Thailand Considers Crackdown on Recreational Cannabis Use
Two years after Thailand became the first country in Asia to legalize cannabis, the government is now poised to introduce a ban on 'recreational' use. The move comes in response to public concerns over the perceived under-regulation of the drug, which has led to its availability to underage individuals and an increase in crime rates.
Health Minister Chonlanan Srikaew recently recommended a draft bill to the Cabinet, proposing the prohibition of recreational cannabis while allowing for its medical use. Although the Cabinet is expected to approve the bill and send it to Parliament soon, no decision has been made as of its most recent meeting on Tuesday.
According to a draft version of the law released for public comment in January, the recreational use of cannabis would be deemed a criminal offense subject to a fine of 60,000 baht (approximately $1,700). However, the specifics regarding the regulation and control of medical marijuana were not outlined in the draft.
The Bhumjaithai Party played a significant role in the decriminalization of cannabis, making it a key part of their platform during the 2019 general election campaign. Promising farmers that cannabis cultivation would become a lucrative cash crop, the party successfully spearheaded a 2022 amendment to the Narcotics Law that removed cannabis from the list of controlled substances.
Although Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, who became the health minister, had initially stated that cannabis would only be permitted for medical purposes, the market became largely unregulated in practice. While the Health Ministry established regulations to control the planting, selling, and public smoking of cannabis, as well as banning online sales and sales to pregnant women and individuals under 20, unlicensed establishments and online platforms made the drug easily accessible to practically anyone.
As a result, there has been a surge in cannabis-related psychological issues, with the number of patients seeking treatment increasing from over 37,000 in the fiscal year 2022 to more than 63,000 in 2023, according to the Health Ministry. Additionally, studies have pointed to a rise in cannabis use among young people.
In the run-up to the 2023 election campaign, major political parties, including Bhumjaithai, pledged to restrict cannabis use to medical purposes only. Kalyapat Rachitroj, a lawmaker from the opposition Move Forward Party who holds a medical degree, emphasized the economic benefits and healthcare applications of cannabis for pain relief and use in terminally ill patients. However, she acknowledged that the widespread recreational use of cannabis has led to social problems, particularly in terms of youth drug abuse.
Consequently, she believes that reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic is the only viable option. To support her argument, Rachitroj pointed out that the current problems associated with cannabis use stem from the inadequate enforcement of existing regulations.
Nevertheless, advocates and entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry oppose a complete rollback. Chokwan 'Kitty' Chopaka, a cannabis shop owner and activist in Bangkok, acknowledges the existing problems but attributes them to lax enforcement rather than inherent issues with cannabis itself. She views cannabis as a plant and an herb that has been used traditionally for a long time.
Rattapon Sanrak, the founder of Thailand's first legal cannabis shop, believes that putting cannabis back on the narcotics list would be an overreaction. He argues that it would be impractical, if not impossible, given the substantial growth of the industry. Sanrak emphasizes the need for open discussions among all stakeholders, including critics, users, and business operators, to find a common ground that allows for the controlled use of cannabis without compromising public safety.
As Thailand grapples with the future of its cannabis market, finding a balance between legitimate medical use and addressing the concerns regarding recreational use will be crucial. The government must carefully consider the consequences of any decision and ensure that effective regulations are in place to mitigate potential risks while allowing for the responsible use of cannabis.
