Hundreds of pro-cannabis advocates in Bangkok protested plans to relist cannabis as a narcotic, two years after it was decriminalized for medical use. The Thai government’s proposal to restrict cannabis to medical and research purposes has caused public backlash and concerns over misuse and crime. The market for cannabis in Thailand appears virtually unregulated, with dispensaries and cannabis-infused menus becoming commonplace in busy tourist areas, sparking protests against the proposed ban. The call for a crackdown on cannabis comes from the conservative coalition government led by the Pheu Thai Party, which campaigned on banning recreational use due to health risks and potential substance abuse among young people.
The spike in cannabis-related psychological issues and reports of drug-fueled violence and abuse have prompted concerns over the unregulated cannabis market in Thailand. More than a million Thais have registered for licenses to grow cannabis, with over 6,000 dispensaries across the country. However, the lack of quality control and the accessibility of cannabis to young people have led to a surge in psychological issues related to cannabis use. Although the government conducted an online survey indicating public support for the reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic, protesters argue that proper regulation is needed without criminalizing the plant again. However, they fear that a radical rollback in cannabis regulations will negatively impact those who have invested in the industry.
Before the legalization of cannabis in Thailand in 2022, possession of the plant could result in up to 15 years in prison. The draft bill currently under consideration would impose fines and prison sentences for recreational use while allowing for medical marijuana under controlled regulations. The proposed fines for recreational use and advertising cannabis for recreational purposes, as well as prison sentences for farming without a license, are part of the new regulations aimed at controlling cannabis use in Thailand. While some rules restricting the use of cannabis in public places are already in place, cannabis shops remain open in Bangkok and tourists are warned against transporting cannabis across borders as it is still illegal in neighboring countries.
The government’s proposals to strictly regulate cannabis use in Thailand have led to concerns among protesters who agree on the need for regulation but oppose the reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic. The push for a crackdown on cannabis comes from the Pheu Thai Party, which had campaigned on banning recreational use due to health risks and substance abuse issues. Anutin Charnvirakul, the former Health Minister who oversaw the legalization of cannabis, has now risen to the position of Deputy Prime Minister and leads the Bhumjaithai Party, part of the new government coalition. The proposed restrictions on cannabis come amid reports of a thriving cannabis industry with concerns over public health and safety, prompting a debate on the future of cannabis regulation in Thailand.
The debate over cannabis regulation in Thailand raises questions about the future of the cannabis industry and the impact of stricter regulations on businesses and individuals who have invested in the market. Protesters argue that while regulation is necessary, criminalizing cannabis again could harm those who have made significant investments in the industry. The Health Ministry’s reports of cannabis-related psychological issues and the spike in cannabis use among young people have underscored the need for proper regulation and control over the cannabis market. The outcome of the proposed changes in cannabis regulations will have lasting implications for the cannabis industry and public health in Thailand, as the government grapples with balancing public safety and economic interests in the cannabis market.
