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Thailand reassesses its cannabis policy, three years post-decriminalization, due to escalating youth usage and health concerns. Officials are actively re-evaluating regulations after a sharp rise in cannabis use among young adults, coupled with an increase in related health issues and healthcare expenses. together, the Ministry of Public Health spearheads the “Slim Down, Stop NCDs” campaign, combating non-communicable diseases that claim over 400,000 lives annually. we also cover related updates in the medical industry. News Directory 3 helps you stay informed on these critical shifts in healthcare. Explore the details of new sub-committees and action plans. Discover what’s next …
Thailand Reassesses Cannabis policy Amid health Campaign
Updated June 17,2025
Thailand is reviewing its cannabis policy,three years after decriminalization,amid rising concerns about youth use and health complications. Experts cite lax regulation as a contributing factor to the increase in cannabis use and related health issues.
Health and legal professionals reported at a recent forum that cannabis use among 18- and 19-year-olds jumped from under 1% in 2019 to almost 10% in 2022. While rates have slightly decreased since then, they remain significantly higher than before legalization. The rise in psychosis and acute intoxication cases has pushed healthcare costs past 15.8 billion baht in 2023.
Approximately 18,000 licensed cannabis shops operate across thailand,in addition to numerous unlicensed vendors,especially in tourist hotspots where enforcement is weak and age verification is frequently enough ignored. International travel advisories and legal uncertainties have increased pressure on Thai authorities to strengthen oversight of cannabis regulation.
Critics argue that the absence of a clear regulatory framework following the 2022 decriminalization is to blame. A proposed bill currently under review seeks to limit cannabis use to medical purposes and implement stricter controls.
In related news, the Ministry of Public Health is intensifying its efforts to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which cause over 1,000 deaths each day and pose a threat to both public health and economic progress. Public Health minister Somsak Thepsuthin chaired a meeting June 16 to push forward the national NCD prevention and control plan for 2023–2027. The meeting concluded with the launch of the “Slim Down, Stop NCDs” campaign, which aims to reduce premature deaths related to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
NCDs account for more than 400,000 deaths annually, representing 81% of all deaths in Thailand. These deaths are largely driven by lifestyle and environmental risk factors, including poor diet, inactivity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
While some progress has been made in reducing smoking, sodium consumption, and alcohol intake, key indicators such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity remain off track.Officials emphasized the need for stronger coordination between government, the private sector, and civil society to improve public health.
the risk of early death from NCDs has slightly decreased, from 14.8% in 2010 to 14.6% in 2022. the government aims to lower this to 11.07% by 2025 through its NCD prevention efforts.
What’s next
A new sub-committee will oversee the implementation of the national plan to ensure alignment with agency goals and measurable outcomes.Officials say long-term success depends on collective action and encouraging individuals to take duty for their own health.