2025 brought several kinds of reform
Cannabis policy in 2025 changed along different tracks. The Netherlands moved a controlled supply-chain experiment into its experimental phase; Thailand tightened controls around cannabis flowers; Switzerland continued a research-based pilot framework; and Spain adopted rules for specified medicinal preparations. These changes affected different activities. A reform to medical prescribing, retail supply or a scientific trial changes a particular part of the system rather than every rule surrounding cannabis.
The Netherlands tested the supply chain
On 7 April 2025, the experimental phase of the Dutch Controlled Cannabis Supply Chain Experiment began. Its focus was the relationship between regulated production and coffeeshops in participating municipalities. The longstanding policy had tolerated certain retail sales under conditions, while supply raised a different legal problem. The experiment brought regulated production and retail into an organised trial so that effects could be evaluated. Its geographical and experimental scope distinguished it from a nationwide replacement of every coffeeshop rule.
Thailand tightened the medical boundary
In June 2025, Thailand introduced tighter rules concerning cannabis flowers and medical prescriptions. The official government visitor notice described cannabis flower as controlled and emphasised a valid prescription issued by an authorised professional in Thailand. This was a change toward stronger restriction after the country's earlier liberalisation had produced a very visible cannabis market. The 2025 development illustrates how a government can narrow the conditions of supply without the history fitting a simple, irreversible progression toward liberalisation.
Switzerland used authorised research pilots
Switzerland's pilot framework allowed controlled scientific studies of nonmedical cannabis under the Narcotics Act. The Federal Office of Public Health assesses legal requirements, coordinates with ethics committees and consults the cantons and municipalities involved. Trials must have a scientifically appropriate size and cannot exceed 5,000 participants. This design makes research questions and evaluation part of the permission itself. Participation in a defined study is institutionally different from an unrestricted consumer market.
Spain formalised a medicinal-preparation system
Spain's Royal Decree 903/2025, adopted on 7 October and published on 9 October, established conditions for standardised cannabis preparations used in specified pharmacy-compounded formulas. Its institutions are healthcare and pharmaceutical ones: specialists, hospital pharmacies, quality requirements and follow-up. The reform did not create a general retail system for social clubs. Together, the four examples show the practical variety of 2025 policy: regulated supply-chain evidence in the Netherlands, tighter medical conditions in Thailand, authorised research in Switzerland and a pharmaceutical framework in Spain.
Sources & further reading
General information, not individual legal or medical advice.