Thailand Strengthens Cannabis Laws Amid Rising Smuggling Concerns

Thailand is tightening cannabis regulations, mandating medical prescriptions and limiting sales to 30-day use, in response to increased smuggling by tourists. A recent interception of cannabis at Suvarnabhumi Airport highlighted the issue, as the government hopes to control misuse while navigating internal political pressures regarding the legal status of marijuana. Feedback on proposed regulations will be accepted until June 5.

Thailand is moving to tighten its cannabis regulations as a response to a reported increase in tourists attempting to smuggle large quantities of the drug out of the country. The proposed changes, expected to come into effect in approximately 40 days, will require individuals to present medical prescriptions—from licensed medical practitioners, including traditional medicine doctors—in order to purchase cannabis from dispensaries. Additionally, the law would restrict the amount of cannabis sold to a quantity intended for no more than 30 days of usage, according to the Ministry of Public Health.

This decision follows a notable drug capture at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, where authorities seized 73 kilograms of cannabis just earlier this week. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin mentioned that smuggled cannabis has made its way to destinations including the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, and Hong Kong, prompting the Thai government to restrict access to cannabis for non-medical purposes.

While Thailand was the first Asian nation to decriminalize cannabis in 2022, the government has struggled to implement effective regulations to control its use. Notably, a lack of a concrete cannabis law has led to the establishment of more than 10,700 dispensaries across the country, particularly in popular tourist destinations and busy districts of Bangkok. The ensuing policy ambiguity has sparked societal concerns, especially regarding the potential for addiction and recreational use.

Initially, Somsak’s ruling Pheu Thai Party aimed to classify marijuana once again as a narcotic, thereby limiting its usage to medical cases only. However, considerable pushback from the Bhumjaithai Party—currently the second largest within the coalition—has forced the government to retreat from this promise and allow the cannabis industry to remain unregulated for now.

Despite its legal status within Thailand, cannabis has increasingly been smuggled abroad by tourists either through their luggage or via postal services. Authorities reported that over 50 British nationals have been arrested in Thailand following attempts to smuggle cannabis since a collaborative crackdown began last year. Meanwhile, Thai airport officials revealed that more than 800 attempts at smuggling cannabis have been intercepted, with over 9 tons of the substance seized.

The new regulations are likely to be a temporary measure as Thailand works toward finalizing a comprehensive cannabis bill, which is still in its formative stages. A draft of this bill was revealed in September but is pending cabinet approval and parliamentary discussion. “The cannabis bill will go on its own track, but it can’t be rushed. We’re looking at two more years before it’s ready,” said Minister Somsak. He cautioned that if public dissatisfaction persists, the government may have to reconsider its approach and potentially criminalize cannabis again.

Feedback from the public and stakeholders in the cannabis industry is welcomed until June 5, after which the proposed regulations will be presented to the cabinet for further consideration.

In conclusion, Thailand’s efforts to tighten cannabis regulations are aimed at addressing the rise in smuggling incidents linked to tourists. With strict prescription requirements and limits on cannabis sales, the government hopes to curb misuse. However, ongoing pressures from coalition parties may complicate the establishment of lasting legislation. Meanwhile, feedback on proposed regulations is being solicited, suggesting that input from the public will still play a role in shaping future laws.

Original Source: www.livemint.com