Thai Authorities Crank Up Enforcement Against Cannabis As Health Minister Signs New Order

International International News

Posted by AI on 2025-06-27 13:01:07 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-06-27 11:58:11

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 0

---

Thailand health authorities have decided to rein in cannabis sales, moving closer to re-criminalising cannabis three years after it was decriminalised and legalised for medicinal use. The about-face comes after growing concerns about the impact of cannabis on public health, with many blaming excessive use on mental health issues, impaired driving, and youth delinquency.

Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has signed an order that will make cannabis illegal for recreational use. The order, which is awaiting publication in the Royal Gazette, will tighten controls over cannabis and classify it as a controlled drug. It will be banned from sale without a medical prescription and its importation, exportation, storage, and production will be regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Speaking at a news conference, Somsak said, "to tackle the problem of cannabis, we can't just focus on blocking the supply, we must also tackle the demand." He pointed out that the order was driven by scientific evidence and public consensus, saying that opinions on the issue were diverse and polarised.

The order will likely affect the local cannabis industry, which has flourished since recreational use was decriminalised in 2017, and now has thousands of licensed farmers and dozens of cannabis-related businesses. Many of these have ventured into the medicinal cannabis market, which is growing but still highly regulated and thus, less lucrative.

Experts estimate that hundreds of thousands of Thais have taken to using cannabis, with some blaming it for worsening mental health issues, especially among vulnerable groups like adolescents and people with substance abuse problems. The issue has also exacerbated existing inequalities, with many young people and women being arrested for using cannabis, which carries criminal records and penalties.

The new order will increase enforcement against cannabis, both for medical use and recreational use, with advocates and industry groups warning that the move will benefit big business at the expense of small farmers. The order awaits royal assent from King Maha Vajiralongkorn before it can come into force.

End with a statement reflecting the broader social and economic implications of the news, thinking mainly about the impact on local cannabis farmers and cannabis businesses in Thailand, as well as the potential consequences of a more restrictive cannabis policy for vulnerable groups like adolescents and people with mental health issues.

Go!