“This is an issue of great concern to us because a legal loophole has led to the free use of cannabis and there are insufficient laws to prevent misuse,” Cholnan said, defining “abuse” as anything that is just not related to medical and health needs. “This bill will control cannabis, especially its bud, as rigorously as the drug.”
Malaysians lament the tip of holiday highs as Thailand considers a U-turn on cannabis
Malaysians lament the tip of holiday highs as Thailand considers a U-turn on cannabis
From backpacking hotspots in Bangkok to popular resort islands like Phuket, cannabis dispensary operators say they’re helping to fuel a recovery within the country’s tourism sector, a key driver of economic growth.
In addition to smokable marijuana, extracts have grow to be big business. Companies now sell all the things from cannabis buds to grease extracts, herbal sweets and baked goods, which under current law cannot contain greater than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol – the psychoactive compound referred to as THC that gives the “high.” This limit doesn’t apply to cannabis sold for smoking.
While turning on lights in public places is currently banned, under the proposed law, individuals who smoke or use cannabis anywhere for recreational purposes – including of their homes – would face fines of as much as 60,000 baht ($1,700). Those selling cannabis or its extracts for recreational purposes withstand a yr in prison or a wonderful of 100,000 baht or each.
Cholnan said hundreds of cannabis dispensaries would not necessarily need to close immediately after the bill’s passage, but they might need to quickly adapt to the brand new rules or face hefty fines. Clinics will give you the chance to proceed operating until their existing licenses expire, but under the brand new law they are going to not be supplied with any grace period.
The draft laws calls for tighter rules on cannabis planting, sale, export and import, with existing growers, suppliers or related businesses required to carry or obtain recent licenses or permits.
“It will kick with a bang,” Cholnan said. “You can no longer brazenly use it recreationally. You can no longer put buds in jars and sell them for recreational purposes, for fun at parties. This will be illegal and we will arrest you.”
Such a blanket ban threatens to drive the nascent industry underground again and have devastating economic consequences, said Rattapon Sanrak, founding father of the cannabis advocacy group Highland Network. According to Rattapon, an investment of a minimum of 7 billion baht by about 7,000 clinics across Thailand and a minimum of 14,000 jobs they’ve created are in danger.
Thailand Could Face Class Action Lawsuits Over Marijuana Phrase: ‘Lawyers Are Ready’
Thailand Could Face Class Action Lawsuits Over Marijuana Phrase: ‘Lawyers Are Ready’
Under the present system, the cannabis industry was projected to be price $1.2 billion by 2025, in keeping with a 2022 University of Thailand Chamber of Commerce report.
“The cannabis industry has fully resurfaced and is thriving,” Rattapon said. “The ban will have far-reaching effects, especially for small businesses and farms. It will force us to shut down and eventually die out.”
However, Cholnan downplayed these concerns, saying it could not affect cannabis’ position as an economic crop. Growers and producers will simply need to comply with stricter rules that require higher standards for medical uses, which in turn will add value to their products, he said.
According to Cholnan, there are roughly 15,000 cannabis-related businesses officially registered with the federal government, including dispensaries and medical clinics.
“It is true that we are trying to drive the economy. However, we do not support any economic activity that could be dangerous to public health,” he said.
There is no better option, Cholnan said, adding that the government could have taken a tougher approach.
“We can do it this way, or we can make cannabis a drug again and everyone will be prosecuted,” he said. “This bill is already a compromise.”
