Thailand to ban recreational cannabis use by end of 2024

Thailand will ban recreational marijuana use by the end of 2024 but will continue to allow its use for medical purposes, according to Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew.

A marijuana shop on Khaosan Road, Bangkok. Photo: Bangkok Post

After Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize cannabis for medical use in 2018 and then recreational use in 2022, tens of thousands of cannabis shops have sprung up, with the industry estimated to be worth more than $1 billion.

However, the Thai government is drafting a new law to regulate cannabis use, which is expected to come into effect by the end of 2024. Thai Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew said the draft law will be submitted to the cabinet for approval next month, before being passed by the National Assembly before the end of this year.

According to Reuters, Mr. Cholnan affirmed that without laws to manage marijuana, this substance will be abused, leading to negative impacts on Thai children, and in the long term it can lead to other drugs.

The draft law stipulates fines of up to 60,000 baht ($1,700) for recreational use, while those who sell cannabis for this purpose and are involved in advertising or marketing cannabis buds, resins, extracts or smoking devices face up to one year in prison, or a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both. The bill also increases penalties for growing cannabis without a license, with prison terms ranging from one to three years and fines ranging from 20,000 baht to 300,000 baht. Minister Cholnan added that the import, export, cultivation and use of cannabis for commercial purposes will now also require a license.

The Thai government will give businesses time to adjust to the new law, Mr. Cholnan said. Stores with cannabis licenses can operate until their licenses expire and convert to legal cannabis clinics if they comply with the new regulations.

HUY QUOC

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