Thailand announces recriminalization of recreational marijuana use, shaking up billion-dollar sector
Thai government reverses decriminalization and promises only medicinal use of the plant
Thailand is set to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic just three years after becoming one of the first countries in Asia to decriminalize recreational use of the plant. The decision marks a radical shift in the country's drug policy and threatens a sector that had been generating around US$1 billion (€860 million).
Recriminalization has been a topic for over a year, when the then Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, declared that marijuana would be reclassified as a narcotic. The statement soon took a turn, dispelling the rumors, now present again.
Why is Thailand recriminalizing cannabis?
The turnaround comes amid a division in the ruling coalition, with the government seeking to restrict recreational use of cannabis and reaffirm its use exclusively for medicinal purposes.
Since the plant was removed from the narcotics list in 2022, there has been no clear regulatory framework put in place. This vacuum allowed for the opening of tens of thousands of stores — many in popular tourist areas — and a chaotic growth of the market.
According to government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub, the unregulated model has led to social problems, especially among the youth.
“Policy should return to its original goal of controlling cannabis only for medicinal use,” he stated.
Political dispute hastened decision
Thailand's recriminalization of cannabis also comes after the departure of the Bhumjaithai Party — a former advocate for legalization — from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's support base. The split occurred amidst criticism of Shinawatra's handling of a border dispute with Cambodia.
What changes with the new regulation?
On Tuesday night (24), the Thai Ministry of Health issued an order banning the sale of recreational cannabis and requiring a medical prescription for any legal purchase. The new rules will come into effect after being published in the Royal Gazette in the coming days.
“Cannabis will be classified as a narcotic in the future,” stated Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin to the Bangkok Post.
The Thai Chamber of Commerce estimated that the sector — including recreational and medicinal uses — could generate US$1.2 billion by 2025. With the recriminalization, this projection may be drastically revised.
With information from Dw