Licences and rules
Medical cannabis in Thailand's public hospitals: how the state system works
Thailand Cannabis Report · Reefers Club Co., Ltd. · Last checked 31 October 2026
Most coverage of Thai cannabis is about dispensaries. The medical system that came first is still running: public hospitals, clinics and traditional medicine services have prescribed cannabis since medical use was legalised in 2019. Under a medical-only law, that system moves to the centre.
How it started
Medical cannabis was legalised by an amendment to the Narcotics Act in force from 19 February 2019. Verified Public hospitals and the Ministry of Public Health set up cannabis clinics and services, and state and licensed manufacturers began producing registered cannabis medicines, including oils and Thai traditional formulas. Estimated
How it works now
- Prescribers: the seven prescribing groups, including medical practitioners, pharmacists and Thai traditional medicine practitioners. See who can write a PT.33.
- Products: registered medicines and herbal products, licensed by the Thai FDA, alongside prescribed flower.
- Settings: public hospitals, community health services, Thai traditional medicine hospitals and licensed private clinics.
Hospital cannabis vs dispensary flower
Hospitals prescribe and dispense within the health system, mostly as registered medicines. Dispensaries sell flower on a PT.33, under the controlled-herb licence. Both are lawful; they serve different patients and price points. See which conditions qualify.
Under the draft Act
As reported, the draft Cannabis Control Act restricts cannabis to medical use and would require shops to become medical facilities to renew. Estimated That points towards a market where the medical system, public and private, is the main channel.
For investors
Supply to the medical system runs through licensed, registered products and certified sources. It is a slower, more regulated business than retail, and the one a medical-only law protects. See is there a business in medical cannabis clinics.
Section 3 of the report, free to read, sets out the rules in force.
Sources
- Section 3 of the 2026 report, The rules in force (free to read)
- Nation Thailand, Thai cabinet endorses draft cannabis control bill for medical use, 22 September 2026
- Tilleke & Gibbins, Cannabis and Hemp Business Guide Thailand 2025
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 Thai public hospitals prescribe cannabis?
Yes. Since medical legalisation in 2019, public hospitals and health services have offered cannabis treatment through clinics and traditional medicine services.
Who makes the cannabis medicines used in hospitals?
State producers and licensed manufacturers make registered cannabis medicines, including oils and Thai traditional formulas.
Is hospital cannabis the same as dispensary flower?
No. Hospitals use registered medicines and prescribed treatment within the health system; dispensaries sell flower on a PT.33.
Does the draft Act favour hospitals?
As reported, it restricts cannabis to medical use, which puts the medical system at the centre.
Can private clinics prescribe cannabis?
Yes. Licensed private clinics and practitioners in the seven prescribing groups can prescribe.
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.