Thailand Implements Ban on Recreational Cannabis Use, 18 Months following Landmark Decriminalization
Thailand's recent government decision marks a significant shift as it plans to ban recreational cannabis use, contradicting its historic move 18 months ago when it became the first Asian country to decriminalize the plant
Thailand's recent shift in government has led to the introduction of new legislation to prohibit the recreational use of cannabis, marking a significant change after the country initially decriminalized the plant, making it the first in Asia to do so. The prior relaxed laws resulted in a flourishing cannabis industry that attracted both local and foreign consumers across the Southeast Asian nation. However, with the installation of a new conservative coalition government late last year, there has been a commitment to enforcing stricter regulations and limiting cannabis use to medical purposes only.
The Thailand health ministry released a preliminary bill on Tuesday that includes significant fines or up to one year in prison for violators. The bill restricts the use of cannabis and related products to medical and health purposes only, aligning with Prime Minister Srettha Thavinsin's commitment to revise cannabis laws within the next six months.
Public smoking of marijuana was still prohibited despite the more lenient laws. The newly proposed laws will also prohibit the advertising and marketing of cannabis buds, extracts, and other related products. A previous version of the bill was not approved by parliament in November.
Thavisin has been outspoken about his stance on banning recreational cannabis, emphasizing in multiple media interviews that drug abuse poses a significant issue for Thailand.
CNN has contacted Thailand's Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew for additional input regarding the proposed ban.
A cannabis stall in Pattaya, Thailand, on Sunday, March 5, 2023.
In June 2022, Thailand made history as the first country in Asia to fully decriminalize cannabis. This groundbreaking decision comes after years of effort and stands in contrast to the harsh penalties imposed by many other Asian countries for marijuana-related offenses, including lengthy prison sentences and even death sentences.
CBD is even illegal in nearby Hong Kong, and Singapore enforces the death penalty for drug trafficking. Additionally, residents traveling to Thailand are cautioned that they could face prosecution upon their return if they consume marijuana while overseas.
Since 2018, medical marijuana has been legal in Thailand. However, the decriminalization in 2022 marked a significant step, as it is no longer considered a crime to cultivate or exchange marijuana and hemp products, or to utilize any parts of the plant for medicinal purposes.
Tourists shop cannabis at the RG420 cannabis store, at Khaosan Road, one of the favourite tourist spots in Bangkok, Thailand, July 31, 2022. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha
Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters
Thailand is reconsidering the decriminalization of cannabis due to the rise of numerous cannabis dispensaries and cannabis-themed businesses, such as weed cafes, hemp spas, and beauty treatments. The popularity of weed festivals in cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok, as well as the draw for tourists, has led the country to reconsider its stance on cannabis.
Former health minister Anutin Charnvirakul, a strong advocate for cannabis legalization in Thailand, has clarified that the intention was always to promote cannabis for medical purposes, and not for recreational use in public. Anutin emphasized that there has never been any intention to encourage recreational cannabis use or to use it in a way that could bother others.
"We have consistently prioritized the use of cannabis extractions and raw materials for both medicinal and health-related purposes."
Supporters of the legislation argue that the cannabis industry boom in Thailand has benefited numerous individuals, including farmers, small business owners, and retail employees.
Cannabis entrepreneurs interviewed by CNN strongly opposed any legalization that would harm the rapidly expanding multi-billion dollar industry.
The Future Cannabis Network, a Thailand-based advocacy group, expressed disappointment with the government's actions and emphasized the importance of "public involvement."
Kitty Chopaka, an entrepreneur in Bangkok's cannabis industry who has been advocating for cannabis legalization for years, described the government's response as a predictable, knee-jerk reaction. She expressed the belief that regardless of the upcoming cannabis regulations, it is inevitable that cannabis will no longer be classified as a narcotic.
