Amid Ongoing Regulatory Discussions, Cannabis in Thailand Will Not Be Re-Criminalized

On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul announced that cannabis would not be re-labeled a narcotic, as had been proposed earlier this year by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who was elected in 2023 (1,2). As a narcotic, growing, possessing, and consuming cannabis would have become illegal (T). Anutin, who had previously served as the Minister of Public Health, also stated that plans for the government to regulate the country’s cannabis industry were being discussed. “I thank the Prime Minister for considering this and deciding on legislation,” added Anutin, who has voiced his opposition to cannabis as a narcotic (3).

Under previous leadership, cannabis became legal for medical purposes in 2018 and decriminalized in 2022, making Thailand the first country in Asia to do so (4). As a result, the country’s businesses and tourism grew significantly, though regulations of the industry were virtually nonexistent and resulted in disagreements between governing parties (3). Thousands of new dispensaries opened, and the industry is predicted to be worth $1.2 billion by next year (1). The plant had also been originally promoted as a cash crop to support farmers.

In 2023, Srettha announced his intent to limit cannabis to medical use only, citing concerns of widespread and uncontrolled usage that posed a danger to youths (5). A draft of the new restrictions was released in March 2024, and this draft still stands, stated Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin (3). "It will be a matter of law and debated in parliament where there is already a draft law," stated Prommin Lertsuridej, secretary-general to the prime minister (1). "Whether it is a narcotic or not is up to parliament." If approved, the draft would criminalize cannabis starting in 2025 (3).

Earlier this month, nearly one hundred activists gathered in Bangkok to protest the possible ban on the plant, and had remained at the Government House for a week (6,3). “This fight for cannabis is not only for medical security or people’s rights but also for destroying the monopoly of politicians taking (its) benefits away from the people,” stated advocate Prasitchai Nunuan at the protest (6).

References

1. Setboonsarng, C.; Thepgumpanat, P. Thailand to legislate medical marijuana, signals no re-criminalising https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-legislate-marijuana-medical-use-deputy-pm-says-2024-07-23/ (accessed July 25, 2024).
2. Sabaghi, D. Thailand To Reverse Cannabis Re-Criminalization Plan https://www.forbes.com/sites/dariosabaghi/2024/07/25/thailand-to-reverse-cannabis-re-criminalization-plan/ (accessed July 25, 2024).
3. Tanakasempipat, P. Thailand Considers Regulating Cannabis Instead of Recriminalizing It https://time.com/7001705/thailand-cannabis-legislation-tensions-anutin-srettha/ (accessed July 25, 2024).
4. McEvoy, E. Thailand's Prime Minister Aims to Roll Back Cannabis Legalization Amid Rising Concerns https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/thailand-s-prime-minister-aims-to-roll-back-cannabis-legalization-amid-rising-concerns (accessed July 25, 2024).
5. McEvoy, E. Proposals Unveiled for Restrictions on Recreational Cannabis in Thailand https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/proposals-unveiled-for-restrictions-on-recreational-cannabis-in-thailand (accessed July 25, 2024).
6. Harshbarger, S. Cannabis advocates in Thailand protest a proposal to ban again its general use https://apnews.com/article/thailand-cannabis-outlaw-protest-4e83a54adac4c4556db354f6b591d178 (accessed July 25, 2024).