Thailand Launches Nationwide Online Map to Track Licensed Cannabis Shops
Thailand's health authorities have launched a public online map to track licensed cannabis shops and enforce stricter medical-only regulations nationwide
Key Points
- 1Thailand launched the Medical Cannabis Geographic Information System (MC-GIS) to map all licensed cannabis shops and cultivation sites
- 2The online platform allows the public to verify if a cannabis shop is legally licensed before visiting
- 3A new ministerial regulation will restrict cannabis sales to medical facilities, pharmacies, herbal product retailers, and traditional healers’ workplaces
- 4The revised rules require at least one trained staff member on duty at all times and tighten storage standards
- 5Thousands of existing cannabis shop licenses are set to expire in 2026 and 2027 as part of the regulatory overhaul
Thailand's Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine has introduced an interactive online map to monitor and verify licensed cannabis shops across the country. The Medical Cannabis Geographic Information System (MC-GIS), unveiled on April 21, aims to strengthen government oversight as Thailand moves to restrict cannabis use to strictly medical purposes. The live digital map is accessible to the public and displays all legally licensed cannabis shops and cultivation sites, allowing anyone to check a shop’s licensing status before visiting
Deputy Director-General Dr Thewan Thaneerat emphasized the importance of transparency and public trust in the new system. "The GIS pinning system forms part of a proactive measure to build a verification process that is transparent and fair, while also reinforcing confidence that cannabis will be used appropriately for the health of the public," Dr Thewan stated. Each outlet listed on the MC-GIS must possess valid licenses for both sale and processing, and the platform enables officials to monitor compliance more closely
In line with these digital advancements, Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a new ministerial regulation to overhaul the country’s outdated 2016 cannabis licensing framework. The revised rules will limit cannabis sales to medical facilities, pharmacies, herbal product retailers, and traditional healers’ workplaces, with doctors providing prescriptions and authorized staff dispensing medication. Additional requirements include stricter storage and staffing standards, mandating at least one trained worker on duty at all times. Thousands of existing licenses are set to expire in 2026 and 2027, signaling a major regulatory shift
From the OG Lab newsroom perspective, this digital mapping initiative marks a significant step in Thailand's evolving cannabis policy. By combining public transparency with tighter regulatory controls, Thai authorities are setting a precedent for how governments might balance access and oversight in the medical cannabis sector. Industry stakeholders should closely monitor how these changes impact both compliance and patient access in the coming years
