Thailand Cannabis Packaging and Labeling Requirements: Complete 2026 Guide

Compliant packaging and labeling is not optional for cannabis businesses in Thailand — it’s a legal requirement with real penalties for violations. Since the June 2025 reclassification of cannabis flower as a controlled herb, packaging rules have tightened significantly, and enforcement agencies are actively checking compliance.

This guide covers every packaging and labeling requirement for cannabis products in Thailand, organized by product type.

The Regulatory Framework for Cannabis Packaging

Cannabis packaging in Thailand is governed by multiple overlapping regulations, depending on the product type:

Key Principles Across All Categories

Regardless of product type, all cannabis packaging in Thailand must:

1. Be in Thai — all required information must appear in Thai language
2. Display THC content — accurate, lab-verified cannabinoid content
3. Include warnings — product-specific warning statements
4. Not appeal to children — no child-attractive designs or imagery
5. Not serve as advertising — packaging should not function as promotional material
6. Be traceable — batch numbers and source information for accountability

Cannabis Flower Packaging Requirements

Cannabis flower (buds/inflorescences) classified as a controlled herb under Ministerial Notification B.E. 2568 faces the strictest packaging requirements.

Required Label Information

Every cannabis flower package must display:

1. Product Identification

• Product name
• Type/strain name
• Net weight (grams)
• Batch or lot number
• Manufacturing/packaging date
• Expiry or best-before date

2. Cannabinoid Content

• THC percentage (of dry weight) — verified by accredited laboratory
• CBD percentage (of dry weight) — verified by accredited laboratory
• Testing laboratory name or reference

3. Source and Certification

• Name of the licensed producer/cultivator
• GACP certification number — cannabis must originate from DTAM-certified Good Agricultural and Collection Practices sites
• License number of the dispensary/retailer
• Origin information (province of cultivation)

4. Warning Statements (in Thai)

The following warnings must appear prominently on the package. The word “คำเตือน” (Warning) must be displayed in a rectangular frame with contrasting colors, in a font size not smaller than 1.5 mm:

“ห้ามจำหน่ายแก่ผู้มีอายุต่ำกว่า 20 ปี” (Not for sale to persons under 20 years of age)

“สตรีมีครรภ์และสตรีให้นมบุตรไม่ควรบริโภค” (Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not consume)

“เด็กไม่ควรบริโภค” (Children should not consume)

“หากมีอาการผิดปกติ ควรหยุดรับประทานทันที” (If irregular symptoms occur, stop consuming immediately)

“ผู้ที่แพ้หรือมีความไวต่อ THC หรือ CBD ควรระมัดระวังในการบริโภค” (Persons with allergies or hypersensitivity to THC or CBD should take precautions when consuming)

“อาจทำให้ง่วงซึม ไม่ควรขับรถหรือใช้เครื่องจักร” (May cause drowsiness; avoid driving vehicles and operating machinery)

“อ่านคำเตือนบนฉลากก่อนบริโภค” (Read label warnings before consumption)

5. Usage Information

• Recommended usage/dosage (if applicable)
• Storage instructions
• Method of administration (if applicable)

Design Requirements

Plain packaging rules:

• Neutral design — no flashy colors, no elaborate graphics
• No cannabis imagery — no photos or illustrations of cannabis buds, plants, or smoking
• No child-appealing elements — no cartoon characters, animated figures, candy-like designs, or bright colors that would attract children
• No brand mascots — no characters or mascots that could normalize cannabis to young audiences
• Professional appearance — clean, medical/pharmaceutical-grade packaging style
• No promotional claims — packaging must be informational, not promotional

Certificate of Analysis (COA) Requirements

All cannabis flower must be accompanied by COA documentation from an accredited laboratory. The COA must test for:

Lab accreditation requirements:

• Testing must be conducted by the Department of Medical Sciences or ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories
• Thai FDA accepts reports from: government labs in country of origin, government labs in Thailand, or private labs accredited by the Thai government
• Testing records must be retained for a minimum of 3 years

Pre-cultivation testing (mandatory before planting):

• Soil and water analysis for heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic)
• Screening for toxic residues and microbial contamination
• Required at least once before each planting cycle

The COA does not need to be printed on the package, but:

• Key results (THC/CBD percentages) must be on the label
• The full COA must be available upon request
• Dispensaries should maintain COA records for all products sold

GACP Certification

Under the June 2025 regulations, all cannabis flower must originate from GACP-certified cultivation sites approved by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM).

As of mid-2025, only 67 companies held GACP certification. This number is expected to grow but represents a significant supply chain requirement.

GACP certification involves inspection across 14 requirement categories, including a dedicated Packaging & Labeling category. The certification process takes 3–6 months and is valid for 1–3 years with annual surveillance audits.

What GACP certification means for packaging:

• The GACP certification number must appear on the product
• Labels must include: scientific name, plant parts, source/origin, producer name, batch number, harvest date, production date, and quantity
• Cultivation records must be traceable from seed to sale with unique batch identification
• Both growers and dispensaries must submit monthly inventories using the Phor.Tor.27 form (ภ.ท. 27)
• Records must be maintained for a minimum of 5 years
• Dispensaries must retain all prescriptions for a minimum of 1 year, subject to immediate inspection by DTAM or police

GACP facility signage requirement: Certified facilities must display a mandatory sign reading (in Thai): “สถานที่ผลิตกัญชาทางการแพทย์ตามมาตรฐาน GACP” (Medical cannabis production facility to GACP standard) — dimensions 20 cm wide x 120 cm long, character height 6 cm, prominently at the facility entrance.

Cannabis Food Product Labeling

Cannabis food products (edibles, beverages, oils marketed as food) are governed by MOPH Notification 425 B.E. 2564, MOPH Notification 427 B.E. 2564, and the FDA Food Act. Note that MOPH Notification 450 B.E. 2567 (effective July 19, 2024) updated general food labeling requirements — ingredient lists are no longer required to be in descending weight order (now only recommended).

Required Label Information

1. Standard Food Labeling (FDA Food Act)

• Product name
• Food type/category
• Ingredients list (in descending order of quantity)
• Net weight/volume
• Manufacturing date and expiry date
• Manufacturer name and address
• FDA food registration number
• Nutrition facts panel (if applicable)
• Allergen information (if applicable)

2. Cannabis-Specific Requirements (MOPH 425)

In addition to standard food labeling, cannabis food products must include:

THC content disclosure:

• THC content per serving
• THC content per package
• CBD content (if applicable)

Mandatory warning statements (in Thai):

“ควรบริโภคอาหารให้ครบ 5 หมู่ ในสัดส่วนที่เหมาะสม” (Food should be consumed as part of a balanced diet from all five food groups)

“ผลิตภัณฑ์นี้ไม่มีผลในการป้องกันและ/หรือรักษาโรค” (This product does not protect from and/or cure disease)

“เด็ก สตรีมีครรภ์ และสตรีให้นมบุตร ไม่ควรบริโภค” (Children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women should not consume)

“อ่านคำเตือนบนฉลากก่อนบริโภค” (Read label warnings before consumption)

Hemp seed products must also include:

• Species name or source of the hemp seed
• Processing method (if relevant to the product claims)

Prohibited Elements on Cannabis Food Packaging

MOPH Notification 425 specifically prohibits the following on cannabis food product packaging:

1. No images or symbols of any cannabis or hemp plant part — no leaves, buds, seeds, or other plant illustrations
2. No claims of “relaxing and refreshing effects” from cannabis
3. No therapeutic or health benefit claims
4. No implications that the product is a medicine or treatment
5. No child-appealing designs — no cartoons, candy-like appearance, or designs that could attract children

Serving Size and Dosing Information

For cannabis food products, clear dosing information is essential:

• THC per serving must be clearly stated
• Serving size must be clearly defined
• Number of servings per package must be indicated
• If the product contains multiple doses, individual portions should be clearly separable or measured

Cannabis Cosmetics Labeling

Cannabis cosmetics (skincare, serums, balms, massage oils) are governed by the Cosmetic Product Act B.E. 2558.

Required Label Information

1. Standard Cosmetics Labeling

• Product name
• Product type/function
• Full ingredients list (INCI nomenclature recommended)
• Net weight/volume
• Manufacturing date and expiry/period-after-opening date
• Batch number
• Manufacturer/distributor name and address
• Country of manufacture
• FDA cosmetics notification number
• Usage instructions
• Storage conditions

2. Cannabis-Specific Requirements

• CBD concentration must be shown on the label as a percentage by weight
• THC content verification (must be under 0.2% for non-controlled classification)
• Ready-to-use cosmetics (oils, soft gelatin capsules): THC must not exceed 0.001%
• Warning about potential hazards to human health or consumer protection message
• Certificate of Analysis (COA) and sample label must be submitted to Thai FDA for registration

3. Ingredient Restrictions for Cosmetics

Not all cannabis plant parts can be used in cosmetics:

Important: Importation of cosmetics containing cannabis or hemp extract is not allowed — only domestically manufactured hemp cosmetics are permitted in Thailand.

Cosmetics Advertising on Packaging

Under Chapter 6 of the Cosmetic Product Act:

Permitted on packaging:

• Cosmetic benefit claims (moisturizing, soothing, smoothing)
• Ingredient highlights (CBD, hemp seed oil, etc.)
• Usage instructions and application methods

Prohibited on packaging:

• Medical or therapeutic claims (“treats eczema,” “cures acne”)
• Drug-like efficacy claims
• Unsubstantiated scientific claims
• Misleading before/after representations

CBD Product Labeling (Under 0.2% THC)

CBD products that qualify under the 0.2% THC threshold follow the labeling requirements of their specific product category (food, cosmetics, or herbal supplement) rather than the controlled herb rules.

