8-5-2024 (BANGKOK) Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, announced on Wednesday (May 8) a significant reversal in the country’s cannabis policy, revealing plans to reclassify the plant as a narcotic by the end of this year. This decision marks a surprising turnaround just two years after Thailand emerged as one of the pioneering nations in Asia to decriminalise recreational cannabis use.
Despite the burgeoning growth of the domestic cannabis retail sector, with tens of thousands of shops and businesses mushrooming across Thailand over the past couple of years, the government is set on tightening regulations. The industry has been forecasted to reach a value of up to US$1.2 billion by 2025.
In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his directive to the health ministry, urging them to revise regulations and reclassify cannabis as a narcotic. He specified that the usage of cannabis should be limited solely to health and medical purposes.
The initial move to decriminalise cannabis occurred in 2018 for medical use, followed by recreational use in 2022 under the previous administration. However, critics argue that the liberalisation was hastily implemented, leading to widespread confusion regarding regulations and enforcement.
Prime Minister Srettha’s announcement followed a meeting with agencies involved in narcotics suppression, during which he emphasised the government’s firm stance against illicit drugs. He urged authorities to demonstrate tangible progress within the next 90 days, highlighting drug abuse as a significant threat to the nation’s future.
Addressing the issue of drug possession, Srettha called for a redefinition under the law, suggesting a shift from determining possession based on a “small amount” to merely “one pill.” This adjustment aims to empower law enforcement agencies to enforce stricter measures.
The government’s earlier intention to introduce a cannabis law by year-end, restricting recreational marijuana while permitting its medical and health-related usage, reflects a broader policy shift.
However, the specific timeline for reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic and the procedural steps required remain unclear.
Prasitchai Nunual, the secretary-general of Thailand’s Cannabis Future Network, expressed concerns about the economic repercussions of recriminalising cannabis. He warned that such a move would severely impact small businesses and consumers alike.
Nunual argued that if scientific evidence suggests cannabis is less harmful than alcohol and cigarettes, then those substances should also be considered narcotics. Conversely, if cannabis is proven to be more harmful, then it warrants reclassification.
