The Ministry of Public Health recalled an urgent letter shortly after it was sent to the police asking them to take legal action against those who failed to get permits related to the use of cannabis.
The recall was apparently prompted by the police's reaction.
In the letter to the national police chief, deputy permanent secretary for Public Health Narong Saiwong said cannabis has been listed as a controlled herb.
The plant was put on the list of controlled herbs in mid-June after it was removed from the country's narcotics list on June 9.
As a result, police and officials are authorised to take legal action against four groups who fail to seek permits - those who carry out research studies on cannabis, export cannabis, distribute the plant or process it for commercial purposes.
However, the police said there are certain issues they have to clarify with the Ministry of Public Health in regard to the letter.
Yongyot Thammawut of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine said a sub-committee agreed the list of controlled herbs should be revised to cover only cannabis flowers.
"For the time being, authorities will resort to warnings rather than making arrests ... unless the plant is sold for smoking.
"The ministry has made clear its stance on the recreational use of cannabis. Medicinal cannabis will proceed and misuse must be prevented," he said.
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reiterated on Wednesday that the draft law being examined by the House does not permit recreational use of the plant.
