Thailand / Global
June 2026 briefing: enforcement tightens in Thailand as medical markets expand worldwide
Thai authorities carried out nationwide inspections of more than 1,247 dispensaries, published a graduated penalty framework and opened the draft Cannabis & Hemp Act for public consultation. Internationally, June was marked by simultaneous movement on two fronts: tighter regulation and continued expansion of medical supply.
Thailand
1. Nationwide enforcement begins in earnest
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) carried out large-scale inspections of more than 1,247 dispensaries across the country.
- Licence verification
- Sales records
- Whether a prescription was present
- Advertising content
- How the premises were operated
- Measures applied to non-compliant shops included suspension of trading, suspension of licence, seizure and arrest.
2. Non-medical use restricted further
The government restated its position that Thailand does not permit recreational cannabis. Policy is currently operated around three axes: medical use, wellness use, and appropriate control.
3. Penalty framework published
New operating standards were issued on 22 June.
- 30-day suspension — licence not displayed, incomplete records, advertising breaches
- 90-day suspension — sale without prescription, export reporting breaches, failure to meet GACP standards
- Licence revocation — sale to minors, sale to pregnant women, permitting smoking on the premises, online sales, sale near temples or schools
4. Public consultation opens on the Cannabis & Hemp Act
The government opened public consultation on a new Cannabis & Hemp Act intended to consolidate cultivation, sale, medical use, export and licensing into a single framework. The act has not been enacted; at this stage it is out for comment.
5. Debate over re-scheduling as a narcotic intensifies
The parliamentary health committee discussed whether cannabis should be returned to narcotic status. Farmers, medical stakeholders and industry bodies raised substantial objections, and an immediate blanket ban is not the position the debate has reached.
6. Illegal export to the United Kingdom intercepted
In June, approximately 1.25 kg of cannabis destined for the United Kingdom was seized. Surveillance of export routes has been strengthened considerably.
Around the world
Germany
Medical market keeps expanding
The medical cannabis market continued to expand. Rather than the recreational debate, attention is on insurance coverage, the prescribing system and medical distribution. The government has also begun reviewing the rules governing prescribing and reimbursement.
United States
Federal review moves forward
DEA hearings began in June, and debate on moving cannabis to Schedule III advanced in earnest. Were it to proceed, medical research would become easier, pharmaceutical companies would find it easier to enter, and the tax position would improve.
Brazil
A significant turning point
Domestic cultivation, medical supply and the regulatory framework were substantially reviewed. A market that has depended on imports is now moving towards domestic production — assessed as a significant turning point.
Morocco
Medical production growing fast
More than 140 medical cannabis products have been approved and medical export is being promoted. Morocco is establishing itself as an important supply base in Africa.
South Africa
Implementation, not more debate
Industry bodies asked the government to move to implementation rather than continued discussion. Expectations centre on the sector as an export industry, and framework development is under way.
Nigeria
Legalisation bill progressing
Legislative amendment towards legalising medical cannabis is progressing. Medical markets are opening gradually across Africa.
United Kingdom
Oversight of clinics tightened
The medical cannabis market is expanding, but oversight of some clinics and of telemedicine has been strengthened. The direction is towards raising the quality of care rather than making prescribing easy for anyone.
Australia
Prescribing standards under review
The medical cannabis market is maturing, and debate is advancing on tightening rules for high-THC products and for physician prescribing standards.
Sources
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