Thailand Urges to Ban Recreational Cannabis

BANGKOK – Dr. Cholnan Srikeawe, Public Health Minister stated that the ministry will limit the use of cannabis for medical purposes only and will prohibit recreational use as cannabis law is needed to regulate the use of the plant, However The Ministry of Public Health will form a panel to study a bill on cannabis, insisting that cannabis must only be used for medical and health purposes.

“Whether we continue with the present draft or develop a new one, I insist there must be laws to control cannabis use, Using cannabis for recreational purposes must be forbidden. The improper use of cannabis will lead to dangers for users,” said Dr Cholnan

Mr. Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister revealed that the previous administration’s marijuana policy, had negative effects on communities and adolescences. Cannabis should allow only for medical purpose, and the following regulations will be implemented, The cannabis policy must be a medical cannabis policy.

Mr. Panthep Puapongpan, spokesman of the Cannabis Law Drafting Committee mentioned that delisting cannabis back into drug list would affect a multi-billion industry, patients and consumers. Ministry of Public Health must listening to comprehensive opinions covering pros and cons, not just a group of doctors that always opposed cannabis, But it’s necessary to listen opinions from marijuana users, entrepreneurs, and patients who rely on marijuana for self-reliance.

Since the Public Health Ministry’s announcement, removing cannabis and hemp from the Category 5 narcotics list, came into effect in 2022, over 1,000,000 people have registered to grow the plants along with over 8,000 dispensaries and sales licenses across the country. While University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) forecasts Thailand cannabis market is expected to grow by about 15% a year between 2023 and 2025, with the market value forecast to reach up to 43 billion baht in 2025, Generates income more than 100 times higher for local farmer when comparison with rice crop.

Big thanks to reliable sources : BangkokBiz และ Thansettakij
Picture origin at Khaosod