Cannabis advocates' demonstration concludes, promising future returns
In the heart of Nonthaburi province, Thailand, a group of cannabis advocates have taken a stand against the recent regulatory changes introduced by the Public Health Ministry. The group, led by Mr Prasitchai, is calling for a reversal of the new regulations and a review of the existing ones, citing concerns about fairness and the protection of young people.
The advocates are demanding the restoration of the previous ministerial regulations that were in place during the tenure of former health minister Anutin Charnvirakul in 2022. These regulations protected young people from cannabis exposure and imposed quality controls on cannabis products.
However, the new regulations, which took effect on June 26, 2025, require cannabis purchases to be made only for medical purposes with a doctor's prescription, restrict cannabis sales to licensed dispensaries, and prohibit smoking inside cannabis shops except under medical supervision. The advocates argue that these changes disproportionately favor large-scale cannabis businesses and want fairness for all growers and sellers.
Moreover, the group is vehemently opposed to the reclassification of cannabis as a Category 5 narcotic, fearing it would revive black market activities and harm the cannabis industry's growth. They believe that control should focus on quality testing rather than impractical agricultural restrictions like enclosed growing facilities with CCTV cameras.
The advocates want a cannabis bill to be submitted to the cabinet and the House of Representatives for proper legislative consideration, instead of being solely regulated by ministerial orders. Mr Prasitchai stated that the planned rally next week will continue until Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin agrees to reinstate the previous cannabis regulations and address their other demands.
The demonstration, which started on Monday and saw protesters staying overnight at the ministry, came to an end on Tuesday. However, the advocates have made it clear that their fight is far from over. They plan to return to the Public Health Ministry next week, continuing their rallies until their demands are met.
The Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin has already denied the accusation made by Mr Prasitchai. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days, as the advocates press on with their mission to ensure fairness and protect the cannabis industry in Thailand.
[2] Local News Outlet, "Cannabis Advocates Protest at Public Health Ministry in Nonthaburi," 2025. [3] National News Outlet, "Thai Cannabis Advocates Demand Reversal of New Regulations," 2025. [4] Online Forum, "Discussion on Cannabis Regulations in Thailand," 2025.
- The advocates are pushing for a cannabis bill to be submitted for legislative consideration, seeking a reversal of the new regulations that they contend favor large-scale businesses and disregard fairness for all growers and sellers.
- The group is also fighting against the reclassification of cannabis as a Category 5 narcotic, expressing concern that such a move would boost black market activities and hinder the growth of the cannabis industry.
- Instead of agricultural restrictions, they advocate for stringent quality testing to ensure the safety and efficacy of cannabis supplements for medical conditions, mental health, nutrition, and overall health and wellness, including CBD products.
