Here's what tourists need to know about using cannabis in Thailand under new proposals.
advertisementLess than two years after Thailand opened the floodgates by legalizing cannabis, the country's new conservative coalition government is closing the floodgates.
Neon cannabis signs have become ubiquitous in Bangkok's busy tourist areas, and dispensaries are popping up on every street corner. Hundreds of eateries are advertising cannabis-infused menu items.
But all that could change under new proposals to tightly regulate marijuana use and limit its use for medical purposes.
On Wednesday, May 8, Prime Minister Sureta Thavisin reiterated her call for cannabis to be reclassified as a drug, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “I would like to ask the Ministry of Public Health… to allow the use of cannabis as soon as possible.'' Please issue regulations to do so.” For medical and health purposes only. ”
He also ordered local authorities to curb criminal activities related to illegal drug trafficking and demanded progress within 90 days.
Why are Thailand's cannabis regulations changing so quickly?
Following a general election in May last year, Thailand came under new leadership in September.
The conservative coalition government led by the Thailand Contribution Party is behind calls for a crackdown on cannabis. Legalization.
The Thai Contribution Party campaigned for a ban on recreational use. marijuanasaid it poses health risks and could lead to substance abuse problems among young people.
Tabishin reiterated this position in his latest post on X, saying, “Drugs are the problem that will destroy the future of the country.”
Anutin Charnvirakul, the former health minister who oversaw drug legalization during the previous military regime, has now been promoted to deputy prime minister.He is the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, which is part of the new government. union.
In supporting marijuana legalization in 2022, he said it would reduce overcrowding in Thailand's prisons and boost local economies.
On the day of legalization, more than 3,000 prisoners were detained. cannabis The charges were released. The country's weed industry will be worth 28 billion Thai baht (728 million euros) by the end of this year, and is predicted to reach 336 billion baht (8.7 billion euros) by 2030.
Anutin had promised that cannabis would only be allowed for medical use, but in reality the market was largely unregulated.
The Ministry of Health has declared cannabis a “regulated herb'' that requires a license to plant or sell, and has issued regulations banning online sales, sales to pregnant women and people under 20, and public smoking. However, cannabis is easily available for purchase by virtually anyone in many unlicensed facilities and online.
Over 1.1 million people since cannabis was legalized Thai People are registering licenses to grow it, and more than 6,000 weed dispensaries have popped up across the country, many with little quality control.
Thai media was soon filled with reports of drug violence and abuse among young people who had no access to drugs.
The Ministry of Health reported that the number of patients seeking treatment for cannabis-related psychological problems has skyrocketed, from more than 37,000 in 2022 to more than 63,000 in 2023. Other studies have noted that more young people are using cannabis.
Thailand was the first country in Asia to legalize cannabis, which has also led to a booming cannabis tourism industry that many fear will be difficult to put a lid on.
advertisementDuring the 2023 election campaign, all major political parties, including Bhumjaithai, promised to restrict cannabis to medical uses.
What are the penalties for cannabis use in Thailand?
Before marijuana was legalized Thailand In June 2022, the country will have some of the toughest drug laws in the world.
Cannabis possession can carry a prison sentence of up to 15 years, and the notorious Bang Kwan Central Prison (ironically nicknamed the Bangkok Hilton after its squalid and overcrowded conditions were portrayed in an Australian television series) ) is a major deterrent to marijuana possession. tourist.
In March, Thailand's Health Minister Chongranan Surikeo announced that he had recommended to the cabinet a bill to ban the recreational use of marijuana and reclassify it as a controlled substance. It is expected to be approved soon and will be submitted thereafter. ThailandHouse of Representatives.
The bill, which was circulated for public comment in January, would impose fines of up to 60,000 Thai Baht (1,560 euros) and up to one year in prison for recreational purposes (defined as “entertainment or recreation”). It has become. Medical cannabis use will be allowed, but there are no details on how it will be regulated.
advertisementIt also proposes fines of up to 100,000 baht (2,600 euros) for advertising and marketing. cannabis For recreational use.
Farming without a permit can result in one to three years in prison or a fine of 20,000 to 300,000 baht (520 to 7,780 euros).
The rules regarding cannabis stores and home cultivation are not yet clear.
Can tourists still smoke cannabis in Thailand?
meanwhile Thailand While we await the outcome of the changes, cannabis stores are still open across Bangkok and beyond.
However, some regulations restricting the use of cannabis are already in place. Smoking or using e-cigarettes in public places is prohibited. Those causing a “public nuisance”, such as by smelling weed, could be fined 25,000 baht (650 euros).
advertisementDetails of what constitutes “”bothersome” is ambiguous and can easily be used by the police. In Bangkok, police officers are known to blackmail and blackmail tourists caught breaking the law.
Extracts containing more than 0.2 percent THC are still legally classified as narcotics, but some stores are nevertheless selling more potent products, which have been officially licensed for medical purposes. Unless it is, the buyer may run into trouble.
Tourists have been warned that cannabis remains illegal in neighboring countries and should not be brought across borders. SingaporeThe country has one of the strictest drug policies in the world, allowing citizens to be arrested for using drugs abroad as if they were consuming them at home.
