Thailand is planning to tighten its cannabis regulations by banning recreational use by the end of the year while maintaining its legality for medicinal purposes. This decision comes after Thailand led Southeast Asia in legalizing medical marijuana in 2018 and subsequently decriminalizing its recreational use in 2022, a move that saw the rapid emergence of numerous cannabis shops across the nation.
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Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew outlined the government’s plan to introduce a bill that will see cannabis strictly regulated, with the legislation expected to pass before the year’s end. Cholnan emphasized the necessity of this law to prevent the misuse of cannabis, particularly to safeguard Thai children from its potential harm and the risk of progressing to more dangerous substances, as reported by Reuters.
Under the p law, cannabis for recreational purposes will face strict penalties, including significant fines and possible imprisonment for those selling cannabis or involved in its marketing for non-medical use. The acquiring of cannabis will also be tightly controlled, requiring specific permissions, notably to support its medical and health industry applications. The upcoming regulations introduce fines of up to 60,000 baht (approximately $1,700) for recreational use and harsher penalties for unauthorized sale and cultivation, including jail terms and higher fines. Moreover, the legislation will require permits for the import, export, cultivation, and commercial use of cannabis.
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Despite the clampdown on recreational use, the Thai government acknowledges the economic benefits of the cannabis industry and plans to allow existing businesses time to adapt to the new regulations. Cannabis shops will be permitted to operate until their licenses expire, with the opportunity to transition into legal cannabis clinics under the new framework. The health minister assured that the revised regulations would not affect the tourism sector, which suggests a balanced approach to leveraging the economic advantages of cannabis while addressing health and legal concerns.
This development signifies Thailand’s commitment to regulating cannabis use within its borders, balancing the burgeoning industry’s economic potential against public health and safety concerns.