Thailand curbs cannabis sales without prescription

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    BANGKOK — Thailand has imposed a new restriction on cannabis sales, three years after becoming the first Asian nation to decriminalize the substance. Effective Thursday, a directive signed by Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin prohibits the sale of cannabis without a prescription, following its classification as a controlled herb. Violations of this regulation could lead to a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a fine amounting to 20,000 baht ($614).

    To enforce these new measures, the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine convened an online meeting with officials nationwide on Friday. Licensed cannabis retailers are permitted to continue business, provided they source their products from pharmaceutical-grade farms approved by the department and report product sources to authorities monthly. Moreover, the farms must obtain a license for cannabis sales. The order also restricts the sale of cannabis to a quantity deemed sufficient for personal medical use within 30 days.

    Guidelines for prescribing cannabis and reinforcing the new regulations are being established. The department plans to allow a transition period for shops, although it remains unclear how long this adjustment phase will be. Chokwan “Kitty” Chopaka, a former dispensary owner and cannabis advocate, expressed concerns over confusion brought on by these new rules. “Owners are freaking out, a lot of them are scared,” she remarked.

    The 2022 decriminalization had previously bolstered Thailand’s tourism and agriculture, resulting in over 18,000 licensed cannabis outlets. However, public dissent grew due to accusations regarding child accessibility and addiction issues. Health Ministry spokesperson Treechada Srithada emphasized a shift towards cannabis use solely for medical purposes. Non-compliant shops may face shutdowns, and future licensing will encounter stricter requirements.

    Chokwan posited that the core issue has not been the absence of regulation but its enforcement. She attributed the sudden regulatory shift to political motives and suggested focusing on implementing the existing rules before introducing more complex measures. Initially, the ruling Pheu Thai Party had proposed recriminalizing cannabis, but faced opposition from the Bhumjaithai Party, proponents of decriminalization. Bhumjaithai withdrew from the coalition government last week following a leaked conversation involving Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

    The tightened regulations came after officials disclosed a spike in cannabis smuggling by tourists. Health Minister Somsak expressed intentions to consider reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic in the future. According to the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, a study last year revealed a significant increase in cannabis addiction post-decriminalization. A group of cannabis advocates plans to protest at the Health Ministry next month, opposing the new regulations and any moves to re-criminalize cannabis use and sales.