The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has banned the sale of food and drinks with cannabis as an ingredient as well as use of the plant for recreational purposes on the premises of universities and agencies under the ministry.

University executives and agency heads have also been told to organise activities or produce media to educate students, staff and people living in nearby communities about the proper use of cannabis.

The use of cannabis for medical purposes must be supervised by medical professionals and research on the plant must be closely monitored by university executives, according to the ministry.

University executives and agency chiefs may also issue additional measures to prevent adverse effects from the use of cannabis.

Previously, the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, banned use of cannabis in food and drinks on the university's premises.

The use of cannabis and hemp as an ingredient is forbidden, as is the advertising of cannabis-based products, an announcement said.

Also, those who receive services at the university, including staff and students, are not allowed to use cannabis recreationally.

The university supports the use of cannabis in accordance with recommendations from medical professionals.

However, anyone below the age of 20 and pregnant women are advised to avoid its use given the potentially harmful effects on health, it said.

The BMA recently declared all city-run schools under its jurisdiction as cannabis-free zones.

The de-listing of hemp and cannabis from the government's list of Category 5 narcotics took effect on June 9.

Consequently, the production, import, export, distribution, consumption and possession of cannabis and hemp are now legal.

Nonetheless, cannabis oil extracts containing more than 0.2% THC are still considered a Category 5 substance and regulated by the kingdom's narcotics laws.