Bangkok, Thailand – In a significant legislative move, the Thai Parliament is set to reignite discussions on enacting a comprehensive law governing the use of cannabis for medical and research purposes, more than a year after the herb was initially legalized in the country.
In a historic turn of events last year, Thailand became the pioneering nation in Southeast Asia to decriminalize cannabis. However, with no specific regulatory framework in place, the government found itself compelled to issue regulations aimed at preventing unregulated consumption, particularly among the youth.
This proposed new legislation is set to target an industry that experts project could swell to a staggering worth of up to US$1.2 billion in the forthcoming years. The proliferation of cannabis shops across the nation’s capital, Bangkok, and popular tourist destinations like the resort island of Phuket has underscored the need for robust regulatory measures.
Saritpong Kiewkong, a prominent member of the Bhumjaithai party, which championed the decriminalization of cannabis and now ranks as the second-largest constituent in Thailand’s multi-party coalition government, expressed, “Cannabis will unequivocally serve medical purposes and facilitate research.”
Speaking before reporters in parliament, Kiewkong emphasized that the legislation would not encompass policies endorsing recreational use at this juncture, indicating that such considerations were not currently on the legislative agenda.
The draft law, set to consolidate existing regulations aimed at curbing public misuse, is anticipated to undergo a year-long process of refinement and approval. It will encompass provisions pertaining to cultivation permits, sales, distribution, as well as stringent measures against the sale of cannabis near religious institutions, schools, and amusement parks.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has previously voiced his support exclusively for the medicinal application of cannabis, firmly rejecting the idea of legalizing it for recreational purposes.
