Thailand tightens controls on cannabis

NHK

4 days ago

Three years ago, Thailand legalized the cultivation and sale of cannabis in a bid to stimulate the economy. But the country has now introduced strict controls on the plant that only allow for medical use.
The health ministry issued the new rules this week, and they took effect Thursday. The cannabis flower is now classified as a controlled herb, and only patients with medical prescriptions are allowed to buy it.
Thousands of shops selling cannabis sprang up nationwide after the country removed the plant from the narcotics list in 2022. But the boom triggered public concern, particularly about misuse by young people.
The new controls came days after a major political party that had supported the decriminalization withdrew from the ruling coalition. The move was a protest against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's handling of the government.
Cannabis shops are found on almost every corner of busy streets in Bangkok. But some locals have voiced concerns about the status quo and welcome the restrictions.
One man says he is glad the rules came out. "It's an addictive substance, so I don't think it should be open and legal like now," he added.
The owner of a cannabis shop in central Bangkok says the tightened controls are expected to affect businesses across the country. He says the change is very sudden and believes that many small stores will not be able to handle it.
Cannabis advocates say they're planning a rally to oppose the change of policy. But officials say they will strictly enforce the rules in line with the government's crackdown on drugs.