In 2022, Thailand made global headlines by decriminalizing marijuana—Asia's first.

By Aniket Chakraborty June 28, 2025 Arrow WORLD NEWS

A $1.2 billion cannabis industry bloomed, with over 11,000 dispensaries nationwide.

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Tourists flocked in, and farms across the country began booming with legal weed.

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But in 2025, Thailand is reversing course, banning recreational cannabis sales.

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Cannabis buds now need a license, can’t be sold without a medical prescription.

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Selling weed online, near temples, parks, or via vending machines is now illegal.

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Offenders face up to a year in jail and a 20,000 baht fine under the new rules.

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Activists blame political infighting and claim the crackdown favors big players.

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Critics fear the weed trade will go underground, feeding corruption and black markets.

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Once the cannabis capital of Asia, Thailand now battles its own weed whiplash.

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