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

UK Retailers Urge Government to Include Age-Verification Tech in Tobacco and Vapes Bill
UK Retailers Urge Government to Include Age-Verification Tech in Tobacco and Vapes Bill
UK convenience retailers have written to several government ministers urging the adoption of age-verification technology in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The letter, led by Atul Sodha of Londis, Harefield, and co-signed by 29 other shop owners, calls for a “triple lock” approach combining manufacturer tech, retailer vigilance, and user-level verification to curb youth access.
Nov.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Altria and NJOY Sue ITC, Claim Judge Appointment Process Is Unconstitutional
Altria and NJOY Sue ITC, Claim Judge Appointment Process Is Unconstitutional
Altria Group and its NJOY subsidiary have filed a lawsuit in Virginia federal court challenging the U.S. International Trade Commission’s process for appointing administrative law judges. The companies allege the system violates the U.S. Constitution and seek to halt an ITC patent investigation initiated by rival Juul.
Nov.10
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
Black Friday Meets Thanksgiving: Multiple E-Cigarette Brands Launch Discounts and Giveaways Across North America and Europe
Black Friday Meets Thanksgiving: Multiple E-Cigarette Brands Launch Discounts and Giveaways Across North America and Europe
As Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Thanksgiving shopping season arrive, e-cigarette brands such as OXVA and VAPORESSO, together with online retail platforms, have launched concentrated discount and giveaway campaigns running from mid-November to early December. Promotions include tiered reductions, sitewide discounts, bundle deals and interactive prize draws, covering North America, the UK and parts of the EU market.
Nov.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Israel Proposes E-Cigarette Tax Reform Expected to Raise 154 million USD Shekels Annually
Israel Proposes E-Cigarette Tax Reform Expected to Raise 154 million USD Shekels Annually
Israel’s Finance Ministry has proposed a 2026 economic reform introducing new taxes and licensing for e-cigarettes. The plan would impose a NIS 1-per-ml tax on vape liquids and NIS 30 per device, abolish VAT exemptions in Eilat, and is expected to generate about NIS 500 million(154 million USD) annually.
Nov.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA CTP Acting Director  Supports Expanding Authorized Flavored E-Cigs and Legal Marketplace
FDA CTP Acting Director Supports Expanding Authorized Flavored E-Cigs and Legal Marketplace
At the FDLI Tobacco and Nicotine Policy Conference, FDA CTP Acting Director Bret Koplow spoke in favor of promoting tobacco harm reduction to reduce smoking. He backed a legal marketplace for authorized reduced-risk products, potential expansion of flavored e-cigs, and faster FDA reviews to ensure a strong, regulated market.
Oct.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai