Thursday, February 15, 2024
Two years following Thailand’s landmark decision to legalise cannabis, the nation is now contemplating stringent measures to regulate its expansive drug market by proposing a prohibition on the substance’s “recreational” use. This shift comes amid growing concerns over the lax regulations that have reportedly led to increased accessibility of cannabis to minors and a rise in crime rates, despite the initial boost it provided to the country’s tourism and agricultural sectors, alongside the emergence of numerous cannabis outlets.
The push towards legalisation was initially championed by the Bhumjaithai Party during the 2019 general election, with a particular focus on offering new agricultural opportunities to farmers in Thailand’s economically disadvantaged northeast.
The party’s campaign promise was to transform cannabis into a lucrative crop for the region’s farmers. Following its legalisation, the Thai government implemented measures to classify cannabis as a “controlled herb,” necessitating a license for its cultivation and sale. Moreover, it introduced restrictions on online sales, prohibited the sale to individuals under 20 and pregnant women, and outlawed public consumption.
Despite these regulations, the ease of obtaining cannabis from unlicensed sources or online platforms has raised significant concerns. In response, the current Health Minister, Chonlanan Srikaew, announced last week his recommendation to the Cabinet of a draft bill aimed at curtailing recreational use while permitting medicinal applications.
The proposed legislation, which underwent public consultation in January, seeks to criminalise the use of cannabis for “entertainment or pleasure,” imposing a fine of baht. While it maintains the allowance for medical marijuana, the specifics of its regulation remain under discussion.
This potential crackdown on recreational cannabis use marks a pivotal moment for Thailand, particularly in terms of its impact on tourism. The country’s initial move to legalise cannabis placed it at the forefront of drug policy reform in Asia, attracting tourists intrigued by the novelty and freedom associated with legal cannabis. However, the proposed restrictions signal a significant pivot that could alter Thailand’s appeal as a destination for cannabis tourism.
While aiming to address public health and safety concerns, these measures may also reshape the landscape of the nation’s tourism and agricultural industries, underscoring the delicate balance between innovation and regulation in the evolving discourse on cannabis.
Tags: Agriculture, cannabis, Law, regulation, Safety, Thailand, Tourism
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
