Thailand Is Moving Backwards On Cannabis Policy
Thailand adopted a historic measure in 2022, which involved the removal of cannabis from the nation’s narcotics list, making it the first nation in the region to do so. However, that policy change is proving to be short-lived, with the nation’s Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin confirming this week that he signed a measure that will place cannabis back on the narcotics list.
“Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin said on Tuesday he had signed an order restricting cannabis use to strictly medical purposes.” reported the Bangkok Post in its local coverage. “People wanting to purchase cannabis would in future have to present a doctor’s prescription and a medical certificate detailing their condition, Mr Somsak said.”
“The director-general of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Somlerk Jeungsmarn, said on Monday that authorities would allow a grace period before changes come into effect, so the parties concerned could prepare for it.” the outlet also reported.
The announcement was expected, albeit unfortunate, with government officials in Thailand having repeatedly indicated in recent months that they would implement the regressive approach to cannabis policy and regulation. The recently signed order will take effect when it is published in the Royal Gazette, although the exact date of publication is still unclear. Thailand’s emerging cannabis industry is currently estimated to be worth over $1 billion.
Part of the shift in regulations will involve the requirement that all shops have a licensed medical professional on their staff, and that shops must complete and pass monthly inspections. Any cannabis shops in Thailand found to be out of compliance two times will lose their license to operate.
As we previously reported, a ramp-up in cannabis shop inspections has already begun in Bangkok, Thailand, where the Ministry of Public Health, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board collaborated to deploy over 100 officers in a coordinated sweep of 20 shops.
“A group of cannabis advocates said Wednesday that the change in regulations was politically motivated. The group said they will rally at the Health Ministry next month to oppose the change and the attempt to make it a criminal offense again to consume or sell cannabis.” reported the Associated Press regarding pushback by local cannabis advocates.
