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

EU to Abstain from WHO Tobacco Treaty Vote Amid Deep Internal Split
EU to Abstain from WHO Tobacco Treaty Vote Amid Deep Internal Split
The European Union will abstain from voting at the upcoming 11th session of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (COP11) in Geneva, following months of internal disagreement over how to regulate tobacco and nicotine products. The decision marks a rare and public fracture in EU health policy, reportedly driven by the European Commission’s hardline anti-tobacco stance.
Nov.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | INNOKIN Launches Magnetic Open-System Device, Pod + Power Bank Design Debuts in UK and US Channels
Product | INNOKIN Launches Magnetic Open-System Device, Pod + Power Bank Design Debuts in UK and US Channels
INNOKIN has recently launched its new open-system e-cigarette, EZ LEVA, on its official website, and it is now available through online channels in the UK and the United States. Featuring a magnetic design, the device adopts a pod + power bank form factor. Its 400mAh (device) + 2000mAh (charging case) battery setup follows a similar configuration logic to comparable products such as the SMOK Airmate and KIWI 2.
Dec.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China to Cancel VAT Export Rebates on E-Cigarette Products from April 1, 2026
China to Cancel VAT Export Rebates on E-Cigarette Products from April 1, 2026
China’s Ministry of Finance and State Taxation Administration have announced adjustments to export tax rebate policies, placing nicotine-containing non-combustible inhalation products within the scope of items subject to rebate cancellation. The measures will take effect from April 1, 2026.
Regulations
Jan.10
Product | Semi-Embedded Display + “Smart Memory System”: OXBAR Launches New Magnetic Vape MAGLINK
Product | Semi-Embedded Display + “Smart Memory System”: OXBAR Launches New Magnetic Vape MAGLINK
OXBAR has launched the MAGLINK vape on its official website, featuring a magnetic structure and a smart memory function. The website lists the device as offering 50,000 puffs, a 1500 mAh battery, and four adjustable power levels. The product has already appeared across multiple Canadian sales channels, where the stated puff count, e-liquid capacity, and other specifications differ notably from those shown on the official site.
Dec.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
NZ Government Eyes Sale of Smokeless Tobacco; Critics Warn of “Backslide”
NZ Government Eyes Sale of Smokeless Tobacco; Critics Warn of “Backslide”
Associate Health Minister Casey Costello faced renewed scrutiny in Parliament’s health select committee over her handling of tobacco-related policy and alleged ties to the tobacco industry. The government is considering allowing smokeless nicotine products such as snus and nicotine pouches, provided they meet safety and youth-access regulations.
Dec.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
NielsenIQ Data Shows UK Tobacco Market Decline of 12.7% with E-Cigarettes Dropping GBP 225 Million
NielsenIQ Data Shows UK Tobacco Market Decline of 12.7% with E-Cigarettes Dropping GBP 225 Million
According to NielsenIQ data published on December 7, 2025, overall tobacco and nicotine product sales in the UK dropped 12.7% in the 12 months ending September 6, representing more than £1 billion in lost sales.
Dec.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai