[5][6] On 8 May 2022, Thailand's health minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced in a Facebook post that the government will distribute one million free cannabis plants to households across the country, starting on the 9 June.

[7][8] Cannabis appears to have been introduced to Thailand from India, with the similarity of the Thai name to the Indian term ganja cited as evidence.

[9] Cannabis has historically been used in Southeast Asia as an ingredient, a kitchen condiment, a medicine, and a source of fiber.

Medicinal cannabis, with no THC restrictions, was made legal in 2018 but required patients to obtain a prescription from a medical practitioner.

[19] Cannabis is illegal for possession and use by those who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, with an exception being granted if they can prove they have the permission of a doctor.

On 9 February 2024 it was announced in the Royal Gazette that the possession of more than 30 grams or 30 milliliters is considered as an intent to distribute.

The move has been viewed as an effort to protect local companies from the onslaught of highly resourceful and modern technology equipped foreign actors, however "imported" strains are widely available and dominated the market.

[25][26] Thailand's first two full-time clinics dispensing cannabis oil for medical treatment were inaugurated in January 2020.

[27] The move is in line with the government's intentions to promote licensed use of medical marijuana to address various health conditions.

[32] This expansion is part of Thailand's broader strategy to integrate cannabis into healthcare and leverage its potential economic benefits.