Reference
·Primary source
Thailand licensed cannabis dispensary count (2022-2025)
~5,000-6,000 (2025e)
Thailand's licensed cannabis dispensary count peaked at approximately 11,000-12,000 outlets in late 2023 to mid-2024 following the June 2022 narcotics-list delisting that effectively legalised recreational use under a minimal-permitting regime. The 2024 policy reversal under the post-election government — re-classifying cannabis as a controlled medical herb and tightening prescription requirements — triggered a sharp retraction, with the surviving licensed dispensary count falling to an estimated 5,000-6,000 outlets by mid-2025. Many storefronts converted to wellness, herbal, or retail formats; others surrendered licences as compliance costs (Thai-qualified prescribing pharmacist or doctor on premises) cut margin. The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) maintains the licensed-outlet register.
Figure in context
Thailand's licensed cannabis dispensary count peaked at approximately 11,000-12,000 outlets in late 2023 to mid-2024 following the June 2022 narcotics-list delisting that effectively legalised recreational use under a minimal-permitting regime. The 2024 policy reversal under the post-election government — re-classifying cannabis as a controlled medical herb and tightening prescription requirements — triggered a sharp retraction, with the surviving licensed dispensary count falling to an estimated 5,000-6,000 outlets by mid-2025. Many storefronts converted to wellness, herbal, or retail formats; others surrendered licences as compliance costs (Thai-qualified prescribing pharmacist or doctor on premises) cut margin. The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) maintains the licensed-outlet register.
Interpretation notes
What this tells you
Thailand's licensed cannabis dispensary count peaked at approximately 11,000-12,000 outlets in late 2023 to mid-2024 following the June 2022 narcotics-list delisting that effectively legalised recreational use under a minimal-permitting regime. The 2024 policy reversal under the post-election government — re-classifying cannabis as a controlled medical herb and tightening prescription requirements — triggered a sharp retraction, with the surviving licensed dispensary count falling to an estimated 5,000-6,000 outlets by mid-2025. Many storefronts converted to wellness, herbal, or retail formats; others surrendered licences as compliance costs (Thai-qualified prescribing pharmacist or doctor on premises) cut margin. The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) maintains the licensed-outlet register.
What not to do with it
Values in thousand licensed outlets. 2024-2025 reflects the post-recriminalisation retraction.
Related figures
Adjacent numbers that add context without drowning the value.
Thailand cannabis market size (2022-2025)
Prohibition Partners Asia Cannabis Report, University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Krungsri Research, SCB EIC
Thailand hemp and CBD-product export value (2020-2024)
Thai Customs export data, 3304 CBD-bearing cosmetics, 1518 hemp oil), Thai FDA, Ministry of Commerce
Thailand medical cannabis cultivation and processing licences
Thai FDA Narcotics Control Division, Ministry of Public Health Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Government Pharmaceutical Organization
ASEAN cannabis policy comparison (2024)
Prohibition Partners ASEAN Cannabis Report, ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters disclosures, regional cannabis policy trackers
Thailand cannabis policy timeline (2018-2024)
Royal Thai Government Gazette, Ministry of Public Health policy disclosures, Bangkok Post and Thai PBS legislative coverage
Surviving licensed dispensary share after rollback
Ministry of Public Health DTAM register, Thai Cannabis Future Network, Thai Industrial Hemp Trade Association
Report context
Atlas actors in this figure's reports
Profiles covered in the report that cite this number.