Thailand moves to recriminalize cannabis, shaking $1 billion industry
STORY: Thailand's government is moving to recriminalize cannabis after taking the substance off the country's narcotics list in 2022, plunging a booming industry estimated to be worth over $1 billion into limbo.
It comes after the Bhumjaithai Party, which championed its legalization, withdrew from the ruling coalition last week.
Thailand's health ministry late on Tuesday issued an order prohibiting the sale of cannabis for recreational use, making it mandatory for any retail purchase to require a doctor's prescription.
The new rules will come into effect once they are published in the Royal Gazette, which could happen within days.
The recriminalization push has left some in the cannabis industry stunned, like this dispensary employee in Bangkok.
"I feel a bit shocked because this is my main source of income. It's affecting me a little, actually, not just a little, it's really hitting me. And it will probably affect many shops; many shops are probably just as shocked because a lot of them invested heavily."
:: June 13, 2022
Thailand became one of the first countries in Asia to decriminalize the recreational use of cannabis, but it lacked any comprehensive rules to govern the sector.
Tens of thousands of shops and businesses selling cannabis have sprung up across Thailand, many of them located in the country's tourism hubs.
A government spokesperson said unregulated access to cannabis has created serious social problems, particularly for children and young people.
Cannabis activists argue the industry could have transformed Thai agriculture, medicine and tourism.
The Thai Chamber of Commerce previously estimated the industry could be worth $1.2 billion by 2025.
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