Thailand Reverses Marijuana Legalization Amidst New Government

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.11.2024
Thailand Reverses Marijuana Legalization Amidst New Government
Thailand's newly elected prime minister announces plans to re-ban recreational marijuana use within six months of taking office.

According to a report by hsbnoticias, Thailand's historic decision to legalize recreational marijuana seems to be in jeopardy as the country prepares for a government change in September 2023. The newly elected Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has made a pact with the elite class and has promised to re-ban the recreational use of marijuana within the first six months of his term.

 

On January 9, 2024, the Ministry of Health in Thailand issued a legislation proposing fines or even imprisonment for violators. However, the consumption of cannabis in public places remains prohibited, and a complete industry has emerged around the recreational use of cannabis, including advertising and marketing.

 

Former Thai Minister of Health Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the intention behind the legalization of cannabis was not to encourage Thai people to consume it.

 

Thailand to Implement Medical Cannabis Policy. We never intended to endorse the recreational use of cannabis or promote its use in a manner that may cause discomfort to others," he stated.

 

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 Tobacco Tax Reform Stalls as Malta Withholds Support Despite Backing From 26 States
EU Tobacco Tax Reform Stalls as Malta Withholds Support Despite Backing From 26 States
EU finance ministers failed to reach agreement on tobacco excise reform at the November 9, 2026 Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) meeting in Brussels. The Irish Council presidency's compromise secured support from 26 of the EU's 27 member states, but Malta withheld consent, preventing the Council from reaching a general approach requiring unanimity. The reform would raise minimum taxes on conventional tobacco and bring e-cigarette liquids, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches into a common EU minimum excise framework. Finland and Estonia accepted further concessions during the meeting, while the presidency proposed separating the inclusion of nicotine pouches in the framework from setting their precise minimum tax rates. Another compromise would allow ten qualifying member states until 2036 to meet certain tobacco excise requirements. Ireland intends to continue negotiations in December.
Regulations
Nov.11
Texas Extends Tobacco Tax Interpretation to a 6-Methylnicotine Product, Citing VELO Ruling
Texas Extends Tobacco Tax Interpretation to a 6-Methylnicotine Product, Citing VELO Ruling
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts ruled in September 2026 that a combustible product made with non-tobacco plant material and 6-methylnicotine (6-MN), a synthetic nicotine analog, qualifies as a taxable tobacco product. The applicant said the product contained neither tobacco leaf nor measurable conventional nicotine. The determination applies reasoning from a May Texas Supreme Court decision involving VELO nicotine pouches, finding that the plant material and 6-MN together perform the functions of tobacco in a conventional smoking product. The ruling carries applicable tax, licensing and reporting obligations but is limited to the facts submitted by the taxpayer. It does not establish a blanket tax classification for all 6-MN products or extend the same conclusion to e-cigarettes.
Regulations
Nov.06
U.S. Rep. Krishnamoorthi Questions FDA Over Planned PMTA Rewrite, Seeks Communications With Altria and Reynolds
U.S. Rep. Krishnamoorthi Questions FDA Over Planned PMTA Rewrite, Seeks Communications With Altria and Reynolds
U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi on Oct. 6 questioned the FDA over its plan to reassess and potentially replace the 2021 PMTA regulatory framework, asking the agency to identify provisions it may change or eliminate, state whether current scientific evidentiary standards will be maintained, and disclose communications with Altria, Reynolds and other parties challenging the rule. Krishnamoorthi led a congressional investigation into JUUL and youth vaping in 2019 and has since remained active on e-cigarette regulation and enforcement.
Regulations
Oct.08
FDA Appoints Former Tobacco Enforcement Deputy Jessica Zeller as Director as Agency Weighs PMTA Framework Changes
FDA Appoints Former Tobacco Enforcement Deputy Jessica Zeller as Director as Agency Weighs PMTA Framework Changes
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has named Jessica Zeller director of the Center for Tobacco Products' (CTP) Office of Compliance and Enforcement (OCE), effective November 1, 2026. Zeller, the office's inaugural deputy director, returns from medical device manufacturer Edwards Lifesciences with more than 20 years of regulatory and legal experience. The appointment follows CTP leadership changes and adjustments to tobacco regulation. Bret Koplow became permanent CTP director in September; the FDA revised enforcement priorities for unauthorized e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches in May and announced faster PMTA review procedures. On September 28, the agency said it would evaluate changes to the existing PMTA regulatory framework, including potential rulemaking to replace it.
FDA
Oct.20 by 2Firsts Perspectives
JTI Proposes 25-Cent Irish Cigarette Tax Increase, Says It Could Raise €45 Million
JTI Proposes 25-Cent Irish Cigarette Tax Increase, Says It Could Raise €45 Million
Japan Tobacco International's Irish business has proposed a €0.25 tax increase on a pack of 20 cigarettes in its pre-Budget 2027 submission, below the €0.50-or-more increases typically imposed in recent Irish budgets. JTI says the proposal could generate around €45 million in additional Exchequer revenue while limiting further movement toward illicit and non-Irish-tax-paid tobacco. Revenue's existing estimate for a comparable €0.25 increase, including pro-rata rises on other tobacco products, is about €18 million for a full year.
JTI
Sep.18 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Special Report|From CrossBar 20K to 6-Methyl Nicotine KUMI: Two Routes Into U.S. State Vape Directories?
Special Report|From CrossBar 20K to 6-Methyl Nicotine KUMI: Two Routes Into U.S. State Vape Directories?
Several U.S. states have incorporated the September 9, 2020 PMTA filing deadline into eligibility rules for certain vaping products. CrossBar 20K drew attention after appearing on Pennsylvania's 163-entry directory. A broader 2Firsts investigation found that related registration businesses also listed KUMI and CROSSBAR SIX products, with 171 KUMI-related entries across Louisiana, Nebraska and Wisconsin. Corporate records link Scott Silverman to Blue Nine LLC and VR Products I LLC. PMTA compliance expert Mr. K said historical applications and nicotine-analogue products may offer two different approaches to state-directory access.
Regulations
Oct.26