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

Portugal and Other Countries Submit Objections in Brussels Over UK Smoke-Free Generation Bill
Portugal and Other Countries Submit Objections in Brussels Over UK Smoke-Free Generation Bill
Portugal is among the countries opposing the UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which would ban tobacco sales to people born on or after Jan. 1, 2009. According to the report, Portugal, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia and Romania have submitted reasoned opinions and formal observations to Brussels, arguing that the bill breaches post-Brexit arrangements including the Windsor Framework.
Apr.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Tobacco Farming in the New Nicotine Era: Why Indian Farmers Struggle to Transition — Contributed by Samrat Chowdhery
Tobacco Farming in the New Nicotine Era: Why Indian Farmers Struggle to Transition — Contributed by Samrat Chowdhery
In this contributed article to 2Firsts, Mumbai-based journalist and harm reduction advocate Samrat Chowdhery examines India’s tobacco transition from the perspective of agriculture, supply chains and regulation. As noted by 2Firsts, India offers a relevant case for understanding how new nicotine technologies may affect not only consumption, trade and policy, but also tobacco farming.
Special Report
May.29
LOST MARY Launches VIZ With Transparent Wraparound Pod and LED Display
LOST MARY Launches VIZ With Transparent Wraparound Pod and LED Display
LOST MARY announced VIZ on May 6, 2026, describing it as the brand’s first product with a transparent 360-degree wraparound pod.
May.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
 BAT Bangladesh Cigarette Sales Fall 14%, Q1 Profit Drops 34%
BAT Bangladesh Cigarette Sales Fall 14%, Q1 Profit Drops 34%
British American Tobacco Bangladesh reported a 14% year-on-year decline in cigarette sales volume and a 34% drop in first-quarter profit, highlighting mounting pressure from inflation, taxation, and weakening consumer spending in Bangladesh.
News
May.18
Philip Morris International Announces IQOS and Devialet Collaboration at Milan Design Week 2026
Philip Morris International Announces IQOS and Devialet Collaboration at Milan Design Week 2026
Philip Morris International announced on April 20 that IQOS has partnered with French acoustic engineering company Devialet to launch “Soundsorial Design” at Milan Design Week 2026. The collaboration includes an immersive exhibition and a limited-edition product set named “Soundsorial.” The exhibition will run from April 20 to April 27 at Opificio 31 in Milan.
Apr.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Exhibition Insights | Geek Bar Booth Shows Two Fasoul Heat-Not-Burn Devices in Prague
Exhibition Insights | Geek Bar Booth Shows Two Fasoul Heat-Not-Burn Devices in Prague
At EVO NXT 2026 in Prague, the Geek Bar booth displayed two Fasoul heat-not-burn devices, Q1 Pro and C2. One stressed compact size, screen-led control and dual modes, while the other highlighted faster heating, a larger battery and added functions. Both were presented as compatible with IQOS TEREA and SENTIA sticks. Materials on a website displaying Fasoul-related information also show recent market activity in Japan and Italy.
Apr.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai