Thai Experts Urge Political Clarity on Cannabis Policy Ahead of 2026 Election

A major public forum held in Bangkok has reignited debate over Thailand’s cannabis legalization, with health experts and advocacy groups warning of rising health risks and urging political parties to clarify their positions before the 2026 general election. The event, organized by the Youth Network Against Cannabis and Narcotics (YNAC) in collaboration with leading psychiatric associations, focused on the health consequences observed since cannabis was decriminalized in 2022. Organizers stressed that clear, evidence-based policy direction is needed so voters can make informed decisions at the ballot box

During the panel, Professor Chawanant Chansilp, former president of the Psychiatric Association of Thailand, highlighted widespread public confusion over the distinction between medical and recreational cannabis use. "Cannabis for medical purposes means cannabis or cannabis extracts are used to treat diseases or alleviate symptoms under strict medical supervision," Chansilp explained, emphasizing that any use outside a doctor’s care cannot be considered true medical use. The lack of clear regulatory boundaries, he warned, has blurred public understanding and contributed to misuse

International perspectives were provided by Professor Dr. Jürgen Rehm, who compared Thailand’s rapid move to liberalize cannabis with Canada and Germany, where recreational use followed years of medical legalization and high baseline usage rates. "After legalization for recreational purposes, there was an increase in cannabis use rates and associated harms, at least among adults, in both countries, and the economic benefits were less than initially expected," Rehm noted. In contrast, Thailand’s shift occurred when cannabis use was still relatively low, raising concerns about preparedness for potential societal impacts

The forum also presented new data on health system strain since legalization. Dr. Bandit Sornpaisarn reported a sharp rise in cannabis-related hospitalizations, including a 3.5-fold increase in cases of cannabis poisoning and a 6.5-fold surge in both cannabis dependence and cannabis-induced psychosis. "This reflects that more people are using cannabis to the point of developing psychotic symptoms," Bandit stated. Hospitals in major tourist areas have also seen a spike in foreign patients suffering from cannabis-related issues, with one facility reporting up to 90 cases per month, 80% involving tourists, two years after legalization

Frontline psychiatrists shared troubling anecdotes, such as Dr. Tappanon Sampatanarak of Vichara Phuket Hospital, who described how the majority of psychiatric beds are now occupied by patients suffering from cannabis-induced mental health crises. Dr. Pattaraporn Kinra, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, warned that early cannabis use can have lasting effects on cognitive development and behavior in youth, underscoring the need for prevention and early intervention programs. The panel concluded by urging political parties to make their stances on cannabis reform explicit ahead of the next election, so the public can weigh the evidence and make informed choices

From the OG Lab newsroom perspective, Thailand’s experience serves as a critical case study for countries considering rapid cannabis liberalization. The surge in health impacts and calls for political transparency highlight the importance of robust regulation and public education. As the 2026 election approaches, the direction of cannabis policy will be a bellwether for how Thailand—and potentially other nations—balance public health and economic opportunity in cannabis reform