Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) is currently conducting a public consultation on the draft Cannabis and Hemp Act, with feedback open until 1 July before the proposal is submitted to the Cabinet for consideration. The consultation forms part of the government’s legislative process to refine the regulatory framework governing cannabis and hemp use in Thailand, particularly in relation to balancing public health concerns with economic and medical applications.
The DTAM has invited comments from members of the public, business operators, and other stakeholders through official online platforms, including the government’s law consultation portal and the DTAM website. According to DTAM officials, the draft legislation is intended to establish clearer regulatory controls and preventive mechanisms to address potential misuse of cannabis, while also supporting sustainable economic development within the sector.
The public consultation process has been structured into two phases in line with a cabinet resolution. The first phase, conducted between 22 April and 21 May 2026, focused on gathering feedback on the overall principles of the draft legislation and has been completed. The second phase, currently ongoing from 2 June to 1 July, seeks more detailed input on specific provisions within the draft act before it proceeds further in the legislative process.
Following completion of the consultation period, the draft bill is expected to be reviewed by the Minister of Public Health before being submitted to the cabinet for formal consideration. The authorities have emphasised that the consultation process is intended to ensure that the regulatory framework reflects a balance between medical use, economic opportunities, and public health protection, while also improving regulatory clarity and reducing potential policy conflicts.
It has also been clarified that issues relating to the reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic fall outside the scope of this draft legislation and are being considered separately by other relevant government agencies. From a broader policy perspective, the consultation reflects Thailand’s ongoing effort to transition from an initially liberalised cannabis environment towards a more structured and controlled regulatory regime, with increasing emphasis on governance, compliance, and public health safeguards.