Recently, Thailand legalised cannabis. It is no longer a narcotic, but the government has yet to pass any regulations on the plant and there are no drug-impaired driving laws. But the country wants to make a splash in the medical marijuana market. Let’s look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of legalisation.
The rapidly growing world of legal cannabis
Thailand has long been infamous for its harsh anti-cannabis laws. However, the country has changed dramatically in recent years, and medical use of cannabis is now legal. Although it is still illegal for personal use, the Thai Food and Drug Administration has removed cannabis from its ‘Category 5’ list, which means that it can be used for medicinal purposes. The country has also decriminalized possession of cannabis up to six grams, making it easier for tourists to buy it and consume it in licensed bars.
Thailand’s health ministry has announced that it will offer free cannabis plants to Thai households on June 9. The country could become a regional leader in high-quality cannabis production, and a multi-billion-dollar industry in a few years.
Japanese attitudes towards marijuana are relatively new. However, the Japanese government has stepped up efforts to counter propaganda from foreign countries that encourage the use of cannabis. In 2013, Japan legalized CBD, and CBD oil products have been selling in Japanese cafes since 2013. It has a legal loophole that allows cannabis stems and stalks to be imported. It is also available online on two of the country’s largest domestic e-commerce sites, enabling people to purchase products from a licensed provider.
As marijuana becomes increasingly legal in states and countries across the globe, attitudes are shifting. Even though marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, public opinion polls show that public support for its legalization has reached its highest level in history. Although the current Trump administration remains unclear on marijuana policy, state legislators are taking action to legalize the drug.
Problems with smoking marijuana in public
Cannabis legalisation in Thailand has sparked concerns in some quarters. While it is expected to boost national income and small farmers’ livelihoods, it could also be used to benefit large corporations. The Thai government’s new narcotics legislation was drafted with international bodies in mind, but it could not agree on specific limits for cannabis use.
Although the bill has passed its first reading in parliament, it may still be months before it becomes law. Until then, the central government has issued piecemeal rules on cannabis use and distribution. Last Friday, new regulations were introduced that ban the sale and consumption of cannabis in public. They also prevent the sale of marijuana to children and pregnant women.
Benefits of legalising cannabis in Thailand
Legalising cannabis in Thailand would benefit the country in two ways. First, it would give Thais the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of this plant without fear of being charged for the drug. Second, it would bring in a large number of tourists, which is a benefit for the country’s economy. Lastly, legalising cannabis would allow for research into its benefits and use for medicinal purposes.
While many participants supported the legalisation of cannabis, some remained wary about its effects on the Thai society. For example, they noted that there was evidence of the medicinal benefits of cannabis in other countries. In addition, they said they were worried about the risk of increased youth usage of the drug. And they noted the need to establish a proper legal system to ensure safe cannabis use.
Thais have long been wary of drug use and have been willing to overlook human rights abuses in order to prevent drug use. Moreover, it has overcrowded prisons, where three-quarters of the population are jailed for minor drug offences. The prison conditions are poor, and the costs are extremely high.
A draft bill has been submitted to the parliament, which will set out the rules on how cannabis will be used. The legislation will specify guidelines for commercial, recreational and personal use of cannabis. A new bill is likely to be passed within the next few months.
