Thailand Takes U-Turn on Cannabis Policy: Legislation for Medical Use On the Horizon

Thailand plans to legislate marijuana for medical use, reversing previous intentions to re-criminalise it. In 2022, Thailand decriminalised marijuana without clear regulations, leading to widespread recreational use. Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's approval for legislative action. The draft law will be debated in parliament.

Thailand is poised to legislate marijuana for medical use, reversing earlier plans to re-criminalise the plant. Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced on Tuesday that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has agreed on the need for legislation, signaling a shift in the government's cannabis policy.

Thailand became one of the first Asian countries to decriminalise marijuana in 2022, but did so without specific laws or regulations, leading to a surge in recreational use. This spurred public concern over potential abuse. Charnvirakul, instrumental in pushing for liberalisation, said legislative action was now the right step.

Despite the move to legislate, the government maintains that recreational use remains prohibited. A draft law is set to be debated in parliament, where its classification as a narcotic will be decided. Thailand's burgeoning marijuana retail sector highlights the economic stakes involved, with projections estimating the industry could be worth up to $1.2 billion by 2025.

(With inputs from agencies.)