In an interview, the health minister informed reporters that although marijuana will be outlawed for recreational use by the end of the year, it will still be legal for medical use.

Following Thailand's 2018 legalization of medical marijuana and its subsequent 2022 legalization of recreational marijuana, the country has seen a boom in the cannabis sector, with thousands of shops opening up in what is expected to be a $1.2 billion market by the following year.

The government has drafted a new law to regulate cannabis use, which is anticipated to take effect by year-end. Critics claim that piecemeal regulations were rushed out and adopted within a week of decriminalization.

According to Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, the draft bill will be approved by the cabinet next month and then sent to parliament for passage before the end of the year.

In reference to recreational use, Cholnan stated on Wednesday that cannabis will be abused in the absence of legislation governing its use. He continued by saying that cannabis abuse harms Thai kids and can eventually lead to the use of other substances.

Thailand was left without a comprehensive law governing its use after the previous government was unable to pass legislation through parliament prior to the general election held in May of last year. Illegal cannabis shops will not be permitted to stay open, and homegrown cannabis will also be discouraged, according to Cholnan, who estimated that 20,000 shops were legally registered.

For recreational use, the draft law stipulates a maximum fine of 60,000 baht ($1,700). Those who sell cannabis for this purpose and take part in the promotion or advertising of buds, resin, extract, or smoking devices risk a year in jail, a fine of up to 100,000 baht ($2,800), or both.