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

PMI Extends Ferrari Partnership to 2026, Bringing ZYN Nicotine Pouches to F1
PMI Extends Ferrari Partnership to 2026, Bringing ZYN Nicotine Pouches to F1
Philip Morris International (PMI) has announced that it will extend its partnerships with Scuderia Ferrari HP and the Ferrari Challenge through the 2026 season and beyond, with its smoke-free nicotine pouch brand ZYN set to appear on Ferrari’s F1 livery for the first time from the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The company estimates that, as of June 30, 2025, more than 41 million adult consumers were using its smoke-free products worldwide.
Dec.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Observations | Two Months After Launch, BAT’s VELO Shift Draws Attention for Non-Traditional Design as Some Users Call for Higher Nicotine Strength
2Firsts Observations | Two Months After Launch, BAT’s VELO Shift Draws Attention for Non-Traditional Design as Some Users Call for Higher Nicotine Strength
British American Tobacco (BAT) introduced the VELO Shift nicotine pouch in September 2025, featuring a hexagonal outer can and an oval-triangle pouch shape that departs from traditional designs. Two months after launch, the product is available in the U.K., U.S. and Sweden. Social-media feedback indicates the design has been well received, while some users are calling for higher nicotine strength.
Nov.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Australia Issues Closure Orders to 100 Stores over Illicit Tobacco and Vapes
South Australia Issues Closure Orders to 100 Stores over Illicit Tobacco and Vapes
South Australia has imposed 28-day closure orders on 100 stores caught selling illicit tobacco and vapes since new ministerial powers took effect on 5 June. The State Government has seized about $50 million worth of illegal products, including over 41 million cigarettes, 140,000 vapes and 13,585 kilograms of loose tobacco. Two long-term closure orders have been issued and five more are before the Magistrates Court, supported by a $16 million illicit tobacco taskforce and tough new penalties.
Nov.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Irish Government Approves Ban on Disposable Vapes and Tightens Nicotine Controls
Irish Government Approves Ban on Disposable Vapes and Tightens Nicotine Controls
Irish Government has approved the Public Health (Single Use Vapes) Bill 2025, which will outlaw the sale of disposable e-cigarettes and introduce tighter restrictions on other nicotine products such as pouches. The move follows Northern Ireland’s similar ban earlier in 2025 and aims to protect young people from nicotine addiction.
Nov.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI Launches IQOS ILUMA i in the Philippines, Debuts via Official Stores and Online Channels
PMI Launches IQOS ILUMA i in the Philippines, Debuts via Official Stores and Online Channels
PMFTC, the Philippine affiliate of Philip Morris International (PMI), has introduced the heated tobacco device IQOS ILUMA i in the Philippines, featuring induction-heating technology and multiple smart functions. PMI aims to increase the share of smoke-free products to around 66% of its net revenues by 2030. Previously, PMFTC had already launched ZYN nicotine pouch products in Manila.
Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT Korea Announces Fall Promotion for glo™ hyper Series, Price Reductions up to 40%
BAT Korea Announces Fall Promotion for glo™ hyper Series, Price Reductions up to 40%
BAT Rothmans introduces "glo hyper" series promotion in South Korea, with "glo hyper pro" for $20 and "glo hyper" for $14.
Oct.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai