Since cannabis was taken off the list of narcotic drugs, there has been an increase in the number of foods, beverages, and snacks that contain cannabis that have been put on the market, but many are made and consumed without proper knowledge. For consumer safety, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued strict regulatory measures for foods and snacks containing cannabis and hemp. It also strongly recommends reading the warning label. Children, pregnant women, and lactating women should not eat or drink any, and sales to people under the age of 20 should be discontinued.

     The Ministry of Public Health announced that food containing cannabis and hemp ingredients must meet quality standards, while also taking into account safety information based on academic principles.

     The product label must include a recommendation for safe consumption, such as “Should not consume more than 2 packaged units per day,” as well as prominent warning messages on food product labels, such as “Children, pregnant women, and lactating women should not eat,” “Should stop eating immediately if there is an abnormality,” “Those who are allergic or sensitive to THC or CBD should be cautious when eating,” and “May cause drowsiness; avoid driving or operating machinery.”

     Permitted products must be safe and have analytical results confirming that the THC content does not exceed the legal limit, as well as measures to monitor production facilities and food quality standards. There are measures in place to monitor cannabis and hemp-containing food in the market across all distribution channels, as well as collect samples of food products for THC/CBD analysis and other quality standards established by the Department of Medical Sciences. If the quality standards are not met, severe legal action will be taken.

     Cooperation has been requested from retailers, shops, convenience stores, and department stores to organize food and snacks containing hemp, by categorizing them. They should be located in a place to reduce the chance of customers picking the products themselves, and there should be a clear sign that says “Do not sell to people under the age of 20”; the FDA has urged operators to cooperate in order not to sell to consumers under the age of 20.

     Consumers are encouraged to buy properly licensed foods and read labels if any product contains cannabis or hemp. Follow the consumption instructions and warning messages on the label. Parents should not buy cannabis and hemp-infused foods for their children under the age of 20.

Source: Food and Drug Administration Office, 88/24 Tiwanon Road, Talad Khwan Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nonthaburi Province 11000. 

Telephone: +66 2590 7000

Publication date July 15, 2022