Thai lawmakers plan fresh push to tighten use of cannabis

BANGKOK: More than a year after the narcotic was legalized without proper regulations, Thailand’s legislators will redouble their efforts to pass an overarching law on the use of cannabis for medical and research purposes. This was announced on Wednesday( Sep 20 ).

Thailand decriminalized cannabis last year, making it the first nation in Southeast Asia to do so. However, because there were no particular laws in place, the government was forced to quickly enact regulations to stop its unchallenged use, especially among children.

The new legislation will focus on a sector that is expected to be for up to US$ 1.2 billion in the coming decades. Cannabis stores have popped up all over Bangkok’s capital and popular tourist destinations, including the resort island of Phuket.

According to Saritpong Kiewkong of the Bhumjaithai party, which was the driving force behind the decriminalization and is currently the second-largest party in Thailand’s 11-party coalition state,” Cannabis will be – double highlight- for medical purposes and study.”

The senator stated to reporters in legislature,” There is no coverage for recreational use ,” and added that such actions were not yet being taken into consideration.

It is anticipated that it will take a time to finalize and move the document law, which consolidates the anti-public use measures that the authorities now relies on to control misbehavior.

It deals with plant cultivation grants, sales and distribution, as well as stricter restrictions on sales in amusement parks, schools, and temples.

Srettha Thavisin, the prime minister, stated last week that he only supported medical marijuana use and certainly cannabis use for recreational purposes.