PUBLISHED: 17 Mar 2024 at 10: 13
Thodsapol Hongtong and his companions are smoking at the” Green Party,” a place where recreational marijuana users meet in Bangkok to exchange ideas and laughs. However, it may be coming to an end.
On his website” Channel Weed Thailand,” the 31-year-old influencer who runs his own hemp business frequently points out that recreational pot is good for the country’s business.
According to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the rising cannabis industry may be for 43 billion baht by the year.
” Where (else ) in the world can we lie around on the beach and enjoy a joint”, Mr Thodsapol told Reuters, taking a puff from his bong.
However, the government wants to end cannabis culture by implementing a new ban on outdoor use by the end of the year. Health usage will still be permitted.
In an interview with Reuters last month, public health secretary Cholnan Srikaew described recreational cannabis as a “misuse” of the medication that has a negative effect on children and could lead to another substance abuses.
After Thailand became the first in Asia to completely decriminalise recreational marijuana in 2022, creating a new open gimmick respect culture, the country experienced a boom in recreational marijuana.
On numerous road edges in towns and cities, bright signs of cannabis plant that can be seen in many languages, indicating the tens of thousands of stores, spas, bars, and gambling lounges where a wide range of cannabis strains are readily available, as well as the neon signs of cannabis leaves.
While cannabis-related festivals have become more popular, like last week’s joint-rolling opposition on Phuket, which attracted plant enthusiasts from all over the world, many street vendors in tourist locations sell smoking paraphernalia. Later this month, the government will have to approve the draft laws banning marijuana use for recreational purposes.