Danger for children

Thailand: Backtracking on cannabis legalization

Two years after the full legalization of cannabis, Thailand is backtracking: recreational use is to be banned by the end of the year, as announced by Thai Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew. However, its use for medicinal purposes is to remain permitted.

"Without a law to regulate cannabis, it will be abused. The misuse of cannabis has a negative impact on Thai children. In the long run, this could lead to other drugs," said Cholnan.

Business sector is booming
In 2018, Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to approve the medical use of cannabis and in 2022 the recreational use. Since then, an industry with tens of thousands of cannabis stores has emerged there, which is estimated to have a valuation of up to 1.2 billion dollars by next year.

Cannabis stores that operate illegally will no longer be allowed to continue and home-grown cannabis will also be banned, explained Cholnan, who put the number of legally registered stores at 20,000.

Law likely to come into force at the end of the year
"Under the new law, cannabis will be a controlled plant, so cultivation will require a license." The draft law is to be submitted to the cabinet for approval next month before being sent to parliament for approval before the end of the year.