The National Tobacco Products Control Board will announce a ministerial regulation prohibiting tobacco producers and importers from mixing cannabis in cigarettes or cigars, while the Customs Department stressed that all cannabis exports from Thailand are strictly prohibited.
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, speaking in his capacity as president of the aforementioned board, said that at its latest meeting the board agreed to enforce the regulation to control the ingredients used in tobacco products, as well as the chemical constituents that result when they are burned.
The resolution also restricts manufacturers and importers from distributing or importing tobacco products that contain cannabidiol (CBD) oil, a substance extracted from cannabis and hemp, or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabis’ psychoactive ingredient, to prevent the abuse of cannabis.
Mr Anutin said the removal of cannabis from Category 5 of the narcotics list in June creates opportunities for people to use the plant for recreational purposes.
“If minors try cannabis-based cigarettes, they may have problems studying and recognising their emotions. So we have to regulate the ingredients used in tobacco products to guard against addiction and harmful health effects,” said Mr Anutin.
Chaiyut Kumkun, a principal adviser at the Customs Control Development, said imports of cannabis and hemp must follow all customs procedures despite the plants having been decriminalised.
There have been attempts to smuggle cannabis and hemp into the kingdom across national borders without adhering to related customs laws. Violators can face jail terms and be fined up to 500,000 baht, said Mr Chaiyut.
He said exporting cannabis and hemp can be controversial as many countries still list the plants as illegal narcotics.
