Thailand, a pioneer in Asia in the decriminalization of cannabis in 2022, has been considering real regulation of the sector for several months. Decriminalization has in fact opened the doors to the market and to local and foreign consumers, with all the consequences linked to the lack of regulation: unregulated growth of the cannabis market, illegal imports, lack of quality control and absent health policy.
The newly elected government, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, is therefore advocating a paradigm shift, by officially restricting cannabis to medical use.
Thailand's Minister of Public Health, Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, has signed a proposed cannabis law that has a clear focus on medical applications. The law aims to discourage recreational use, by introducing measures to control and prevent abusive use. The bill must now be submitted to the Lower House for approval.
Under the proposed bill, anyone smoking cannabis for recreational purposes will be liable to a fine of up to 60,000 baht (€1,500). People who sell cannabis or its extracts for recreational purposes could face a year in prison or a 100,000 baht (€2,600) fine, or both.
The glut of supply in the market has led to a significant drop in cannabis prices, raising questions about the quality and credibility of the products. Soratat Pongsangiam, president of Greenhead Clinic, hopes that stricter regulation will restore control and credibility to the sector. Industry experts expect a crackdown on unlicensed pop-up shops, potential banning of some cannabis products and mandatory monthly sales reporting to monitor product types and consumers.
However, not everyone is in favor of these changes. THE Thai Cannabis Future Writing Network criticized the proposed legislation, saying it was signed without consulting stakeholders, as the government had committed to doing.
The evolving political position on cannabis, particularly from figures like Anutin Charnvirakul, the former health minister who played a key role in decriminalization, makes the debate even more complex. The influence of Charnvirakul, now interior minister, could call into question the move towards stricter regulations.
As the Thai government engages in this regulation, balancing the interests of stakeholders, public health and the cannabis industry will be crucial to the success and sustainability of Thai cannabis policy. .
