Thailand Shifts Stance on Marijuana Legislation: Medical Use in Focus

Thailand will work towards legislating marijuana for medical use, reversing previous plans to re-criminalise the plant and clarifying the government's stance on cannabis. This development comes as recreational use surged following its decriminalisation in 2022. Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced this legislative shift, which was supported by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

In a significant policy reversal, Thailand will work towards legislating marijuana for medical use, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced Tuesday. This move signals another shift in the government's unpredictable stance on cannabis.

Since decriminalising marijuana in 2022, Thailand has seen an uptick in recreational use, sparking public concern and causing the government to rethink its approach. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has now agreed that legislation is the appropriate course of action to manage the situation.

Thailand's burgeoning marijuana retail sector, valued at up to $1.2 billion by 2025, has grown rapidly, with tens of thousands of shops emerging. The Bhumjaithai Party, led by Anutin, continues to push for marijuana for health and economic benefits while opposing recreational use and re-criminalisation.

(With inputs from agencies.)