Country bans recreational cannabis again in major blow to tourism
Why Thailand is performing a U-turn on its cannabis laws
- Thailand is poised to recriminalise recreational cannabis use, a move expected to dismantle a burgeoning industry valued at over £734 million that flourished since its decriminalisation in 2022.
- The decision to reintroduce stringent controls follows a recent political shift, including the withdrawal of the Bhumjaithai Party, a key proponent of cannabis legalisation, from the ruling coalition.
- Thailand's health ministry has issued an order explicitly prohibiting the sale of cannabis for recreational purposes, mandating that any retail purchase will now require a doctor's prescription.
- These new regulations are anticipated to come into effect swiftly, potentially within days, once they are officially published in the Royal Gazette.
- The government justifies the policy reversal by citing serious social problems, particularly for children and young people, aiming to return cannabis policy to medical use only, leaving many industry members stunned.