Industry Insights
Regulatory and market developments in medical cannabis, summarised from our own point of view. Every article links to its primary source.
August 2026
Thailand advances draft cannabis and hemp act towards cabinet submission
The Thai Ministry of Public Health is progressing a draft Cannabis and Hemp Act for cabinet consideration. According to reports from early August, the bill will transition the domestic market toward medical and scientific applications. This initiative represents a comprehensive restructuring focused on clinical oversight and quality standards rather than a total ban.
RegulationThailandLegislationMedical CannabisGandaki Province legalises medical cannabis cultivation and use
Gandaki Province has enacted legislation to permit the cultivation and medical use of cannabis, making it the first province in Nepal to do so. While national prohibition remains in place, local authorities will oversee licensed farmers. This development highlights ongoing efforts in Asia to establish regulated markets for research, agriculture, and medicine.
RegulationNepalLicensingCultivationUnited States rescheduling of cannabis awaits further administrative decisions
The United States is pursuing separate pathways for cannabis rescheduling. Following April 2026 measures for FDA-approved marijuana pharmaceuticals, a DEA administrative hearing commenced in June 2026 to evaluate moving all cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. Legal challenges in the federal appeals court continue alongside this administrative process.
RegulationUnited StatesReschedulingDEAFDAUS Senate advances measure to delay hemp-derived THC regulations
The United States Senate has advanced a measure containing a provision to delay upcoming federal regulations on hemp-derived THC products by approximately one month. This legislative action postpones the implementation of the restrictions rather than establishing permanent legalisation. The development remains under observation as a key indicator of future cannabinoid market frameworks.
RegulationUnited StatesHempTHCCannabinoidsStudies examine cannabis use and chronic pain in dialysis patients
Two clinical studies published in 2026 have investigated the relationship between cannabis use and chronic pain in patients undergoing dialysis. A cross-sectional observational study of 186 male patients analysed cannabis smoking and pain severity. However, researchers emphasise that these observational findings cannot establish a causal therapeutic relationship.
ResearchClinical EvidenceChronic PainDialysis