November 16, 2022
In the wake of shared global challenges, tourism and green growth is the way forward for Thailand’s sustainable economy. Specifically, a relevant government panel has set up a plan to develop the country as an international hub and targeted Thailand as the world’s foremost destination for the medical industry and wellness tourism. Still, a dream without a plan is just a wish. In response, the legal scheme to transform Thailand into a comprehensive medical hub was initially implemented. Cannabis liberalization will further strengthen Thailand’s position as a global medical hub with affordable healthcare. In driving Thai economic sustainable development forwards, the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand (MOPH) has refined re-emerging health aid. On 14 December 2020, MOPH announced the notification on the specification of controlled narcotic drugs under category 5, B.E.2563 (2020), to remove some parts of cannabis and hemp from category 5 under Narcotics Act B.E.2522 (1979). The following components of cannabis and hemp, as well as a substance derived from those parts, do not constitute narcotics under such regulation:
- Bark, Stalk, Fiber, Branches, and Roots;
- Leaves (excluding cannabis flower and bud);
- Extracts that have tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) not exceeding the capped amount, i.e., 0.2 percent by weight.
- Residue from cannabis extract, which THC is not over 0.2 percent by weight.
- Hemp seed, hemp seed oil, or hemp seed extract.

9 June 2022 marks a thoughtful day of observance of the cannabis industry in Thailand; the government of Thailand has delisted “all” parts of cannabis and hemp from banned narcotic lists under the notification of specification of controlled narcotic drugs under category 5, B.E.2665 (2022). Under this “Standard”, all cannabis and hemp “extracts” remain considered narcotics, except for the following:
- Extracts that have THC not exceeding the capped amount, i.e., 0.2 percent by weight, for which permission to extract from cannabis or hemp plants grown in Thailand has been obtained; and
- Extracts from seeds of cannabis or hemp plants grown in Thailand.
- Manufacture, including Cultivation, Modification, and Packaging for Commercial Purposes;
- Import and Export; and
- Sale and Possess.