BANGKOK – Thailand is moving forward with a new Bill aimed at regulating its cannabis industry, focusing on restricting marijuana use primarily for health and medical purposes. This development comes as part of the government’s latest efforts to manage recreational smoking following a series of policy changes.
Provisions of the Proposed Cannabis Legislation
The draft legislation, released by the Ministry of Public Health earlier this week, delineates the legal framework under which cannabis and its extracts will be permitted for various uses:
- Medical treatment and research by state agencies.
- Inclusion in herbal, food, and cosmetic products.
Context and Background of the Bill
The introduction of this Bill coincides with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration taking office, representing a shift in the government’s approach to cannabis. Unlike earlier regulations proposed by former Premier Srettha Thavisin’s administration, the new draft does not mandate the prohibition of recreational cannabis use.
Significant Changes in Regulatory Approach
Key highlights of the new draft include:
- Removal of the clause that directly outlaws recreational use of cannabis.
- Abandonment of efforts to reclassify cannabis as a “narcotic.”
Despite these changes, violators of the Bill’s regulations will face strict penalties:
- Individuals consuming cannabis for non-permitted purposes may incur fines of up to 60,000 baht (approximately S$2,340).
- Sellers distributing products outside the defined legal scope can face a maximum one-year prison sentence, fines up to 100,000 baht, or both.
Impact on the Cannabis Market
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A contributor at Cannabis Asia, passionate about tracking cannabis trends, laws, and culture across the region. Focused on delivering clear, accurate, and up-to-date news to inform and engage readers throughout Asia and beyond