Licences and rules
Cannabis research licences: who can study cannabis in Thailand
Thailand Cannabis Report · Reefers Club Co., Ltd. · Last checked 31 October 2026
Thailand's cannabis story began with research: medical use was legalised in 2019, and public hospitals and universities led the early work. Research still has its own place in the rules, and it is one of the few routes that stays open whichever way the draft Act goes.
Where research sits in the law
- The flower: the Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Act regulates studying a controlled herb for research, as well as selling, processing and exporting it. Verified
- Extracts: extracts above 0.2% THC by weight are Category 5 narcotics. Research involving them needs licensing under the narcotics framework. Verified
- Products and trials: herbal products and medicines need Thai FDA licensing and registration, and clinical trials need ethics approval and FDA permissions.
Imports for research
Importing most cannabis products is prohibited, with narrow exceptions that include public academic research and human clinical trials under Thai FDA licensing. Verified
Who does the research
Universities, public hospitals and government agencies have led Thai cannabis research since 2019, alongside licensed companies. See medical cannabis in Thailand's public hospitals.
For foreign companies
A foreign company can work with Thai institutions on research, but extract production was closed to foreign businesses by the extracts regulation in force since 25 April 2026. Verified Structure the collaboration so the licensed activity sits with the Thai partner, and take legal advice.
Under the draft Act
As reported, the draft Cannabis Control Act restricts cannabis to medical use. Estimated Research and medical supply are the parts of the market that a medical-only law protects.
Section 3 of the report, free to read, covers the instruments in force.
Sources
- Section 3 of the 2026 report, The rules in force (free to read)
- Tilleke & Gibbins, Cannabis and Hemp Business Guide Thailand 2025
- Nation Thailand, Thai cabinet endorses draft cannabis control bill for medical use, 22 September 2026
This article is market intelligence, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change by notification; check the current text with the relevant authority or Thai counsel before you act.
In short
Do you need a licence to research cannabis in Thailand?
Studying a controlled herb for research is one of the activities the Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Act regulates, and research on extracts falls under narcotics licensing.
Who usually holds research permissions?
Universities, hospitals, government agencies and licensed companies.
Can imported cannabis products be used for research?
Import of most cannabis products is prohibited, with narrow exceptions such as academic research and clinical trials under Thai FDA licensing.
Do clinical trials need extra approvals?
Yes. Trials need ethics approval and the relevant Thai FDA permissions.
Can a foreign company run cannabis research in Thailand?
It can partner with Thai institutions, but extract production is closed to foreign businesses.
Want the numbers behind this?
This article gives you the argument. The figures, where they come from and how sure we are of each one are in the report.