Thailand Reconsiders Its Stance On Cannabis

Photo by Sticker Strike

Thailand Reconsiders Its Stance On Cannabis

Decriminalization to ban. A cannabis U-turn.

In a surprising turn of events, Thailand, a country that recently celebrated the decriminalization of cannabis, is now revisiting its stance. 

This shift is marked by the Thai government’s proposal of a bill aimed at banning recreational cannabis use, with significant fines for offenders. 

Thailand’s original move towards decriminalization positioned it as a pioneering country in Asia, aligning with a global trend of recognizing cannabis’s diverse applications.

This step was more than a mere legal reform; it acknowledged the plant’s historical role in traditional Thai medicine. In contrast, nearby Hong Kong continues to outlaw non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD).

The new narrative under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s administration departs from the previous policy. Addressing Thailand’s increasing substance abuse concerns, Thavisin’s draft bill proposes limiting cannabis use strictly to medical purposes, coupled with severe penalties for recreational use. 

Thailand Reconsiders Its Stance On Cannabis

Photo by Nextvoyage

The penalties are steep: fines up to 60,000 baht ($1,720 USD) for non-medical use and potentially a year in jail, a 100,000 baht ($2,866 USD) fine, or both for selling it recreationally. 

This policy shift indicates the government’s apprehension about addiction risks and the broader implications of widespread recreational use. It represents a cautious stance, underscoring the complex challenges governments face in balancing public health and cultural norms of cannabis legalization. 

The proposed bill has elicited mixed reactions, ranging from disappointment among liberal drug policy advocates to approval from proponents of stricter controls. 

Additionally, this reversal casts a shadow of uncertainty over Thailand’s bustling cannabis industry, which has witnessed the emergence of over 6,000 dispensaries since cannabis’s decriminalization.

These establishments are now confronted with the prospect of navigating a shifting regulatory environment, potentially affecting the security of many jobs. Stakeholders and the public are invited to provide feedback on the bill, indicating that its final form is yet to be decided.

Herb Recommended Products:

Featured Brands:

Herb Recommended Products:

READ MORE

The Best Outdoor Cannabis Strains For Successful Growth
Guides |
18.03.2024
The Best Outdoor Cannabis Strains For Successful Growth
Wyld CBD Sparkling Water: Products Review
Learn |
31.05.2021
Wyld CBD Sparkling Water: Products Review
Majority Of Americans Plan To Use Or Gift Cannabis On Valentine’s Day
Learn |
13.02.2024
Majority Of Americans Plan To Use Or Gift Cannabis On Valentine’s Day
10 Deeply Satisfying Things To Stare At When You’re Super Baked
culture |
31.03.2017
10 Deeply Satisfying Things To Stare At When You’re Super Baked
Why Do Some People Get Nauseous When They Smoke Weed?
Learn |
09.06.2023
Why Do Some People Get Nauseous When They Smoke Weed?
Moneybagg Yo Partners With Cannabis Company Trufflez Inc. To Launch NFTs With Exclusive Perks
Culture |
11.08.2022
Moneybagg Yo Partners With Cannabis Company Trufflez Inc. To Launch NFTs With Exclusive Perks
The Best Dispensaries In Glendale, CA
Guides |
24.11.2022
The Best Dispensaries In Glendale, CA
What Is Cannabis Dropshipping? Everything You Need To Know
Learn |
19.05.2023
What Is Cannabis Dropshipping? Everything You Need To Know
Best Filter Tips For Pre-Rolled Cones and Blunts
Guides |
01.02.2024
Best Filter Tips For Pre-Rolled Cones and Blunts
What Does Cannabis Nodes Tell You About Your Plant?
Learn |
30.05.2024
What Does Cannabis Nodes Tell You About Your Plant?