Thailand is implementing stricter regulations around cannabis use by prohibiting its sale to individuals without a valid prescription. Since becoming the first Asian nation to decriminalize cannabis in 2022, Thailand has seen a boost in its tourism and agricultural sectors, and numerous cannabis shops have opened across the country. However, the government has faced criticism due to concerns about children accessing the drug and rising addiction rates.
Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced an order that prevents cannabis sales without a prescription and aims to classify cannabis buds as a controlled substance. Phanurat Lukboon, the secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, stated that the agency is prepared to review and enforce the updated rules. Although the specifics of penalties for non-compliance were not included in the announcement, the order will become effective once it is published in the Royal Gazette, the timing of which remains uncertain.
The discourse around cannabis regulation has been contentious. The Pheu Thai Party had earlier pledged to re-criminalize cannabis, facing opposition from the Bhumjaithai Party, supporters of the prior decriminalization effort. Last week, Bhumjaithai withdrew from the coalition government following a recorded discussion between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and ex-Cambodian leader Hun Sen being made public.
Minister Somsak expressed intents to eventually list cannabis as a narcotic, especially in light of recent reports of increased cannabis smuggling linked to tourists. Phanurat highlighted a significant rise in cannabis addiction statistics since the decriminalization took effect, as revealed by a study conducted by his agency.
According to government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsab, the decision to tighten cannabis sales controls is to address the rise of cannabis shops providing easy access to the drug for both recreational and medical purposes, which contradicts the government’s anti-drug goals.
This decision, however, has not been without controversy. On Wednesday, cannabis advocates argued that the changes are politically driven and have organized a protest planned at the Health Ministry next month. They intend to oppose the re-criminalization and restrictions that would impede cannabis consumption and sales.