Cannabis: why is Thailand changing course?
In September 2023, a new conservative government led by the populist Pheu Thai party took the reins in Thailand. Fervent critic of Thailand's policy regarding cannabis legislation, considered too lax, the new government has initiated steps to restrict its marketing and use.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin reaffirmed her desire to fundamentally review cannabis legislation to “stop the rapid expansion points of sale”.
Recall that previous legislation decriminalized the sale and consumption of cannabis to stimulate the local agricultural economy and encourage medical research. Paradoxically, it has favored the emergence of a thriving black market, intended mainly for recreational use.
To know
Since the legalization of cannabis in 2022, 1.1 million Thais have registered in the register of producers to obtain a license and cultivate the hemp plant. More than 6,000 marijuana dispensaries have also been opened across the country.
Is it still possible to consume cannabis in Thailand?
In Thailand, the government is developing a bill which should include two flagship measures:
- the ban on the recreational use of cannabis;
- its reclassification as a controlled substance.
This bill envisages severe penalties, with fines of up to 60,000 Thai baht (around 1,560 euros) for recreational consumption, and imprisonment of up to one year for offenders.
The draft law also mentions fines of up to 100,000 baht (around 2,600 euros) for advertising or selling cannabis for recreational purposes. Cultivation without a license could also result in prison sentences of one to three years, or fines ranging from 20,000 to 300,000 baht (520 to 7,780 euros).
Today, cannabis stores can still sell cannabis without problem anywhere in the Kingdom.
To know
Tourists visiting Thailand should be aware that cannabis is illegal in neighboring countries, with very severe penalties, including the death penalty in Singapore, for example.
