Unregulated Growth of Thailand's Recreational Cannabis Industry and Regulatory Concerns

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nov.23.2023
Unregulated Growth of Thailand's Recreational Cannabis Industry and Regulatory Concerns
Thailand's unregulated recreational cannabis industry sees uncertain future as government drafts regulations. Debates arise on medical use restrictions.

According to a report by Infobae, the leisure marijuana industry in Thailand is experiencing unregulated growth. The government is currently drafting regulations to address this issue, but remains skeptical about permitting its use for medical marijuana purposes.

 

In addition, the Asia International Cannabis Expo and Forum kicked off today in Bangkok. Several experts are questioning whether the ban on recreational marijuana is beneficial for the growing cannabis industry.

 

Since the lifting of the ban on the cultivation and sale of marijuana by the government on June 9, 2023, over 8,000 recreational marijuana distribution stores have opened nationwide, making Thailand the first country in Asia to legalize marijuana. The current Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, had previously pledged to restrict marijuana to medicinal use only, but his alliance includes the Bhumjaithai party, which played a significant role in the legalization push last year.

 

While the future of recreational marijuana remains uncertain, the Ministry of Health has announced that this month it will propose a draft bill to regulate the industry.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

WHO warns Europe will remain the world’s biggest tobacco consumer by 2030 as vaping fuels youth uptake
WHO warns Europe will remain the world’s biggest tobacco consumer by 2030 as vaping fuels youth uptake
According to Euronews, the World Health Organization (WHO) says its European Region—53 countries across Europe and Central Asia—is projected to remain the world’s largest tobacco consumer by 2030. While overall tobacco use is declining, e-cigarettes and flavoured nicotine products are capturing a new generation.
Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thailand’s National Health Commission Office Reviews Two Years of E-Cigarette Control Efforts and Plans Further Recommendations
Thailand’s National Health Commission Office Reviews Two Years of E-Cigarette Control Efforts and Plans Further Recommendations
Thailand’s National Health Commission Office and partner agencies held a public policy forum on March 13 to review results from the past two years of efforts to protect children and youth from e-cigarettes and to prepare recommendations for submission to the National Health Commission.
Mar.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ispire Q2 FY2026 revenue falls to $20.3M as it trims lower-quality customers; A/R down nearly 20%
Ispire Q2 FY2026 revenue falls to $20.3M as it trims lower-quality customers; A/R down nearly 20%
Ispire reported a sharp year-on-year revenue decline in Q2 FY2026 as it shifted away from lower-quality customers, while cutting operating expenses and narrowing its net loss. The company also highlighted improved collections, with net accounts receivable down nearly one-fifth since June 30, 2025, alongside ongoing manufacturing and technology initiatives.
Feb.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Haypp confirms exit from UK vape category as it shifts focus to oral nicotine
Haypp confirms exit from UK vape category as it shifts focus to oral nicotine
Haypp, an online retailer of alternative nicotine products, has confirmed it is exiting the UK vape category as it shifts focus to the oral nicotine market. The company said analysis of its sales data showed increasing adoption of nicotine pouches across its six international markets: the UK, the USA, Germany, Norway, Switzerland and Sweden.
Mar.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMTA Manufacturing Panel Sees Small Firms Warn “Unknown Is Death” as FDA Defends Review Boundaries
PMTA Manufacturing Panel Sees Small Firms Warn “Unknown Is Death” as FDA Defends Review Boundaries
During FDA’s Feb 10 PMTA roundtable (manufacturing controls panel), small ENDS manufacturers warned that uncertainty in manufacturing expectations creates existential financial risk. FDA officials reiterated review flexibility is constrained by statutory and scientific boundaries. The panel debated testing standards, documentation requirements, open-system responsibility, supply chain changes, and software updates—highlighting unresolved PMTA challenges for small manufacturers.
Feb.11
Germany Sees 18.2% Jump in Taxed Tobacco Substitutes in 2025, Including E-liquids
Germany Sees 18.2% Jump in Taxed Tobacco Substitutes in 2025, Including E-liquids
Germany’s Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) said 66.4 billion cigarettes were taxed in 2025, up 0.2% from 2024, while long-term volumes have more than halved since 1991 and per-capita consumption fell to 795 cigarettes. Taxed tobacco substitutes such as e-cigarette liquids reached 1.5 million liters, up 18.2% year on year.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai