Thailand's Cannabis Decriminalization: A Journey of Reform and Controversy

In 2022, Thailand became a pioneer in Asia by decriminalizing cannabis, though the policy has encountered backlash and has undergone numerous modifications since its enactment.

Initially, cannabis was decriminalized through an amendment to the Narcotics Law, which removed it from the list of controlled substances. The initiative was spearheaded by former Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party. The party made legalizing cannabis a key part of its 2019 election campaign, promising that it could serve as a new cash crop for farmers, especially in the economically disadvantaged northeastern region.

The cannabis industry in Thailand rapidly expanded, with thousands of dispensaries opening nationwide. This change also attracted a surge of tourists, particularly from neighboring countries where cannabis laws remain stringent.

Recently, Anutin secured a vote in Parliament to become Thailand's next prime minister.

However, the decriminalization faced substantial public criticism due to perceived underregulation, with media reports highlighting concerns about addiction and drug-related issues among youth who were not legally permitted to access cannabis.

The Pheu Thai Party, which assumed power a year post-decriminalization, had initially pledged to criminalize cannabis once more. However, progress on this front was slow, complicated by strong opposition from Bhumjaithai, a key coalition partner. Their actions drew criticism from advocates and businesspeople, who viewed them as muddled and politically driven.

In June, the Pheu Thai government strengthened cannabis regulations. New measures prohibit shops from selling cannabis without a prescription and reclassify cannabis buds as a controlled herb. Offenders may face up to one year in prison and a fine of 20,000 baht ($614).

The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, responsible for enforcing cannabis regulations, announced that as of September, dispensaries can sell limited amounts of cannabis for personal use. This is permitted only to patients with prescriptions for specific conditions: insomnia, chronic pain, migraines, Parkinson's disease, and loss of appetite.

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