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

U.S. Company TPB Q3 Earnings: Nicotine Pouch Sales Surge 628% YoY, First U.S. Production Line Planned
U.S. Company TPB Q3 Earnings: Nicotine Pouch Sales Surge 628% YoY, First U.S. Production Line Planned
Turning Point Brands (NYSE: TPB) released its financial results for the third quarter of 2025, reporting strong revenue and profit growth driven by surging Modern Oral (nicotine pouch) sales. The company announced plans to establish its first U.S.-based white pouch production line in 2026, marking a key step toward manufacturing localization.
Nov.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Smoore: Profit Growth Gradually Improving, Fourth Quarter Shows Promise — A 2Firsts Reader Submission
Smoore: Profit Growth Gradually Improving, Fourth Quarter Shows Promise — A 2Firsts Reader Submission
Smoore released its financial results for the third quarter of 2025.A reader submitted to 2Firsts, noting that Smoore’s declining profit margin was mainly due to the substantial upfront investment in its new heated tobacco products, the relatively low margins of vaping devices, and price reductions resulting from product iterations in the European atomization market.as product structure adjustments near completion, the company’s profit growth is expected to further rebound in the fourth quart.
Oct.13
PMI Compares Smoke-Free Policies in Three Countries: Japan and New Zealand Lead Tobacco Control, While Thailand’s Ban Stalls Harm Reduction
PMI Compares Smoke-Free Policies in Three Countries: Japan and New Zealand Lead Tobacco Control, While Thailand’s Ban Stalls Harm Reduction
PMI Malaysia says Japan and New Zealand’s regulated smoke-free alternatives have hastened smoking declines, whereas Thailand’s post-2014 ban drives smokers to cigarettes or the black market—evidence, PMI argues, that pairing regulated alternatives with traditional controls could improve public health faster.
Oct.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
British American Tobacco’s VELO Launches Limited McLaren F1 Edition: US Price Only 60% of EU/UK
British American Tobacco’s VELO Launches Limited McLaren F1 Edition: US Price Only 60% of EU/UK
BAT’s VELO has released a McLaren F1 co-branded, track-themed limited-edition pack in McLaren’s orange-black livery. Pricing is about $4.60 per can in the U.S. versus ~$7.40 in the EU/UK. The collaboration extends BAT’s partnership with McLaren dating back to 2019.
Oct.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia Ministry of Health to submit proposal to Cabinet for comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes, measures set to combat smuggling and black market
Malaysia Ministry of Health to submit proposal to Cabinet for comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes, measures set to combat smuggling and black market
Malaysia Ministry of Health to propose full ban on e-cigarettes, citing health and financial burdens; cabinet approval pending.
Oct.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Lao Shuts Down Nearly 300 Online Vape Stores in Joint Crackdown with WHO and Meta
Lao Shuts Down Nearly 300 Online Vape Stores in Joint Crackdown with WHO and Meta
In a coordinated effort with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Meta, the Lao Ministry of Health has taken 288 online e-cigarette stores with more than 759,599 members offline, reinforcing the country’s total ban on e-cigarettes under the National Tobacco Control Law.
Nov.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai