Thailand Proposes Cannabis Regulation While Keeping It Legal

Thailand has finally decided to regulate its cannabis industry while maintaining the use of cannabis for medical purposes.

This development follows the country’s initial decision to decriminalize cannabis in 2022, making Thailand the first Southeast Asian country to do so. However, the ease of access and open consumption of cannabis sparked public debate, leading to political promises of tighter controls.

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Thailand Ministry of Public Health Proposes New Bill

The latest effort comes in the form of a new bill proposed by the Thailand Ministry of Public Health, aimed at creating a more controlled framework for the plant’s use in Thailand.

The proposed bill seeks to strike a balance between the industry’s growth and public health concerns in Thailand.

While it still permits cannabis for medical treatments, research, and certain consumer products, it imposes stricter rules on non-medical use in Thailand. Unlike previous drafts, this new bill does not explicitly ban recreational cannabis use.

However, consumers who use cannabis for purposes outside the authorized ones still face penalties, including fines of up to 60,000 baht (2,336 Swedish kronor). Those selling cannabis or its derivatives for unauthorized purposes risk up to one year in prison, a fine of 100,000 baht, or both.

The law will continue to allow the use of cannabis and its extracts in herbal, food, and cosmetic products, preserving the plant’s potential in various industries.

Impact on Thailand’s Cannabis Industry

The cannabis industry in Thailand has grown significantly since decriminalization in 2022, with over 9,400 dispensaries operating across the country.

The legal vacuum that followed decriminalization allowed dispensaries to flourish around Thailand, particularly in Bangkok and other popular tourist destinations. These establishments sell a wide range of cannabis-based products, from flowers and oils to cannabis-infused edibles.

While the new bill might seem more favorable to the cannabis industry compared to earlier, more restrictive versions, it still poses challenges for growers, sellers, and venues that allow consumption.

They will need to apply for new licenses or permits to continue operating legally in Thailand. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in hefty fines or prison sentences, adding pressure to an already booming sector.

The proposed licensing rules for growing, selling, exporting, and importing cannabis in Thailand are part of a broader effort to enforce stricter controls and ensure public safety.

Political and Public Reactions

The Pheu Thai Party, which leads the ruling coalition, initially campaigned on a platform that included reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic, intending to restrict its use to medical purposes due to concerns over potential addiction.

However, political opposition in Thailand, particularly from the Bhumjaithai Party, the second-largest party in the coalition, forced Pheu Thai to reconsider its position. Bhumjaithai played a crucial role in promoting cannabis decriminalization, making it a key issue in the party’s political platform.

These political frictions led to a policy reversal, allowing cannabis to remain legal for the time being. The new bill, while imposing more restrictions, reflects a compromise between these competing political factions.

According to Bhumjaithai, this change is a victory for the people of Thailand, especially for those who support keeping cannabis legal for medical purposes.

The public, too, has expressed mixed opinions on the issue. A survey published earlier this year showed that a majority of Thais favored reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic, reflecting concerns over the public health consequences of widespread, unregulated consumption.

Before the bill is enacted, the public and industry stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide feedback. The Thailand Ministry of Public Health has set a deadline of September 30 for submissions of comments and suggestions. If approved, the bill will then be presented to Parliament for final consideration.

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(Featured image by Government of Thailand (CC BY 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons)

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