Local Police Have No Authority to Raid Cannabis Shops

A senior source from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (Ministry of Public Health) has addressed growing concerns from cannabis operators about harassment by law enforcement.

According to the source, licensed cannabis shops often face unnecessary disturbances from officials, even though the Ministry has only authorized specific agencies to conduct inspections. While some local police precincts had requested the power to raid cannabis shops, the proposal was never approved because the Constitutional Court dissolved the Cabinet before it could be passed. This means that local police (district and station officers) currently have no legal authority to raid cannabis shops.

No Power to Arrest Consumers

The insider further explained that many police officers still lack a clear understanding of cannabis laws, which have been updated repeatedly. Importantly, cannabis is not classified as a narcotic under current Thai law, meaning police officers have no authority to set up checkpoints, arrest, or fine cannabis users or consumers.

Misuse of Power and Communication Gaps

The source also referred to cases where provincial public health officials ordered cannabis shops to shut down. The Ministry acknowledged inconsistencies and said it will improve communication and training for officials to ensure regulations are enforced uniformly nationwide.

Currently, the agencies legally authorized to inspect cannabis businesses include:
• Ministry of Public Health officials
• Authorized departments under the Ministry of Public Health
• Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB)
• Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) police

Any official conducting raids without a warrant may face criminal charges under Section 157 of the Thai Criminal Code for abuse of authority, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison, loss of rank, and permanent pension cuts. Unauthorized night inspections could also qualify as illegal trespassing. In addition, officers must be in full uniform and present an ID—unannounced visits in plain clothes or false claims of authority to extort money are unlawful.

Rising Extortion Cases Reported

Reports received by Channel Weez Thailand indicate that since the new cannabis regulations took effect, local police in multiple provinces have been soliciting bribes from cannabis businesses, even those fully compliant with the law. Business owners are urged to collect evidence—such as photos, license documents, CCTV footage, or recordings—and file complaints against offending officers through police oversight bodies, local authorities, independent organizations, or the courts.

Complaints have already been filed in Pathum Thani, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and several northeastern provinces. There are now discussions about forming a nationwide cannabis business network to document and report cases directly to legislative and executive authorities.

Phuket Businesses Push Back

Phuket has been hit particularly hard by police extortion, prompting local cannabis entrepreneurs, led by the Kon Kanchaeng media network, to launch a “Protective Document Kit” for shops. Dubbed a “protective talisman against entrapment”, the document outlines the legal rights of cannabis businesses and highlights penalties for harassment or entrapment by authorities, warning that such actions could expose officers to Section 157 criminal charges.