If you are thinking of opening a cannabis shop in Thailand in 2026, you first need to understand that the "street-front cannabis shop" model of 2022–2024 is over. New licence applicants must be a legally operating healthcare facility, pharmacy or herbal-product shop, or a certified folk healer.
Key requirements after the 30 Apr 2026 Ministerial Regulation
- Business type — applicants (both new applicants and those renewing) must be a legally operating healthcare facility, pharmacy or herbal-product shop, or a certified folk healer.
- Trained staff — staff trained by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) must be on duty at all times during opening hours.
- Odour- and smoke-control system — the premises must have an effective system.
- Flower dispensed on prescription only — using the ภ.ท.33 controlled-herb prescription form issued by a practitioner designated by law, no more than a 30-day supply at a time.
- Controlled-herb sales licence — apply to DTAM (Bangkok) or the Provincial Public Health Office (other provinces), separately from the healthcare facility or pharmacy licence.
Step-by-step summary
| Step | What to do | Agency |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Choose a business model | Healthcare facility, pharmacy or herbal-product shop | — |
| 2. Main business licence | Healthcare facility: licences to operate and to manage the facility / Pharmacy: drug sales licence | HSS (สบส.) or Provincial Public Health Office (healthcare facilities) · Thai FDA (Bangkok) or Provincial Public Health Office (other provinces) for pharmacies |
| 3. Staff | Licensed practitioners appropriate to the business type, plus DTAM-trained staff | DTAM / relevant professional council |
| 4. Controlled-herb sales licence | Apply for a licence to sell cannabis commercially | DTAM (Bangkok) / Provincial Public Health Office (other provinces) |
| 5. Prepare the premises | Odour- and smoke-control system, a location outside prohibited areas, a receipt and dispensing record system | — |
Document requirements and fees may change. Always check with the licensing authority before applying.
Existing shops that already hold a licence
The original sales licences are valid for 3 years. Data as of 28 Dec 2025 show that 18,433 businesses had been licensed in total. Licences for 8,636 of them expired in 2025, but only 1,339 (about 15.5%) applied to renew. The remaining licences will expire in stages between 2026 and 2028, so shops that want to stay open should start planning now.
- Check the expiry date on your licence.
- Decide whether to convert into a healthcare facility, pharmacy or herbal-product shop.
- Send staff on DTAM's training course.
- Check that your shop is listed in the government's registered-premises verification system.
In an interview on 22 Sep 2026, the Minister of Public Health said shops that are not healthcare facilities must convert into a healthcare facility with a resident doctor when they renew, whereas the Ministerial Regulation itself defines eligible applicants more broadly (including pharmacies and herbal-product shops). Check with the licensing authority before deciding to invest.
What you must not do (under the 2025 Ministry of Public Health Announcement currently in force)
- Sell to anyone without a prescription, or sell for recreational use.
- Advertise cannabis flower.
- Sell through vending machines, electronic channels or computer networks.
- Sell in prohibited areas such as temples, dormitories, public parks, zoos and amusement parks.
Prepare for the Cannabis Control Act
The draft Act approved by the Cabinet on 22 Sep 2026 (under review by the Council of State since 6 Oct 2026) would set up a 3-year licensing system issued by the Director-General of DTAM; ban sales to people under 20, pregnant women and breastfeeding women; ban sales in areas such as temples, schools, dormitories and public parks; ban advertising of cannabis flower and smoking equipment; and increase penalties. Read more: Thai Cabinet Approves Cannabis Control Bill
FAQ
Can I open an ordinary retail cannabis shop in Thailand in 2026?
No. Since 30 Apr 2026, anyone applying for a licence to sell controlled herbs (cannabis) must be a legally operating healthcare facility, pharmacy or herbal-product shop, and must have staff trained by DTAM on duty at all times during opening hours.
What should existing shops with a valid licence do?
They can keep using their existing licence under its conditions until it expires, but must dispense flower only against a prescription, and must meet the new Ministerial Regulation's requirements when they renew.
Can cannabis be sold online or by delivery?
No. The Ministry of Public Health Announcement on Controlled Herbs (Cannabis) B.E. 2568 (2025) prohibits sales through vending machines, electronic channels or computer networks.
Sources
- Hfocus — DTAM: requirements for sales licence applicants under Ministerial Regulation (No. 2) B.E. 2569 (2026)
- Bangkok Biz News — Ministerial Regulation (No. 2) 2026: who may apply
- Hfocus — DTAM explains the Ministerial Regulation: ภ.ท.33 prescriptions and odour-control systems
- Khaosod — Cannabis shops must apply to HSS and DTAM
- Bangkok Biz News — Licence expiry and renewal statistics, 2025
- Thai PBS — Ministry of Public Health Announcement on Controlled Herbs (Cannabis) B.E. 2568 (2025)
- Hfocus — Cabinet approves draft Cannabis Control Act
