BANGKOK, June 26 — Three years after the widespread legalisation of cannabis in Thailand, the government plans to tighten the rules again and reclassify it as a narcotic, the German Press Agency (dpa) reported.
The Bangkok Post newspaper, citing a decree by Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, reported today that a doctor's prescription will be required to purchase marijuana and other cannabis products in future.
In future, anyone wishing to sell or process marijuana will also have to obtain the appropriate licences and report the origin and quantity of cannabis in their possession.
The ministerial decree will come into force as soon as it is published in the official gazette. News reports suggest this could happen in the next few days.
Thailand became the first country in Asia to legalise cannabis in June 2022. Since then, the kingdom has been considered a new mecca for marijuana users from all over the world.
There are now around 18,000 licensed shops, and the industry has developed into a huge sector, especially in tourist areas like Phuket and Pattaya.
The government aimed to boost the pandemic-weakened economy through licensed cultivation.
Officially, cannabis was only approved for medical and industrial use. However, since it was removed from the list of illegal drugs, recreational use was no longer prohibited for anyone over the age of 20.
A cannabis guide for tourists was published to help weed enthusiasts navigate the regulations.
But according to the Thai Narcotics Control Board, the number of cannabis addicts has risen significantly since decriminalisation, as well as the number of younger people using it recreationally.
Cannabis activists are planning a mass rally on July 7 in front of the Ministry of Health's headquarters in Bangkok.
— Bernama
