Why it matters: Thailand will be banning recreational cannabis by the end of 2024 after initially legalizing it in 2022, causing major changes in the country’s cannabis policy.
What they are saying: The Health Minister of Thailand stated that the misuse of cannabis could have a negative impact on children and lead to other drug use, leading to the proposed legislation banning recreational use and tightening regulations on cultivation and sales.
The big picture: Thailand was a pioneer in cannabis policy reform in Southeast Asia, legalizing medicinal use in 2018 and later recreational use. However, with a change in government leadership, the country is now reversing course and cracking down on recreational marijuana sales.
What to watch: The proposed legislation banning recreational cannabis is expected to be approved by parliament before the end of the year, leading to closures of unregistered cannabis shops and tighter regulations on cultivation and sales.
My take: It’s interesting to see Thailand backtrack on its once progressive cannabis policies, reflecting the challenges and controversies surrounding legalization and regulation of cannabis around the world. The proposed legislation will have significant impacts on businesses and users in the country, as well as provide insights into the complexities of cannabis legalization.
