Thailand is working on a new bill to regulate its cannabis industry, aiming to limit marijuana use mainly to health and medical purposes.
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This is the latest move in a series of back-and-forth policies, as the country tries to control recreational use after decriminalizing the plant in 2022.
The proposed legislation, published by the Ministry of Public Health just after Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's new government took office, would allow cannabis for medical treatments and research, as well as for use in herbal remedies, food, and cosmetic products. Unlike previous proposals, this draft doesn’t specifically ban recreational cannabis use. It also moves away from efforts by the former administration to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic.
However, the new rules aren’t exactly free rein. People who use cannabis outside the approved purposes in the bill could face fines of up to 60,000 baht ($1,803). Sellers who don’t follow the law could see even tougher penalties, with fines up to 100,000 baht or one year in jail, or both.
These restrictions could put a damper on the widespread, easy access to cannabis that’s currently available across Thailand. Since decriminalization, over 9,400 cannabis dispensaries have popped up, particularly in tourist hotspots and major business areas like Bangkok. The sudden availability of marijuana quickly became a political issue, especially during last year’s national election. The ruling Pheu Thai Party had originally promised to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, limiting its use to medical purposes due to concerns about addiction. But, facing resistance from the Bhumjaithai Party—a major player in the ruling coalition—the government has had to ease up on those plans and keep cannabis legal for now.
The proposed bill also looks to tighten regulations on the cannabis industry, requiring stricter licensing for growing, selling, exporting, and importing cannabis products. Businesses already in the industry, including dispensaries and growers, would need to apply for new licenses or face heavy fines or jail time.
This might present challenges for the cannabis industry, which has rapidly expanded with businesses selling everything from cannabis buds and oils to edibles like weed-infused candies and baked goods. According to current law, these products must contain no more than 0.2% THC, the compound responsible for the “high.”
The public and industry players have until September 30 to share their feedback on the draft bill. After that, the Ministry of Public Health could make changes before submitting it to the cabinet, which will then forward it to parliament for final approval.
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