Thailand announced on June 27 that cannabis use is permitted strictly for medical and health purposes only, according to CNN.

“This must be clearly understood: cannabis is permitted for medical use only,” said Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin.

Under the new rules, tourists must provide a medical certificate issued by a doctor either in Thailand or their home country to purchase cannabis buds to treat nausea caused by chemotherapy, drug-resistant epilepsy, or nerve pain.

Licensed cannabis shops are now only allowed to sell to customers with a valid medical prescription. They are also required to maintain detailed sales records and are subject to regular inspections by authorities.

The new rules also impose stricter regulations on growers and farmers, ban commercial advertising, and prohibit the sale of cannabis through vending machines or online platforms.

“We want to tell tourists they are welcome to enjoy Thailand’s culture and nature – but Thailand should not be seen as a destination for recreational cannabis use,” Somsak added.

Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsab said in a statement that the government had ordered the Health Ministry to tighten control over cannabis sales because many shops have opened to sell cannabis for both recreational and medical purposes, making it easily accessible to children and the general public, which contradicts the government’s intention to crack down on drug use, AP reported.

Although Thailand decriminalized recreational cannabis use in 2022, it initially lacked a clear regulatory framework. Since then, tens of thousands of cannabis- businesses have opened, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like Khao San Road in the capital Bangkok or Pattaya, Reuters reported.

The Thai Chamber of Commerce previously estimated that the cannabis industry, including medicinal products, could be worth US$1.2 billion by 2025.