stricter enforcement of medical-only access, enhanced quality control and testing requirements, expanded medical research programs, and potential integration with Thailand's medical tourism industry. Recreational use is unlikely to return due to political momentum and international pressure, especially with the Bhumjaithai Party (cannabis advocates) no longer in the ruling coalition.
Q: How much does a medical cannabis prescription cost in Thailand?
A: There are different types of service providers for a prescription with varying costs. For patients seeking medical cannabis access, consultation fees vary by practitioner type (typically 500-3,000 baht for medical evaluations).
Q: Do you need ID to buy cannabis in Thailand?
A: Yes, valid identification is mandatory for all cannabis purchases. You must present: (1) Government-issued photo ID (Thai ID card, passport, or other official identification), (2) Valid medical prescription from an authorized practitioner, (3) Medical certificate detailing your condition, and (4) Proof of age (minimum 20 years old). Licensed dispensaries are required to verify all documentation and maintain detailed sales records for government inspections. Without proper ID and medical documentation, cannabis sales are illegal.
Q: Can tourists still get cannabis in Thailand?
A: Yes, but only with a valid medical prescription from an authorized Thai practitioner. Cannabis tourism (recreational use by visitors) is illegal, but medical tourism for legitimate health conditions is permitted.
Q: How much does a medical cannabis prescription cost?
A: Costs vary by practitioner type and clinic. CannaboxMD offers consultation services, but specific pricing should be confirmed directly with the service provider.
Q: What medical conditions qualify for cannabis prescriptions?
A:
1. Chronic pain
2. Muscle spasms
3. Cramps
4. Joint pain
5. Muscle stiffness or spasticity
6. Cancer and related symptoms
7. Nausea and vomiting (often related to chemotherapy or chronic illness)
8. Parkinson’s disease
9. Epilepsy / Seizures
10. Asthma
11. Insomnia (sleep disorders)
12. Loss of appetite
13. Generalized anxiety
14. Alzheimer’s disease
15. Depression
16. Other conditions as deemed appropriate by a licensed medical practitioner
Q: How long does it take to get a prescription?
A: With professional services like CannaboxMD, the process can be fast-tracked in 30 mins. Direct practitioner contact may take longer depending on availability and evaluation requirements.
Q: Can I use my home country's medical cannabis prescription in Thailand?
A: No, you must obtain a prescription from an authorized Thai practitioner. Foreign prescriptions are not recognized under Thai law.
Q: What happens if I'm caught with cannabis without a prescription?
A: You face criminal prosecution with potential fines up to 20,000 baht ($620) and up to one year imprisonment. There is no legal protection for unprescribed cannabis possession.
Q: Can I buy cannabis online in Thailand?
A: No, online sales are prohibited. All purchases must be made from licensed physical dispensaries with valid prescriptions.
Q: How often do I need to renew my prescription?
A: Prescriptions are limited to 30-day supplies and require monthly renewals through continued practitioner relationships.
Q: What's the minimum age for medical cannabis in Thailand?
A: The minimum age is 20 years old. Additional restrictions apply to pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Q: Can I smoke cannabis in public with a prescription?
A: No, public cannabis smoking is illegal regardless of prescription status, with fines up to 25,000 baht (~$700).
Q: Are there quantity limits for prescribed cannabis?
A: Yes, prescriptions are limited to 30-day supplies as determined necessary by the prescribing practitioner.
Q: What documentation do I need to carry when possessing cannabis?
A: You must carry your prescription, medical certificate, and proof of purchase from a licensed dispensary. All documentation should specify your medical condition and prescribed amounts.
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Cenk Cetin is the founder of Cannabox, Thailand's leading cannabis platform connecting patients with licensed practitioners and dispensaries. For medical cannabis consultation and prescription services, visit md.cannabox.co.th or contact our support team.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Cannabis laws in Thailand are rapidly evolving. Always consult with qualified medical professionals and legal advisors for personalized guidance. Cannabox does not provide medical advice but facilitates connections with licensed practitioners.
About Cenk Cetin
Cenk Cetin is a cannabis tech entrepreneur based in Thailand. He is dedicated to retailers' digital transformation and has a can-do mentality to any related task.