Thailand is set to legalize marijuana for medical use after Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced a shift in the government’s stance on cannabis. The country decriminalized marijuana in 2022, leading to a surge in recreational use and concerns about abuse. Anutin, a key proponent of marijuana liberalization, praised Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s decision to pursue legislation on the matter.
While the government still prohibits recreational cannabis use, the rapid growth of the domestic marijuana retail sector has created a $1.2 billion industry. Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party supports marijuana for health and economic reasons but opposes its recreational use and the re-criminalization proposed by Srettha.
The future regulations on recreational cannabis use remain uncertain, as Srettha has signaled a crackdown while also allowing exemptions for medical use and research. Thailand’s evolving position on marijuana reflects changing attitudes towards the plant and its potential benefits.
© Thomson Reuters 2024