Cannabis businesses in Pattaya face uncertainty as lawmakers delay passing vital control legislation. PATTAYA, Thailand – Business operators in Pattaya, a city known for its bustling nightlife and growing cannabis-related ventures, are calling for clearer cannabis regulations amid ongoing confusion over the legal framework. Senator Dr. Praphon Tangsrikietkul, Chair of the Senate Public Health Committee, has echoed these concerns, urging the urgent passage of a cannabis control law to provide much-needed certainty—while firmly rejecting calls to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic. Since cannabis was removed from Thailand’s narcotics list three years ago, Dr. Praphon noted there have been no severe problems linked to its use, especially when compared to substances like methamphetamine, which continue to pose significant public health risks. In Pattaya, many cannabis cafes, wellness centers, and product shops are operating cautiously, unsure of how to navigate the unclear legal landscape. Dr. Praphon criticized the delay in passing the Cannabis Plant Control Bill, which was intended to accompany the 2022 decriminalization initiative and establish clear rules for cannabis use and business operations nationwide. “If we believe cannabis is useful, we must urgently pass proper control legislation. Pattaya’s business community and others across the country cannot afford ongoing ambiguity,” he said. Dr. Praphon dismissed calls to return cannabis to the narcotics list, emphasizing that fears about its use have been overstated and that methamphetamine remains the more serious concern. He also stressed the importance of clear medical cannabis guidelines from professional councils, warning that overly strict or vague regulations—such as proposed daily or monthly limits on cannabis use—could discourage physicians from prescribing and deter businesses from fully investing in the sector. For Pattaya’s dynamic tourism economy, the passage of clear and consistent cannabis laws is seen as vital to balancing public safety, health concerns, and economic opportunity. Senator Praphon warns overly strict cannabis limits could hamper medical use and business growth nationwide. Dr. Praphon says unclear cannabis rules may scare off doctors and investors, calls for precise medical guidelines.