Credits: Cannabis Catalysts
Thailand is moving toward legislating marijuana for medical use, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced on Tuesday, indicating a shift away from plans to re-criminalize the plant. This marks another change in the government’s stance on cannabis.
In 2022, Thailand became one of the first countries in Asia to decriminalize marijuana without establishing a governing law or clear regulations to prevent recreational use. This led to a surge in recreational consumption and the proliferation of cannabis cafes and retailers, raising public concern about potential abuse.
Anutin, whose party played a key role in the initial push for marijuana liberalization, said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has now agreed that legislation is the appropriate path forward.
“I thank the prime minister for considering this matter and deciding on issuing an act,” Anutin stated.
The government has maintained that recreational use of cannabis is not permitted. Prime Minister Srettha, from a different party, had previously advocated for re-criminalization due to abuse concerns, with exceptions for medical use and research.
“It will be a matter of law and debated in parliament where there is already a draft law,” said Prommin Lertsuridej, the secretary-general to the prime minister. “Whether it is a narcotic or not is up to parliament.”
A draft law on marijuana was submitted to the legislature under the previous administration but was left unresolved when parliament was dissolved ahead of last year’s election. It remains unclear whether measures will be taken to crack down on recreational cannabis use, as Srettha has advocated.
Thailand’s domestic marijuana retail sector has grown rapidly, with the industry projected to be worth up to $1.2 billion by 2025.
Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party, the second largest in the ruling coalition, supports marijuana for health and economic purposes but opposes recreational use and re-criminalization.
Nattabhorn Buamahakul, managing partner at government affairs consultancy Vero Advocacy, said the latest development indicates better coordination between the government parties on the cannabis issue.
“The policy reversal reflects greater alignment between the coalition parties compared to last year when the government was formed,” Nattabhorn said.
