Regulatory body DTAM authorizes restrictions on cannabis flower sales, making it available solely through prescriptions.

Regulatory body DTAM authorizes restrictions on cannabis flower sales, making it available solely through prescriptions.

Thailand has unveiled revised cannabis regulations to restrict the sale of marijuana flowers for medical use only, with a valid prescription. The changes were announced by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) and are designed to tighten control over sales, cultivation, and export.

Dr. Somruek Chungsaman, the DTAM director-general, explained the key points of the new regulations in a press briefing on Thursday. The amendment of Public Health Ministry's notification on controlled herbal substances includes the following:

1. The sale of cannabis flowers, classified as a controlled substance, will be limited to individuals with a valid prescription from certified medical professionals such as doctors, dentists, pharmacists, traditional medicine practitioners, and folk healers. The prescription permits up to 30 grams of cannabis flowers for a 30-day period, serving as a legal reference to distinguish medical use from recreational possession.
2. Subject to renewal every three years, licences will be issued for the sale of cannabis flowers and export operations. The DTAM director-general will have the power to deny renewals for individuals or businesses with a history of licence suspension due to violations such as sales to minors or failure to maintain proper sales records.
3. Compliance with Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) standards will be enforced for cannabis cultivated for commercial sale or export. These standards, based on the EU's Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines, emphasize high safety standards in areas like soil and water management to minimize heavy metal contamination.

Once open for public consultation and feedback, the revised draft notification on cannabis shall be finalized by the end of June 2025. As Thailand moves toward more rigorous oversight of cannabis use, the revised regulations aim to prevent unauthorized recreational use and crackdown on any illegal activities related to marijuana.

1. The business sector in Thailand is now focusing on the medical use of cannabis, following revised regulations.
2. Health professionals, including doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and traditional medicine practitioners, will be authorized to issue prescriptions for cannabis flowers.
3. For those with a valid prescription, the purchase of up to 30 grams of cannabis flowers is allowed for a 30-day period.
4. The revised regulations aim to differentiate medical use from recreational possession.
5. Licenses will be issued for the sale of cannabis flowers and export operations by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM).
6. The licenses are subject to renewal every three years.
7. The DTAM director-general has the power to deny renewals for individuals or businesses with a history of violations.
8. Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) standards will be enforced for cannabis cultivated for commercial sale or export.
9. GACP standards are based on the EU's Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines.
10. These standards emphasize high safety standards in areas like soil and water management.
11. The aim is to minimize heavy metal contamination in the cannabis cultivated for commercial use.
12. The revised regulations also seek to prevent unauthorized recreational use of cannabis.
13. The regulations will crackdown on any illegal activities related to marijuana.
14. Once open for public consultation and feedback, the revised draft notification on cannabis shall be finalized by the end of June 2025.
15. The amendment of Public Health Ministry's notification on controlled herbal substances includes the sale of cannabis flowers.
16. The cannabis flowers are classified as a controlled substance.
17. The dental, pharmaceutical, and traditional medicine industries may see a boost due to the increased demand for prescriptions.
18. The revised regulations might impact the retail sector, especially stores selling cannabis products.
19. Cooking with cannabis could potentially become a new trend in the culinary world, as it becomes more accessible for medicinal purposes.
20. The lifestyle sector may incorporate cannabis-based therapies and treatments for health and wellness.
21. Mental health professionals may also explore cannabis as a treatment option for certain conditions.
22. Skin care products infused with cannabis may become popular, as they could potentially help with various skin conditions.
23. In the field of medical-conditions and chronic-diseases, cannabis could be a potential treatment option for chronic kidney disease, cancer, and respiratory conditions.
24. CBD, a compound found in cannabis, is already gaining popularity in the wellness industry for its potential health benefits.
25. The finance industry may see an increase in investments in CBD businesses, given its rising popularity.
26. In the broader industry, these changes might influence personal-finance decisions, as more people invest in cannabis-related businesses.
27. The changes could also impact the banking-and-insurance sector, as more cannabis-related businesses require financial services.
28. Gadgets like smartphones and technology will be crucial for maintaining proper records and staying compliant with the new regulations.
29. In terms of relationships, open and honest conversation about the use of cannabis, especially when incorporating it into a recipe or using it for health purposes, is essential.

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