Fact Check: Public backlash over cannabis led to stricter regulations in Thailand.

Published June 26, 2025

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VERDICT

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# Fact Check: Public backlash over cannabis led to stricter regulations in Thailand ## What We Know In 2022, Thailand became the first country in Asi...

Fact Check: Public backlash over cannabis led to stricter regulations in Thailand

What We Know

In 2022, Thailand became the first country in Asia to fully decriminalize cannabis, allowing for both recreational and medical use. This move was largely popular among tourists and the cannabis industry, which saw significant growth, with thousands of cannabis shops opening across the country (Thailand moves to re-criminalise cannabis in blow to $1bn industry). However, the rapid expansion of the cannabis market also led to concerns about public health and safety, particularly among conservative segments of Thai society. Reports indicated that the unregulated nature of cannabis sales contributed to social issues, particularly among youth (Thailand Banning Cannabis Sales Without a Prescription).

In response to these concerns, the Thai government announced plans to revert cannabis regulations, restricting its use to medical purposes only. This decision was influenced by public backlash regarding the perceived negative impacts of cannabis accessibility, including addiction and social problems (Thailand makes U-turn on cannabis 3 years after). The Ministry of Public Health emphasized the need to control cannabis use and return to its original medical focus, indicating that the previous liberalization had created serious social problems (Thailand moves to re-criminalise cannabis in blow to $1bn industry).

Analysis

The claim that public backlash over cannabis led to stricter regulations in Thailand is supported by multiple credible sources. The Thai government’s decision to tighten cannabis regulations is a direct response to public concerns about the consequences of its decriminalization. The Ministry of Public Health's statements reflect a recognition of the social issues arising from the unrestricted sale and use of cannabis, particularly among young people (Thailand Banning Cannabis Sales Without a Prescription).

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is strong. Al Jazeera, for instance, is known for its comprehensive coverage of international news and has reported on the government's actions and public sentiment regarding cannabis (Thailand moves to re-criminalise cannabis in blow to $1bn industry). Additionally, U.S. News and Mint provide further context on the implications of these regulatory changes and the public's reaction to cannabis legalization (Thailand Banning Cannabis Sales Without a Prescription, Thailand makes U-turn on cannabis 3 years after).

While some sources may have varying degrees of bias, the consensus across these reports indicates a clear link between public backlash and the government's regulatory response. The backlash was not only from conservative factions but also from sectors concerned about public health and safety, which adds weight to the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The evidence supports the claim that public backlash over cannabis led to stricter regulations in Thailand. The government's decision to restrict cannabis use to medical purposes was a direct response to concerns about social problems associated with its decriminalization. This indicates that public sentiment played a significant role in shaping policy decisions regarding cannabis in Thailand.

Sources

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