Thailand to ban recreational use of marijuana

According to VNA , Thai Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew said the government will urgently issue a bill banning the use of marijuana for recreational purposes.

Speaking to reporters on February 6, Mr. Cholnan said the new bill will be proposed at a cabinet meeting next week. Compared to the current law, the new bill only allows the use of marijuana for medical and health purposes, while recreational use is illegal.

Since taking office in August last year, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has repeatedly spoken out against recreational marijuana use, arguing that it should only be used for medical purposes, according to Health Minister Cholnan. "Recreational use of marijuana could spread the drug problem further," Srettha warned.

Thailand was once known for its strict anti-drug laws and those found in possession of cannabis could face up to 10 years in prison and a huge fine.

However, in the global boom in medical cannabis, in 2018, Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to approve cannabis for medical purposes.

In June 2022, Thailand removed cannabis from its list of banned substances. The decision is seen as a boon for the tourism-led economy , which has been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce predicts that the cannabis market in the country could reach $1.2 billion by 2025.

These changes made it no longer a criminal offense to grow, sell cannabis and hemp products or use any part of the plant for medical purposes.

Since then, thousands of cannabis dispensaries have sprung up across Thailand, as have other cannabis-themed businesses like “weed cafes,” hemp spas, and beauty salons. Cities like Chiang Mai and the capital Bangkok have even held cannabis festivals.

The situation has caused many people to criticize and call on Thai authorities to tighten marijuana control laws.

Minh Hoa (reported by Vietnam+, Ho Chi Minh City Police newspaper)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/thai-lan-se-cam-su-dung-can-sa-cho-muc-dich-giai-tri-a649167.html