Retail Licence for Cannabis Sales in Thailand

Launching a legal cannabis retail operation in Thailand requires more than a storefront. It demands careful planning, regulatory understanding, and compliance with evolving laws. At BASE Law Firm, we guide both Thai and foreign entrepreneurs through the legal landscape of cannabis retail licensing, helping to secure the right authorisations, establish compliant operations, and anticipate regulatory risks.

Our service include:

Cannabis retail regulatory guidance
Licensing and approvals support
Ownership and structure compliance
Product legality and THC checks
Premises and zoning verification
Ongoing regulatory risk management

Current Status of Cannabis Retail Licensing

As of now, Thailand does not enforce an absolute requirement for a specific nationwide licence solely for cannabis retail shops, as confirmed by the Thai FDA. However, certain provisional permissions and regional licences may apply depending on the product type and business model.
Moreover, regulatory change is ongoing. Some segments of the cannabis market are moving toward stricter control, making early strategic planning vital.

Who May Apply and Under What Conditions

Eligible Applicants

Individuals (Thai nationals or overseas applicants with a valid Thai work permit) may apply.
Companies already legally operating a cannabis-related business at the intended retail location may be eligible.

Key Conditions

The business must clearly define the range of cannabis products to be sold (buds, extracts, edibles, skin-care products) and ensure they fall under legally permissible categories.
The premises must satisfy regulatory expectations: proper lease or title, permitted location (avoiding restricted zones such as near schools or temples), and meet hygiene, safety and storage requirements.
For foreign involvement, additional structuring may be required: Thai majority ownership, compliance with the Foreign Business Act, and appropriate local representation.

Application Checklist & Approval Process

Preparation Phase

Conduct initial due-diligence: verify products, supplier licences, THC content thresholds (e.g., extracts must meet regulatory limits) and market category.
Secure the retail site: lease or ownership documentation, zoning checks, location compliance (distance from prohibited areas).
Form or confirm the legal entity: register a Thai company (if required), set up directors/shareholders, ensure statutory capital and ownership structure meets regulatory expectations.

Submission & Licensing

Collate the documentation: business plan, retail layout, product list, supplier chain information, hygiene/control plans, Thai-language signage and labelling commitments.
Submit to appropriate authority: depending on product type and province, this may involve the Ministry of Public Health, the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM), or local licensing bodies.
Monitoring: authorities assess suitability of the applicant, the business premises, planned products, ownership structure and compliance systems.

Post-Approval Obligations

Begin operations only once approval (or provisional permission) has been granted and all conditions accepted.
Maintain required logs and traceability of product sources, THC levels, customer prescriptions (if required) and inventory.
Adhere to advertising restrictions: for example, selling or promoting cannabis products without prescription may be subject to significant penalties.
Ensure ongoing compliance with any regulatory changes, including possible re-classification of cannabis or new licensing criteria.

Risks & Strategic Considerations

Regulatory uncertainty: The legal framework for cannabis retail is still adapting in Thailand. Proposed rules may tighten, meaning early entrants must prepare for changes.
Ownership restrictions: For foreign-involved ventures, restrictions under the Foreign Business Act and cannabis-specific rules may limit direct ownership or control.
Supply chain issues: Cannabis products must often originate from approved suppliers or certified farms; failure to verify source can undermine licence validity.
Non-compliance consequences: Operating without required authorisation, advertising excessively, or selling to prohibited groups may result in fines, licence revocation, or criminal penalties.

How BASE Law Firm Can Support You

At BASE Law Firm, we provide a full-service legal framework for cannabis retail ventures:

Eligibility assessment: We review your business model, investor structure and product mix to determine licence requirements.
Entity and ownership structuring: Establish or restructure your Thai company to align with licensing needs and foreign-ownership limits.
Licence application support: We manage document preparation, submission, and liaise with relevant authorities.
Compliance program: Develop operational manuals, product sourcing protocols, record-keeping systems and staff training programs.
Ongoing advisory: Monitor regulatory updates, advise on amendments or expansion, assist with audits, and defend your interests if challenged.

Summary

Brokerage of cannabis retail business in Thailand presents opportunity, but only where it is approached with legal precision and regulatory insight. The licensing environment is evolving, but with expert guidance from BASE Law Firm, you can position your venture to operate responsibly, compliantly, and resiliently.

If you are exploring a cannabis retail business in Thailand and need direction on licensing, regulatory strategy or ownership structuring, contact BASE Law Firm today for a consultation.