High and dry? Thailand's cannabis scene faces prescription rewrite
It's been almost three years since Thailand legalised marijuana and in that time, weed cafes have popped up everywhere, especially around nightlife hotspots. For some, the scent of the herb is an open invitation, but for others, it's less welcome. As the buzz grows louder, so does the debate.
Since legalisation, a few downsides have surfaced, mainly because clear rules haven't quite kept up. Unregulated edibles have hit the market without proper quality checks, public marijuana smoking has led to complaints and there's been a reported increase in minor crimes connected to unregulated cannabis use. On top of all this, enforcing age restrictions has presented its own challenge.
Now, a shift is on the horizon as Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin calls for new regulations to roll back recreational use and crack down on abuses.
At a press conference on May 21, the Public Health Minister said cannabis users in Thailand might soon need to show a medical certificate from a licensed doctor or traditional Thai medicine practitioner to prove they're using it for health reasons. This rule would apply to both locals and visitors.
Under the latest proposal, Mr Somsak has asked the Ministry of Public Health to draft new regulations within 40 days. This plan is also supported by Dr Somlerk Jeungsmarn, director-general of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, who explained at a press conference that medical certificates might soon be required to prove users suffer from conditions such as seizures, headaches, pain or insomnia. There could also be limits on usage, such as a permitted dosage for one month. Using cannabis beyond that period would no longer be considered medical and could lead to prosecution. Regarding penalties, he mentioned that imprisonment is being considered.
The journey toward legalising marijuana in Thailand began on June 9, 2022, when the country officially removed the entire cannabis plant including its flowers and leaves, but excluding extracts with high THC content from its category five narcotics list. This change decriminalised cultivation, possession and consumption. The move was motivated by hopes of boosting pot tourism and developing a new industry around cannabis-based products, ranging from medical and herbal remedies to food and cosmetics. However, a comprehensive law to regulate recreational use has been under ongoing debate and development ever since.
On the other hand, the news hasn't gone down well with cannabis advocates. Many have expressed disappointment over the plan. It's still unclear whether the new rule will pass through parliament, but one thing's certain is that change is coming for weed in Thailand. Some people might benefit, while others could face more challenges. What do you think? Will this new regulation do the country any good?
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