Thailand Moves to Reinstate Ban on Recreational Cannabis Amid Growing Concerns

In a swift reversal, the Thailand government is urgently proposing a bill to ban the recreational use of cannabis, just months after decriminalizing the drug in 2022. The move follows the proliferation of cannabis dispensaries across the country, particularly in Bangkok, leading to concerns from critics and prompting the need for tighter legislation.

Under the previous government, which included the pro-legalization Bhumjaithai party, cannabis was removed from the list of banned narcotics in June 2022. This decision fueled the growth of a burgeoning cannabis industry catering to both locals and foreigners.

However, the Thai health minister announced on Tuesday that a new bill would be presented to the cabinet next week, aiming to restrict cannabis use solely for health and medicinal purposes. The proposed legislation responds to heightened worries about the recreational use of cannabis, considered “wrong” according to Health Minister Chonlanan Srikaew.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who assumed office in August, consistently opposes recreational cannabis use, emphasizing its suitability only for medicinal purposes. The move to reinstate the ban comes after attendees at a recent Coldplay concert in Bangkok complained about the pervasive smell of marijuana, adding public pressure to tighten regulations.

The draft bill, released by Thailand’s health ministry, outlines hefty fines and prison sentences of up to one year for offenders involved in recreational cannabis use. Public feedback on the proposed legislation is encouraged.

Cannabis and related products are slated to be limited to medical and health purposes, aligning with Prime Minister Thavisin’s commitment to “rectify” cannabis laws within the next six months. While public smoking of marijuana was already illegal, the proposed laws go further by banning advertising and marketing campaigns for cannabis extracts and other related products.

A similar draft bill faced parliamentary rejection in November, underscoring the challenges associated with reshaping cannabis legislation. Thavisin, in multiple media interviews, has stressed the severity of drug abuse as a significant issue for Thailand.

Thailand made history as the first country in Asia to fully decriminalize cannabis in June 2022. This landmark decision marked a shift in the region where many countries impose harsh penalties for marijuana-related offenses, including lengthy jail terms and even death sentences.

Medical marijuana had been legal in Thailand since 2018, but the 2022 decriminalization allowed for the cultivation, trade, and use of marijuana and hemp products for various purposes. The relaxed laws sparked the establishment of numerous cannabis-themed businesses, including dispensaries, weed cafes, hemp spas, and beauty treatments.

However, the government’s renewed push to ban recreational cannabis raises concerns among advocates who argue that the industry has benefitted farmers, small businesses, and workers. The Future Cannabis Network, an advocacy group, expressed disappointment and emphasized the importance of public involvement in shaping cannabis regulations.

Despite the government’s evolving stance, cannabis entrepreneurs remain firm in their opposition to any measures that could harm the burgeoning multi-billion-dollar cannabis industry. The controversy surrounding cannabis laws in Thailand continues to highlight the complex interplay between public sentiment, economic interests, and regulatory decisions.

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