Thailand has introduced a new bill to regulate its cannabis industry, focusing on limiting marijuana use primarily to health and medical purposes. This move marks the latest effort to curb recreational smoking after a series of policy reversals.
The draft legislation, published by the Public Health Ministry shortly after Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration took office, permits the use of cannabis and its extracts for medical treatment, research, and in herbal, food, and cosmetic products. Unlike previous proposals, the bill does not explicitly ban recreational cannabis use, signaling a softer stance compared to former government efforts. It also abandons a previous plan to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic.
Despite this more lenient approach, the bill imposes penalties for unauthorized use. Individuals consuming cannabis outside the specified purposes could face fines of up to 60,000 baht, while sellers could face up to a year in jail or a 100,000 baht fine, or both.
These rules may limit the free use of cannabis in Thailand, the first country in Asia to decriminalize the plant in 2022. The legal ambiguity has led to the opening of more than 9,400 cannabis dispensaries across the country, particularly in tourist hotspots and business districts.
Cannabis became a contentious issue during last year’s national election, with the ruling Pheu Thai Party initially pledging to re-list marijuana as a narcotic due to concerns over addiction. However, opposition from the Bhumjaithai Party, a major coalition partner and advocate for cannabis legalization, forced Pheu Thai to reconsider its stance and keep the plant legal.
Compliance Challenges
The new bill also proposes stricter licensing regulations for cannabis cultivation, sales, exports, and imports. Growers and businesses currently operating will need to apply for new permits or face significant fines and potential jail terms. This could pose compliance challenges for the many dispensaries and consumer-agro businesses that have sprung up across Thailand. These businesses sell a range of cannabis-related products, including buds, oil extracts, and weed-infused edibles, which by law must contain no more than 0.2% THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high.”
While the bill is seen as more favorable to the cannabis industry, critics argue it still requires supervision by licensed medical practitioners. Prasitchai Nunual, a pro-cannabis activist, commented that this approach is exclusionary, limiting personal freedoms and placing too much control in the hands of medical professionals. He suggested that the law should focus on ensuring cannabis use doesn’t infringe on others’ rights.
Public and industry stakeholders have until September 30 to submit feedback on the proposed legislation. The bill may still undergo changes before being sent to the cabinet and, ultimately, to Parliament for approval.
