Growers lament as Thailand de-legalizes cannabis in unexpected policy U-turn

Thailand has imposed a ban on cannabis sales without a medical prescription, marking a major reversal after the country decriminalized the plant in 2022, triggering uncertainty among sellers and growers across the industry.

Taking effect on Thursday, the new ban marks an end to Thailand's bold attempt to be the first Asian country to embrace cannabis. The drastic policy change has left little time for local cannabis businesses to transition.

Thunnithi Patharapatpong, who owns a cannabis dispensary in Thailand, reflected on his predicament while speaking to a reporter. The neon glow of marijuana was still flickering, but his dispensary might soon have to shut down due to the new law.

"To be honest, I was shocked, really shocked. My heart sank. I was like, 'Is it time already?' That was so fast. On the first day the news came out, we did not know what was happening. So, we had to start preparing, packing things up just in case they suddenly did not allow us to open," said Patharapatpong.

The dizzying policy pivot is aimed at choking off the entire recreational market of cannabis. Only those with prescriptions are allowed to buy cannabis products according to the new rulings, addressing the government's concern over the negative impacts of the plant on public health.

"If we compare it in terms of negative impacts on society, it is more harmful. The increased budget is required for the treatment and rehabilitation of psychiatric patients. Usage among children and youth has increased by up to ten times. So, it is clear that the negative consequences outweigh the benefits," said Paisan Limstit, a Committee Member of the Health Law and Ethics Center under the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University.

But the move is also abandoning an estimated one billion U.S. dollars industry. That has a major impact on local growers, many of whom live in rural areas and rely on the plant as their economic lifeline. Many of them made heavy investments into their farms, all under a policy that was legal.

"It's annoying me a lot about the law because I don't know what to do next. Even tomorrow when I wake up, I don't know what to do. If there is another law, so, what are we going to do as a grower and a small business owner? We have no choice, except that we have to stop this business," said Ravin Seesod, a cannabis grower.

Growers lament as Thailand de-legalizes cannabis in unexpected policy U-turn

China's movie industry is increasingly deriving its earnings from broader consumer economy.

Released during the 2025 summer season, the film "Nobody" became China's highest-grossing two-dimensional animated film -- and its success went beyond theaters.

Through licensing and brand partnerships, the movie has generated 2.5 billion yuan (about 358.3 million U.S. dollars) in retail sales to consumers, with more than 800 licensed products on the market.

Ranging from plush toys to food and home goods, the movie-related merchandise can be purchased from over 3,000 online and offline outlets.

Meanwhile, souvenir stores are crowded at Shanghai Disneyland's Zootopia themed land, with hats, plush toys, and collectibles seeing steady demand from visitors.

"China's film industry is no longer defined by box office revenue alone. It has become a new growth engine that links and energizes multiple cultural sectors. At the heart of every successful film is strong storytelling. High-quality productions create cultural value, which in turn enhances the commercial value of intellectual property and opens up new consumption opportunities. I believe China's film industry delivered an outstanding performance in the past year," said Chen Xiaoda, vice dean of Shanghai Vancouver Film School.

Film IP fuels expansion of consumer market