BANGKOK – Thailand’s cannabis regulatory landscape is undergoing a major transformation, with all licensed cannabis shops now required to convert into full-fledged medical clinics under a new government decree. The move aims to restrict cannabis use strictly to medical purposes and imposes rigorous operational and staffing standards on existing businesses.

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The regulation, approved by the cabinet on December 9 and announced on December 22 by Dr. Thewan Thaneerat, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, mandates that thousands of currently licensed shops must upgrade their facilities and reregister with provincial health offices by early 2026. These establishments must now operate as approved medical clinics under the Ministry of Public Health.

Under the new rules, shops must employ certified medical professionals on-site. Six categories of qualified personnel are recognized, including trained traditional healers and budtenders who have completed accredited training programs—approximately 1,000 of whom are already eligible for certification. Even pharmacies already licensed to sell medicine must obtain an additional license for controlled herbal products if they wish to continue selling cannabis.

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To support the transition, the Department has launched a free electronic learning platform to train medical staff and has implemented a verification system to prevent fraudulent certifications. The overhaul mandates strict professional oversight, requiring that all cannabis distribution be conducted by qualified personnel and that all transactions be properly recorded and reported.

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While the policy aims to elevate the standard of medical cannabis services, it poses significant challenges for existing operators, who must adapt their premises, staffing, and operations to meet clinical standards. The government is expected to provide transitional measures to allow businesses time to comply before full enforcement takes effect. Stakeholders are advised to monitor further announcements as implementation details are finalized.

-Thailand News (TN)