Thailand to Ban Cannabis Again by the End of 2024
Less than two years after legalizing industrial hemp, the Thai government has decided to ban cannabis once more, aiming to implement the new law by the end of 2024.
Massive Losses Expected for Cannabis Businesses
Thailand legalized medical cannabis in 2018, and in June 2022, allowed cannabis products containing up to 0.2% THC. However, the drug policy reform led to a surge in recreational cannabis use. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has now decided to curb the growing popularity of cannabis by criminalizing the plant.
On May 8, Thavisin stated, “I want the Ministry of Public Health to amend the regulations and return cannabis to the list of narcotics. The ministry should then issue an order as soon as possible to regulate the use of cannabis in healthcare.”
Since the legalization of industrial cannabis, Thailand has seen a rapid expansion of the cannabis industry. Thousands of retail outlets selling cannabinoid products have opened nationwide, with annual revenues estimated at $1.2 billion. The re-criminalization of cannabis is expected to result in massive financial losses for these businesses.
Cannabis Sellers Threaten Legal Action
Thai officials have long discussed banning cannabis. The previous Minister of Public Health, Cholnan Srikaew, opposed criminalization and proposed a decree to introduce fines for recreational cannabis smoking and unlicensed cultivation instead.
The new Minister of Public Health, Somsak Thepsuthin, plans to listen to public opinion before making a final decision on cannabis. However, the Prime Minister wants results within 90 days, claiming that drugs are destroying the country’s future. This suggests that a cannabis ban may be imminent.
Prasitchai Nunual, secretary of the Cannabis Future Network, an organization advocating for cannabis law liberalization, stated that if cannabis is criminalized, all legal cannabis businesses will be forced to close. Benjamin Baskins, owner of the OG Canna retail chain, said that large companies are prepared to file lawsuits against the government if the ban is enacted, predicting thousands of legal battles.
Nunual added that criminalization would only be justified if scientific research proves cannabis is more harmful than alcohol and cigarettes. “Otherwise, the authorities should criminalize cigarettes and alcoholic beverages instead,” he said.