Thailand’s Parliament Returns Cannabis Market Expansion Bill for Revision
Recently, Thailand’s parliament voted by a majority to send back for revision a bill that proposed expanding the country’s legal cannabis market and tightening government control over the industry. According to Bloomberg, 198 out of 334 lawmakers voted against passing the initiative. It’s important to note that the bill, first introduced to parliament in early June of this year, has not been fully rejected—only sent back for further work. Both lawmakers and industry analysts expect the bill to return to the legislative assembly later this year, possibly by the end of November.
Most lawmakers opposed the bill not because it would restrict the distribution or production of the now-decriminalized plant, but for the opposite reason. Many members of the legislative assembly felt the bill was too liberal regarding the production, distribution, and use of cannabis and related products. Critics argue this could lead to the creation of new gray and black markets for recreational cannabis under the guise of legality.
“Despite its name, this bill actually deregulates the cannabis market rather than tightening control over it. Yes, the government would formally oversee many aspects of the market, but the regulations outlined in the bill essentially hand the market over to private entrepreneurs. In its current form, it would allow them to produce and sell almost any cannabis product, including those with high concentrations of THC,” said MP Sutin Klungsang. “Under such conditions, it will be extremely difficult to ensure that these psychoactive products don’t end up in the hands of minors or tourists.”
The lawmakers’ strong reaction may be linked to the consequences already seen since the decriminalization of cannabis in early June, such as the opening of numerous public venues like cafes and bars serving products containing cannabis or its extracts. Although the government is still considering the possibility of legalizing cannabis tourism, they intend to confine such businesses to specific, strictly regulated tourist zones rather than allowing them nationwide.
“Just because cannabis has been decriminalized at the national level doesn’t mean society and the government will support its uncontrolled and chaotic use,” said Anutin Charnvirakul, the author and main proponent of the cannabis decriminalization bill and Thailand’s Minister of Public Health. “We definitely do not support unproductive use of cannabis, meaning its use solely for recreational purposes. The plant and its components were decriminalized because they can be effectively used in medicine, as well as for technical and industrial purposes. There was never any intention to legalize widespread recreational use or to attract tourists seeking legal access to psychoactive cannabis. Of course, we are continuing to work on a project to organize a medical cannabis market for tourists, but the possibility of legalizing recreational tourism is still a distant and undeveloped prospect.”
Currently, conservative elements in parliament are preparing to oppose the bill again if certain “controversial” provisions are not removed. In particular, they object to a segment that would formally allow all residents to grow up to 15 cannabis plants for sale and personal use, provided they obtain a special permit.