- Prime Minister Sureta Thavisin has announced her intention to recriminalize cannabis in Thailand due to concerns about increased criminal activity.
- Mr. Sletta ordered local authorities to set a 90-day deadline to crack down on criminal activity related to the illegal cannabis trade.
- The lack of regulation has led to widespread availability and public backlash against misuse.
Thailand’s prime minister, who became the first country in Asia to legalize cannabis two years ago, said on Wednesday he wants to decriminalize the drug again amid concerns that a lack of regulation has made it more accessible to children and increased crime. said.
Prime Minister Sureta Tabisin posted on social media platform
Mr. Sletta also ordered local authorities to curb criminal activities related to the illegal drug trade and demanded progress within 90 days.
Thai lawmakers consider banning recreational cannabis two years after legalization
After cannabis was decriminalized in 2022, it was initially said that it would only be allowed for medical use, but in reality the market was unregulated. This sparked public backlash and concerns about abuse and crime.
Thailand’s prime minister, who became the first country in Asia to legalize cannabis two years ago, decriminalized the drug again on Wednesday over concerns that a lack of regulation is increasing access to children and increasing crime. He said he wanted to. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)
Decriminalization was led by the Bhumjaithai Party, which is based in the impoverished northeast and promised farmers that cannabis would become a new cash crop.
In the 2023 election, all major political parties, including Bhumjaithai, have promised to limit medical use of cannabis.
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Cannabis advocates and entrepreneurs oppose drastic cuts, saying they would harm the economy. Legal cannabis has boosted Thailand’s tourism and agricultural sectors and spawned thousands of retail cannabis outlets across Thailand, from stores to trucks to market stalls.
