On 22 April 2026, the Ministry of Public Health conducted a public hearing regarding the regulatory principles of cannabis and hemp. The draft aims to address the current legal loopholes created when cannabis and hemp were removed from the narcotics list without a specific regulatory in place. Consequently, cannabis and hemp can be used freely in an unregulated environment. The rationale behind this public hearing is to establish a regulation for state oversight and transitioning from the current state that unable to control the possession and consumption towards a structured environment that balances public health with economic potential.
According to the draft, the proposed framework will be governed by a licensing system that regulates the entire lifecycle of the plants, including cultivation, production and sale. This addresses the existing issue where the absence of specific legal frameworks has led to widespread use and unregulated market expansion, leaving the state without the statutory tools to the effective oversight or licensing mechanisms. To ensure high-level policy coordination, the draft proposes the establishment of a “Cannabis and Hemp Committee” to determine national strategies and ensure the plants are utilized for the greatest benefits to the country
To qualify for legal operation and use, activities must be strictly limited to medical, health, and research and development (R&D) purposes. This shift is designed to mitigate a double-edged sword risk of the plant, where improper use can lead to significant health impacts or accidents, such as driving while intoxicated. The framework also integrates criminal penalties and clear criteria for official discretion to prevent misuse of the plants and to protect public safety.
Public Hearing on the Principles Regarding Cannabis and Hemp_Bangkok Global Law