### Thailand's Cannabis Policy: A Dramatic Shift from Decriminalization to Prescription-Only Sales - In 2022, Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize recreational cannabis, aiming to boost tourism and the economy. However, the lack of a clear regulatory framework led to concerns over unregulated sales and public consumption. As a result, the Thai government has now implemented strict regulations requiring prescriptions for cannabis purchases, effectively ending the era of "weed tourism" [https://en.tempo.co/read/2024531/tourists-in-thailand-now-need-prescription-to-purchase-marijuana][https://www.timesnownews.com/travel/destinations/thailand-bans-weed-again-prescription-only-sales-for-tourists-and-locals-article-152189639]. ### Overview of Thailand's New Cannabis Regulations 1. **Prescription Requirement**: As of June 2025, both tourists and locals must obtain a doctor's prescription to purchase cannabis products, marking a significant policy reversal [https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3316525/thailands-doctors-have-show-cannabis-use-medical-reasons-new-form]. 2. **Impact on Retailers**: Over 18,000 licensed cannabis shops now face potential closure if they do not comply with the new medical-only sales requirements [https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3316105/thailand-starts-banning-cannabis-sales-without-prescriptions]. 3. **Public Health Concerns**: The government cites rising concerns about public health and safety as a primary reason for tightening cannabis regulations [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/health/3484553-thailand-tightens-cannabis-regulations-amid-growing-concerns]. ### Evidence of the Policy Shift - **Timeline of Events**: - **June 2022**: Thailand decriminalizes cannabis, becoming a pioneer in Asia [https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/world/article/thailand-starts-banning-the-sale-of-cannabis-20396705.php]. - **June 2025**: New regulations are enacted, requiring prescriptions for cannabis sales [https://www.apnews.com/article/thailand-cannabis-ban-sales-prescription-04b9dc73d43a172cac2da04f0117ab3b]. - **Public Reaction**: Many cannabis store owners and activists have expressed frustration over the sudden regulatory changes, fearing economic repercussions and loss of business [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/thailand-cannabis-recriminalise-tighten-sales-rules-stores-fret-5204601]. ### Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for Cannabis Legalization - **Key Findings**: 1. **Regulatory Backlash**: Thailand's initial enthusiasm for cannabis legalization has been met with significant backlash, leading to a swift policy reversal [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/3483813-thailand-reinforces-cannabis-restrictions-amid-rising-concerns]. 2. **Economic Implications**: The new prescription requirement could severely impact the burgeoning cannabis industry, which was expected to thrive post-decriminalization [https://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/visit/from-legal-highs-to-tighter-rules-thailand-rethinks-weed-rules-after-tourist-boom/articleshow/122176819.cms]. 3. **Public Health Focus**: The government’s shift towards a medical-only framework reflects growing concerns about the implications of recreational cannabis use on public health and safety [https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3316105/thailand-starts-banning-cannabis-sales-without-prescriptions]. This comprehensive overview illustrates how Thailand's cannabis policy has evolved from a progressive stance to a more restrictive approach, highlighting the complexities and challenges of cannabis legalization in a rapidly changing socio-political landscape.