Pro-cannabis demonstrators took to the streets this week to protest plans to reclassify the plant as a narcotic. Hundreds of cannabis advocates marched through the streets of Bangkok on Monday to oppose a potential ban on general use.
The Thai government has proposed reclassifying the plant as a narcotic, just two years after its decriminalization. On Friday, a drug control committee under the Ministry of Public Health approved the proposal, which would restrict cannabis use to medical and research purposes only.
The proposal is set to be submitted this week to the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, and if approved, it will come into effect on January 1, 2025.
In 2022, Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis for medical purposes. However, in practice, the market has appeared largely unregulated, leading to public backlash and concerns about misuse and crime.
Neon cannabis signs have become widespread in Bangkok’s busy tourist areas, with dispensaries on nearly every corner. Hundreds of food and beverage vendors now offer cannabis-infused menus.
This could change under proposals by the Prime Minister aimed at strictly regulating marijuana use and limiting it to medical purposes.
Why Are Thailand’s Cannabis Rules Changing So Quickly?
Following last mai’s general election, Thailand has been under new leadership since September. The conservative coalition government led by the Pheu Thai Party has pushed for a cannabis crackdown, arguing that regulation since legalization has been inadequate. Pheu Thai campaigned on banning recreational marijuana use, claiming it poses health risks and could lead to substance abuse problems among young people.
In a post on X earlier this year calling for reclassification, Prime Minister Thavisin reiterated this position, stating that “drugs are a problem that destroy the future of the nation.”
Anutin Charnvirakul, the former Health Minister who oversaw legalization under the previous military-backed government, is now Deputy Prime Minister. He leads the Bhumjaithai Party, which is part of the current coalition government.
When advocating for legalization in 2022, he argued it would reduce prison overcrowding and boost the rural economy. On the day legalization took effect, more than 3,000 inmates imprisoned on cannabis-related charges were released. Within a year, Thailand’s cannabis industry was valued at 28 billion baht (€728 million), and projections estimated it could reach 336 billion baht (€8.7 billion) by 2030.
Anutin had promised cannabis would be permitted only for medical use, but in reality, the market became largely unregulated. The Ministry of Health issued regulations classifying cannabis as a “controlled herb,” requiring licenses for cultivation and sales, banning online sales, prohibiting sales to pregnant women and individuals under 20, and forbidding public smoking. However, cannabis can still be easily purchased in many unlicensed shops or online.
Anutin has publicly opposed the proposed ban, stating that while Bhumjaithai does not support recreational use, reversing legalization would severely impact the cannabis industry.
Health Ministry Reports Rise in Cannabis-Related Psychological Issues
Since legalization, more than 1.1 million Thais have registered for cultivation licenses, and over 6,000 cannabis dispensaries have opened nationwide, many with limited quality control. Thai media have reported an increase in drug-related violence and abuse, including among youth who were not supposed to have access to cannabis.
The Ministry of Public Health reported a rise in individuals seeking treatment for cannabis-related psychological issues, increasing from over 37,000 patients in 2022 to more than 63,000 in 2023. Other studies have also indicated increased cannabis consumption among young people.
As the first Asian country to legalize cannabis, Thailand has also seen the emergence of a booming cannabis tourism industry, which many fear will be difficult to contain. During the 2023 election campaign, all major political parties — including Bhumjaithai — pledged to restrict cannabis use to medical purposes only.
Protesters Agree Regulation Is Needed but Oppose Reclassification
Protesters in mai agreed that cannabis must be properly regulated, but argued that reclassifying the plant as a narcotic would negatively impact those who have invested in the emerging industry.
During the July 8 march, Prasitchai Nunuan, a representative of a pro-cannabis network, told demonstrators that marijuana should be regulated separately by the Ministry of Public Health rather than recriminalized. He accused the government of attempting to make the drug illegal in order to benefit specific interest groups through exclusive medical use.
Pock Pechthong, a cannabis cultivator who joined Monday’s march, said that while more regulation is necessary, a drastic reversal would harm many people who have invested in the sector.
“Everyone has already spent a lot of money. I’m a grower, so our main concern is that we won’t be able to cultivate or use cannabis,” he said.
Last month, Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin stated that the ministry had conducted an online survey and that as many as 80% of 111,201 participants supported the ban. However, the results have not been published.
What Is the Punishment for Cannabis Use in Thailand?
Before cannabis was legalized in June 2022, Thailand had some of the harshest drug laws in the world. Possession could result in up to 15 years in prison. The notorious Bang Kwang Central Prison — ironically nicknamed the “Bangkok Hilton” after an Australian television series portrayed its overcrowded and harsh conditions — served as a major deterrent for tourists.
In March, former Health Minister Chonlanan Srikaew stated he had recommended a bill to the Cabinet banning recreational marijuana use and reclassifying it as a controlled substance. The bill is expected to be approved soon and then submitted to Thailand’s House of Representatives.
The draft law, circulated for public comment in January, would impose fines of up to 60,000 baht (€1,560) for recreational use (defined as “for entertainment or pleasure”) and prison sentences of up to one year. It would allow medical marijuana but provides limited details on regulatory oversight.
It also proposes fines of up to 100,000 baht (€2,600) for advertising or marketing cannabis for recreational purposes. Unlicensed cultivation could result in prison sentences of one to three years or fines ranging from 20,000 to 300,000 baht (€520 to €7,780). Regulations for cannabis shops and home cultivation remain unclear.
Can Tourists Still Smoke Cannabis in Thailand?
While awaiting the outcome of the proposed changes, cannabis shops remain open in Bangkok and beyond. However, certain restrictions are already in place. Smoking or vaping in public spaces is prohibited. Causing a “public nuisance” — including through the smell of cannabis — can result in a fine of up to 25,000 baht (€650).
The definition of what constitutes a “nuisance” remains vague and could potentially be subject to enforcement discretion. In Bangkok, there have been reports of police extorting tourists found on the wrong side of the law.
Extracts containing more than 0.2% THC are currently classified as narcotics, although some shops reportedly sell stronger products. Buyers could face legal issues unless they have official medical authorization.
Tourists are also reminded that cannabis remains illegal in neighboring countries and must not be transported across borders. Singapore, which has some of the strictest drug laws in the world, can prosecute its citizens for drug use abroad as if it occurred domestically.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/travel/2024/07/09/is-weed-still-legal-in-thailand-heres-what-tourists-need-to-know-as-government-u-turns
