How Bangkok's cannabis operators navigate policy chaos and drive harm reduction

This qualitative study examines how cannabis business operators in Bangkok adapted to Thailand's dramatic policy shifts—from decriminalization in 2022 to a reversal toward medical-only regulation. Researchers interviewed 13 key informants including retail shop owners, farm operators, and policy advocates between 2024-2025. The findings reveal a complex market landscape where approximately 60% of customers are international tourists, while 40% are domestic users primarily seeking therapeutic benefits. This distinction highlights how cannabis businesses serve dual markets with fundamentally different needs and motivations.

The research identifies significant structural challenges facing Thailand's cannabis industry, particularly the absence of a comprehensive Cannabis and Hemp Act that creates regulatory unpredictability and enforcement disparities. Small Thai operators face disproportionate burdens compared to larger enterprises, with inconsistent legal enforcement creating barriers to legitimate business operations. Notably, the study documents how operators have assumed informal roles as harm reduction actors, providing customer education and safety guidance in the absence of formal public health infrastructure—demonstrating that cannabis businesses can contribute to public health objectives when given appropriate regulatory clarity.

The analysis synthesizes six policy domains for sustainable development, including regulatory formalization, equity promotion, and evidence-based governance frameworks. These findings offer critical insights for other jurisdictions transitioning cannabis policies, emphasizing that rapid regulatory changes without comprehensive legal infrastructure disadvantage small operators while paradoxically shifting public health responsibilities to the private sector. The research underscores the need for thoughtful policy design that balances public health, economic equity, and business sustainability during cannabis legalization transitions.