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In brief

On 17 May 2021, the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) issued several notifications to prescribe the criteria and requirements in relation to the use of cannabis and hemp in cosmetics, including the permitted parts of the cannabis and hemp plant and extracts, the permitted level of THC and the permitted CBD, and applicable labelling and warning requirements. These notifications became effective on 18 May 2021.


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In essence, cosmetics containing cannabis or hemp parts as an ingredient must comply with the following key requirements:

  • In general, parts of cannabis and hemp that are no longer considered as narcotics can be used, provided that they must be dry parts and used for the purpose of cosmetics.
  • The notifications specify the types of cosmetics that these cannabis and hemp parts can be used to manufacture, as well as the level of permitted THC. For cosmetics containing CBD extracts from cannabis or hemp as an ingredient, the use of synthetic cannabidiol is not allowed.
  • Importation of cannabis and hemp parts as raw materials or cosmetics containing cannabis and hemp parts for the purpose of cosmetics is not allowed.
  • Manufacturers (including contract manufacturers) of the above cosmetics must provide cosmetics labels and warnings, including those relating to potential health risks and the substances used in the cosmetics as specified in relevant notifications, as well as the level of CBD by weight, as applicable.

For more information, please contact our team at Baker McKenzie.

Author

Peerapan Tungsuwan is a corporate and M&A partner in Bangkok office with specialties in highly regulated industries, including the healthcare industry. She is currently Chair of the AEC Healthcare Harmonization Sub-committee of Baker McKenzie's Asia Pacific Healthcare Industry Group, of which she was head from 2007-2013. Within the Bangkok office, she heads the Healthcare Industry and Natural Resources Groups and co-leads the Mergers & Acquisitions practice group and Japan Advisory Group.

Author

Panyavith assists major local and multinational clients in a range of heavily regulated industries, such as healthcare & life sciences, chemical and biotech, on large complex mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, joint ventures, corporate restructurings, post-acquisition integration projects, commercial agreements and regulatory issues. With his technical and commercial astute, Panyavith has often been involved in a number of pioneering projects, helping clients navigate the challenges of uncharted waters and emerging opportunities with innovative solutions. He is recently recognized as "Up and Coming for Corporate and M&A" in Thailand by Chambers Asia-Pacific 2023.

Author

Praween Chantanakomes is an associate at Baker & McKenzie’s Bangkok office. He was admitted in 2008. He is currently active in the Corporate & Commercial, Mergers & Acquisitions, Environment, Natural Resources, and Pharmaceuticals practice groups.

Author

Prim Uditananda is a Regulatory Affairs Manager in Baker McKenzie, Bangkok office.