BANGKOK (AP) — The prime minister of Thailand announced plans to reintroduce a ban on cannabis, reversing the country's landmark decision to legalize the drug two years ago. The move comes amid growing concerns about the unregulated availability of cannabis, particularly to children, and its perceived role in fueling criminal activities.
The prime minister stated that he has requested the Health Ministry to revise the list of narcotics to include cannabis once again, with the intention of restricting its use to medical purposes only. This decision marks a significant shift from the previous policy, which allowed for broader access to cannabis beyond medicinal use.
In addition to the regulatory changes, the prime minister has directed local authorities to crack down on criminal activities associated with the illegal cannabis trade. A deadline of 90 days has been set for authorities to demonstrate progress in addressing these concerns.
The initial decriminalization of cannabis in 2022 was met with promises of strict controls on its usage, particularly for medicinal purposes. However, the lack of effective regulation led to widespread public backlash and fears of increased misuse and criminal behavior.
The decision to legalize cannabis was championed by the Bhumjaithai Party, which had pledged to support farmers in cultivating cannabis as a lucrative cash crop, particularly in the economically disadvantaged northeast region of the country. However, in the recent 2023 elections, all major political parties, including the Bhumjaithai Party, vowed to restrict cannabis exclusively to medical use.
Despite the government's efforts to roll back cannabis legalization, advocates and entrepreneurs in the industry have expressed strong opposition to the proposed changes. They argue that legal cannabis has played a vital role in boosting Thailand's tourism and agriculture sectors, creating numerous business opportunities and jobs across the country.
