The Thai government is set to introduce a bill urgently to prohibit the recreational use of cannabis, reversing the drug's decriminalization in 2022. Cannabis was removed from the list of banned narcotics in June 2022 under the previous government, sparking the emergence of numerous cannabis shops, particularly in Bangkok. Critics expressed concerns about the need for stricter legislation, leading to the current government's decision to propose a bill specifically banning recreational cannabis use, according to Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew.
The proposed bill, scheduled for presentation in the upcoming cabinet meeting next week, aims to limit cannabis use exclusively for health and medicinal purposes. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, in office since August 2023, consistently opposes recreational cannabis use, emphasizing its appropriateness only for medicinal applications. In September, Srettha warned against recreational cannabis use, citing the potential for "wider narcotic drug problems." The proposed legislation reflects the government's commitment to balance health considerations and public safety.
The move to ban recreational cannabis comes in response to recent public pressure. Attendees at a Coldplay concert in Bangkok complained on social media, stating that "the entire concert smelled like marijuana." Thailand, once known for its stringent drug laws, has shifted its approach in recent years to capitalize on the global medical marijuana trend. In 2018, it became the first Southeast Asian country to approve cannabis for medical purposes. The 2022 decriminalization aimed to tap into the potential economic benefits of medical marijuana, with projections estimating a market worth $1.2 billion by 2025.
While the decriminalization led to the proliferation of cannabis dispensaries and events like the Cannabis Cup Thailand, the proposed ban on recreational use underscores the government's determination to reassess its stance on cannabis and strike a balance between public health and economic interests.
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