Thailand begins public consultation on banning recreational use of cannabis

Thailand has started a public consultation process to evaluate the bill that aims to ban the recreational use of cannabis, said the Reuters. In the last year, Thailand has seen an industry flourish that could represent more than a billion dollars for the country's economy. But the rapid legalization process was criticized by various quarters, from political parties to doctors, because adequate regulation has not been implemented. Thailand may take a step back and the future of producers and stores is now uncertain.

The changes, which aim to fulfill an electoral promise, came after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced demonstrated against recreational use. Concerned about drug abuse, Thavisin stated that the government will only support medicinal use, banning all recreational forms.

The new bill provides for fines of up to 60.000 baht (approximately 1.500 euros) for those who use it recreationally and severe penalties for cultivation without a license, with prison sentences of one to three years and fines of 20.000 to 300.000 baht.

The controversy and lack of consensus led the Thai government to consult public opinion, in a consultation that will end on January 23rd. The minister's office will analyze the suggestions before forwarding the project to the Thai Parliament for deliberation.

A less than peaceful legalization
Thailand was the first nation in Southeast Asia to decriminalize cannabis in 2021, giving rise to a billion-euro industry that has emerged through dispensaries, SPAS, restaurants and festivals. Just one week after the approval of the decriminalization law, the respective regulations were published. Several political parties stated that although the legislation sought to contain the use of cannabis, it was inefficient in this purpose, even promoting its consumption. Several legal loopholes allowed an authentic flourishing of recreational use in the country, which led to more than 850 doctors to issue a statement demanding an immediate end to the recreational use of cannabis, claiming that it represents “a threat to the public health system” and to the people themselves, in the short and long term.

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Antonio João Costa

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I am one of the directors of CannaReporter, which I founded together with Laura Ramos. I am from the unique Island of Madeira, where I currently reside. While I was in Lisbon at FCUL studying Physical Engineering, I became involved in the national hemp and cannabis scene and participated in several associations, some of which I am still a member of. I follow the global industry and especially legislative advances regarding the different uses of cannabis.

I can be contacted by email at joao.costa@cannareporter.eu

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