Thailand is implementing new regulations on its marijuana market, requiring prescriptions for consumption and criminalizing use, in response to rising cannabis smuggling to the UK.

• 11,000 registered cannabis dispensaries have proliferated since decriminalization in 2022.
• Beki Wright, spokesperson for the National Crime Agency, reported a rise from 142 to 800 intercepted couriers smuggling cannabis from Thailand to the UK within a year.
• The proposed regulations aim to restore a focus on medical marijuana use, but face opposition from local producers who fear it may harm their businesses.