Representatives of Thailand’s cannabis community are calling on the new government to enact legislation that safeguards users, businesses, non-use individuals, and minors. Their appeal follows concerns that recent regulatory amendments have fostered monopolistic conditions within the industry.
During the “Drugs Community Forum,” organized by the Health & Opportunity Network, activist Chokwan “Kitty” Chopaka expressed worry that current changes threaten to exclude smaller players and weaken consumer protections. She highlighted that, since the late June amendments, only companies with Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) certificates issued by the Department of Thai Traditional Medicine are permitted to sell cannabis flowers. Presently, only 79 outlets hold such certification, leaving approximately 18,000 licensed dispensaries reliant on a limited number of certified suppliers.
“This appears to be monopolization, with only a few benefiting while many struggle to stay in the market,” she warned.
Another amendment mandates consumers to obtain a certified medical prescription before purchasing cannabis—an aspect that, she says, favors wealthier dispensaries able to employ doctors or convert their outlets into clinics. There are reports of prescriptions being issued by staff without proper medical accreditation, further emphasizing concerns over fairness and integrity.
“This is also monopolistic because it favors those with resources, allowing them to rebrand as clinics and maintain their operations,” she added.
Looking ahead, activists hope the next government will revert regulations to the framework prior to June, when enforcement was overseen by multiple agencies. Ms. Chopaka emphasized that clearer, unified regulation is crucial, especially since cannabis was removed from the narcotics list three years ago, creating confusion across customs, immigration, law enforcement, and health departments.
She also called for the development of a comprehensive “cannabis law” that clarifies legal and operational guidelines for the industry.
Questioned about the effectiveness of current rules, Ms. Chopaka argued that they are superficial and prone to corruption. She pointed out that some dispensaries mix non-GACP cannabis with certified products to deceive consumers and that the prescription process has been exploited—sometimes involving illegitimate doctors or remote prescriptions via illegal telemedicine services.
“This regulatory approach claims to protect consumers, but in practice, it encourages compliance games and corruption rather than genuine safety and quality improvements,” she said.
On youth protection, Ms. Chopaka emphasized the importance of education over prohibition. She noted that hiding information about cannabis only fuels fear, and that open, honest conversations are essential. Parents and educators should teach children about the risks, realities, and responsible use of cannabis, similar to messaging about alcohol and chemicals.
“Children should be equipped with knowledge, not fear. If they encounter cannabis, they should understand what it is and how to act,” she explained, advocating for destigmatized, straightforward education.
As Thailand’s cannabis industry stands at a pivotal point, advocates warn that while the decriminalization three years ago opened opportunities, recent regulations favor a small elite of well-funded operators. They argue that ineffective consumer protections and restrictive rules hinder smaller dispensaries, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive legislation.
Looking forward, campaigners hope the next government will restore balanced oversight, promote fair competition, and create a framework that protects public health while supporting industry growth—ensuring the industry’s future is both equitable and sustainable.