Thailand was the first country in Asia to legalize marijuana. However, it is only allowed for limited medical use.
The use of cannabis in public places is still criminalized. The Thai Ministry of Public Health has removed hemp and marijuana from the list of controlled substances in the fifth category as of June 9.
The main goal of the innovation is to support “Thai enthusiasts” who grow hemp at home and use it for medical purposes to reduce pain, stress and fatigue, as well as in food production.
In addition, the change aims to increase Thailand’s popularity as a health tourism destination and to relieve overcrowded prisons, where the majority of inmates are serving sentences for drug-related crimes.
It is expected that four thousand prisoners will be released after the new law comes into effect. However, smoking marijuana in public places will be considered illegal, and the amount of the main hallucinogenic compound in the substance, which cannot exceed 0.2%, will be strictly controlled by the state.
Queues formed from the morning near the shops that produce cannabis-based drinks and sweets. “Thai cannabis has its own history. We have our own varieties of marijuana, we have experience in producing and selling similar products,” says Chokwan Kitty Chopaka, owner of the Cannabis Gummy Shop in Bangkok and an activist campaigning for legalization.
“We can revive this business and make it safe, ensuring that children cannot buy marijuana and that adult consumers have enough knowledge to use it responsibly.”
“Now that Thailand’s economy is going downhill after the pandemic, the country really needs this business to get back on its feet,” she believes.
But not everyone in Thailand shares her position. “I don’t think Thais are ready for legalization because people don’t understand how to use cannabis properly. It is necessary to conduct an information campaign first, because besides the benefits, people can harm themselves,” said one of the Reuters interviewees.
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has also called on those who use marijuana to act responsibly, warning that the state will monitor the consumption and behavior of users and producers.
The government plans to distribute one million plant seedlings to encourage farmers to grow marijuana. Those who want to engage in this business will have to register in the government application called PlookGanja. According to the Ministry of Health of the country, currently about 100,000 people have registered in the application.