Thailand is now reversing its stance on the recreational use of marijuana. Just two years after embracing progressive policies, the government is set to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic. This is by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s conservative coalition government.
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Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, an opponent of recreational cannabis announced via social media his intention to re-list cannabis as a narcotic by the end of 2024.
Citing concerns about drug abuse issues, Thavisin addressed the need for strict regulations limiting cannabis use to medical and health purposes only.
In Thailand, cannabis legalization began in 2018 when medical use was decriminalized followed by recreational legalization in 2022.
The growth of small businesses selling cannabis products led to policy inconsistencies and confusion regarding regulation.
Some say that the previous government’s approach lacked clarity and foresight resulting in a haphazard implementation of regulations. The absence of laws compounded the challenges in governing the sale and use of cannabis.
The abrupt policy reversal has left many cannabis businesses in limbo. The industry which once thrived under relaxed regulations now faces setbacks as it struggles with impending changes in the legal landscape.
Advocates for stricter cannabis regulations address the concerns about the potential for increased substance abuse particularly among populations such as youth.
The government’s announcement coincided with a cabinet reshuffle which saw the resignation of Thailand’s foreign minister in protest over his removal as deputy prime minister.
While Prime Minister Thavisin acknowledged the discontent, he expressed confidence in the government’s ability to continue serving the nation’s interests.
The proposed reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic carries legal implications. Penalties for recreational use, if approved could include fines of up to 60,000 Thai baht and imprisonment.
Cannabis legalization began in 2018 when it decriminalized the drug for medical use followed by full recreational legalization in 2022.
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This was by former Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who saw it as a means to alleviate prison overcrowding and stimulate the rural economy.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s government has announced plans to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic by the end of 2024.
Citing concerns about the potential for increased drug abuse, the government plans to restrict cannabis use strictly to medical and health purposes.
The liberalization of cannabis laws in Thailand led to a surge in cannabis-related issues including drug-fueled violence and psychological problems.
The Health Ministry reported an increase in patients seeking treatment for cannabis-related issues particularly among young people.
Concerns about public health and substance abuse have been central to the government’s decision to reverse course on cannabis legalization.
The growth of the cannabis industry in Thailand outpaced regulatory efforts leading to a lack of clarity and oversight.
Despite regulations requiring licenses for cultivation and sales, many establishments operated without proper authorization exacerbating concerns about quality control and public safety.
Thailand had strict penalties for cannabis possession with potential prison sentences of up to 15 years. The proposed new laws would impose fines and prison sentences for recreational use, advertising, and cultivation without a license.
Tourists caught violating these laws could face legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment. Enforcing the new regulations poses challenges for law enforcement particularly given the availability and acceptance of cannabis prior to the U-turn.
Police crackdowns on cannabis-related activities, including public smoking and advertising, could strain resources and lead to abuses of power.
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