Key Differences from Cannabis Flower Labeling

CBD-Specific Labeling Tips

• Always display THC content prominently to demonstrate compliance with the 0.2% threshold
• Include the source of CBD (hemp plant part, extraction method)
• Reference the accredited laboratory that tested the product
• Include the FDA registration number for the appropriate product category
• Display CBD concentration per unit/serving

Signage and Physical Premises

Storefront signage and in-store displays are considered an extension of your packaging and marketing, subject to the same restrictions.

Exterior Signage Rules

Permitted:

• Business name sign (modest, professional)
• Operating hours
• License number display
• Address and contact information
• “Licensed Cannabis Dispensary” or equivalent factual identifier

Prohibited:

• Neon signs with cannabis imagery (leaves, buds, smoking)
• Oversized cannabis leaf graphics
• Promotional messaging (“Best Prices,” “Special Offers,” “Premium Quality Buds”)
• LED menu boards visible from outside
• Images of cannabis buds, flowers, or consumption
• Flashy, attention-grabbing signage designed to attract passersby
• Product pricing visible from outside the store

Interior Displays

Interior displays have more flexibility, as they are visible only to customers who have already entered the licensed premises:

• Product menu boards are permitted inside the store
• Strain information cards with descriptions and characteristics
• Price lists visible to in-store customers
• Educational posters about cannabis science, terpenes, or quality
• COA documentation displayed for customer review

However, interior displays should still:

• Avoid targeting or being accessible to minors
• Not make therapeutic health claims
• Maintain professional, informational presentation

Packaging Materials and Sustainability

While Thai regulations do not currently mandate specific sustainable packaging materials for cannabis, best practices include:

Recommended Packaging Materials

Packaging Best Practices

• Tamper-evident seals — Shows the product has not been opened or altered
• Humidity control — Include humidity packs in flower packaging to maintain quality
• Light protection — Use opaque or UV-resistant containers
• Child-deterrent design — Thailand does not currently have formal child-resistant packaging mandates like the US or Canada, but packaging must not appeal to children; implementing child-deterrent features is a best practice that demonstrates compliance intent
• Recyclable materials — Environmentally responsible packaging enhances brand perception

Common Packaging Compliance Mistakes

1. Missing Thai Language Requirements

All mandatory information must be in Thai. English-only labels are non-compliant, even if the business primarily serves tourists.

2. Using Cannabis Imagery on Food Products

MOPH Notification 425 specifically prohibits cannabis plant imagery on food packaging. This is one of the most commonly violated rules.

3. Making Health Claims on Labels

“Helps with sleep,” “reduces anxiety,” or “anti-inflammatory” on product labels violates FDA advertising rules, even when phrased as general information.

4. Inconsistent THC/CBD Content

The cannabinoid content on your label must match accredited laboratory test results. Inaccurate labeling is a serious compliance violation.

5. Missing Warning Statements

Each product category has specific required warnings. Missing even one required warning statement can result in enforcement action.

6. Promotional Packaging Design

Packaging that looks like advertising — flashy designs, promotional slogans, lifestyle imagery — violates the plain packaging principles for controlled herbs.

7. No Batch Traceability

Every product must be traceable through batch numbers. Without proper batch tracking, the entire supply chain compliance is compromised.

Packaging Compliance Checklist

Cannabis Flower

• Plain, neutral packaging design
• THC and CBD percentages displayed (lab-verified)
• GACP certification number included
• Producer/cultivator name and license number
• Batch/lot number and dates (manufacture, expiry)
• All four required warning statements in Thai
• Net weight in grams
• Storage instructions
• No cannabis plant imagery
• No child-appealing design elements
• COA available upon request
• Dispensary license number displayed

Cannabis Food Products

• FDA food registration number displayed
• Full ingredients list in descending order
• THC content per serving and per package
• All five required warning statements in Thai
• No cannabis plant images or symbols
• No health or therapeutic claims
• Nutrition facts panel (if applicable)
• Allergen information (if applicable)
• Manufacturing date and expiry date
• Manufacturer name and address

Cannabis Cosmetics

• FDA cosmetics notification number
• Full INCI ingredients list
• CBD/cannabis-derived ingredient content
• THC content verification (under 0.2%)
• Manufacturing date and expiry/PAO date
• Batch number
• Usage instructions
• No medical or therapeutic claims
• Manufacturer/distributor information

Storefront Signage

• Business name sign is modest and professional
• License number displayed
• Operating hours shown
• No neon cannabis imagery
• No promotional messaging visible from outside
• No product pricing visible from outside
• No cannabis bud or consumption imagery

Penalties for Packaging and Labeling Violations

Repeat violations escalate penalties — two license suspensions trigger permanent revocation with a 2-year waiting period before reapplication.

This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Packaging regulations are subject to change. Consult a licensed Thai attorney and regulatory specialist for advice specific to your products.

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• Cannabis Marketing Laws in Thailand: The Complete 2026 Compliance Guide
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• CBD Marketing in Thailand: What Is Actually Legal