Thailand’s Cannabis U-turn: Operators have weeks to adapt as recreational use faces ban

Gloria Lai, Regional Director of the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC), contends the prescription mandate was rushed in response to high-profile cases of foreigners illegally exporting cannabis.

She warns the policy will devastate the retail sector, “With about 10,000 outlets nationwide, 90% will likely close. Some foreigners might cooperate with the doctor’s note, but Thais will simply go back to growing their own,” she told Thai PBS World.

Prasit Nunual, Secretary General of Thailand’s Cannabis Future Network, notes closures have already begun due to oversupply and falling demand. He casts doubt on the prescription model’s feasibility: “It might be no different from the required letter for a driving licence – causing inconvenience, not genuine health oversight