Thailand, which decriminalized cannabis in 2022, is planning to reverse course. And close the recreational market by the end of the year.
- Draft legislation banning recreational cannabis shop use is already up for cabinet approval, aiming for full implementation by the end of 2024, reported Reuters.
- Under the new measures, medical marijuana would remain legal.
- Officials cite the need to protect youth from what they deem the negative impacts of cannabis.
Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize the medicinal use of cannabis in 2018. And the first in Asia to allow recreational use in 2022.
Is cannabis shop illegal in Thailand?
The decriminalization fueled an economic boom in Thailand, with the cannabis sector projected to reach $1.2 billion in value next year. Cannabis-themed businesses, festivals and open cannabis use have become common in the country.
The draft law proposes fines of up to 60,000 baht ($1,670). for recreational use, while advertising or marketing campaigns regarding such use could draw jail terms of up to a year or fines ranging as high as 100,000 baht ($2,780).
The minister of public health, Cholnan Srikaew emphasized the negative impact of recreational marijuana on Thai children. He noted that the proposed ban aims to regulate cannabis use more comprehensively after criticisms of hasty and fragmented regulations
Will cannabis shops have to close down after the government decides it's a drug?
Illegal cannabis shops will face closure, with the government discouraging home cultivation, while around 20,000 legally registered shops may be subject to tighter regulations.
Next month, the government will likely approve the proposal for legislation prohibiting cannabis use for recreational purposes. After that, it will head to Parliament to be passed into law. It's expected that enforcement will take place before the year is over.
For Thaiweedland, we still support liberated cannabis as usual because the cannabis business is continuously growing. and helps to attract a huge amount of tourists. It would be terrible if all of the cannabis shops in Thailand had to shut down Because the negative effects that occur on them.
ref: https://au.news.yahoo.com/thailand-ban-recreational-marijuana-end-234647922.html
