Thailand plans to rewrite the Cannabis Control Law only for medical use in June 2022. Although the deregulation is for “medical use,” the number of people using cannabis for recreational use has been increasing since it is now possible to grow and possess cannabis at home. This deregulation has transformed Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, Pattaya, a popular beach resort, and Chiang Mai, a northern city. In some cases, even boys under the age of 18 are using cannabis.
The situation in Thailand since the deregulation of cannabis
Cannabis regulations in Thailand were initially intended for medical and cosmetic purposes. Recently, however, the number of people using cannabis for recreational purposes has increased, and according to the Thai Ministry of Health, the number of cannabis addicts has increased two to four times. In addition, it is said that boys under the age of 18 are also using cannabis on a daily basis. In response to this situation, the Thai Ministry of Health is strengthening its monitoring of cannabis use by requiring the presentation of identification when purchasing cannabis.
Since 2022, some 6,000 cannabis shops have opened in downtown and other urban areas of Thailand.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said in an interview that within six months he will Rectify the cannabis policy and the surge of cannabis shops selling cannabis freely. He also said that the law needs to be rewritten.
While the re-regulation of cannabis is often talked about in Thailand, Thai cannabis farmers and cannabis advocacy groups have said that the laws regarding cannabis will not suddenly change.
If the Thai government were to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic and put it on the prohibited list, recreational cannabis use could once again hide underground and become uncontrolled. No official announcement has yet been made by the Thai government regarding the regulation of cannabis. We will keep an eye on what kind of policy the Thai government will implement in the future.
Summary
Since the relaxation of cannabis regulations in Thailand in 2022, many shops selling cannabis have opened, mainly in large cities such as Bangkok.
Many people are using cannabis not for medical purposes but for recreational use, and the number of cannabis addicts is increasing. In response to this situation, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said in an interview that “the law needs to be rewritten,” and the future of cannabis regulations is attracting attention.