Thailand Introduces New Bill to Regulate Cannabis While Keeping It Legal

[webfact]

FILE - AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit

 

Thailand has unveiled a new bill aimed at regulating its cannabis industry while largely limiting marijuana use to health and medical purposes. This move comes from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's administration, striving for a balanced policy after several inconsistent approaches.

 

Published by the Ministry of Public Health, the draft legislation allows the use of cannabis and its extracts for medical treatment and research by state agencies.

 

Additionally, it permits the plant's inclusion in herbal, food, and cosmetic products. Notably, unlike previous proposals from former premier Srettha Thavisin’s administration, this bill does not explicitly ban recreational cannabis use or reclassify the plant as a narcotic.

 

The proposed law, however, includes strict penalties for unauthorised cannabis consumption, with fines reaching up to 60,000 baht (£1,350). Sellers of non-compliant cannabis products could face up to a year in jail or fines of up to 100,000 baht (£2,260), or both.

The legislation aims to address the widespread usage of cannabis in Thailand, the first Asian country to decriminalise the plant in 2022. Since then, over 9,400 cannabis dispensaries have opened nationwide, particularly in tourist hotspots and business districts.

 

Cannabis regulation was a significant topic in last year's national elections. The ruling Pheu Thai Party initially promised to reclassify marijuana as a narcotic to combat addiction concerns. However, opposition from the Bhumjaithai Party, a crucial coalition partner, led to a compromise to keep the plant legal, reported BLOOMBERG.

 

The draft bill proposes stringent licensing rules for cannabis cultivation, sales, exports, and imports. Existing growers and suppliers will need to apply for new licenses to avoid hefty penalties, including jail terms and fines.

 

While the proposed legislation could offer a clear framework for the cannabis industry, it poses challenges for growers, dispensaries, and consumer-agro firms. These businesses must ensure their products contain no more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high.”

 

Public and industry stakeholders have until 30th September to submit feedback on the proposed bill. The Ministry of Public Health may revise the legislation before presenting it to the cabinet, who will then forward it to parliament for approval.

 

-- 2024-09-20

 

 

[webfact]

The Cannabis & Hemp Act of Thailand just dropped: 2025 marks the beginning of Thailand's cannabis leadership in the region

 

Keepers of the supply chain face stricter oversight; consumers will be punished with fines for sheer stupidity only.

 

Carl K Linn

Thailand unveils new bill to regulate cannabis while keeping it legal

 

As of January 1st, 2025, cannabis consumers in Thailand will have access to the same wide array of dry flower currently available.

 

Bloomberg

 

Big trouble could come to those who break simple rules: Do not smoke in public. Do not consume extracts with more than 2 % THC without explicit permission. Do not consume if you are under 20, pregnant or breastfeeding.

 

These rules have been present for at least one year, with no enforcement.

 

The significance of this final draft is in what’s missing: There is no “illegalization of recreational use” - which, to make any sense at all, would have required reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic. There is no language requiring cards or pre-existing conditions. These conventional barriers to medical cannabis may be added over the next few months - we shall see.

This is a clear win for Deputy Prime Minister Anutin:

 

“The easy availability of the drug became a hot-button political issue during the national election last year, with the ruling Pheu Thai Party vowing to re-list marijuana as a narcotic to restrict its use to just medical purposes due to concerns over addiction. But opposition from Bhumjaithai Party, the second-biggest group in the ruling coalition, has forced Pheu Thai to walk back on its pledge and keep the plant legal.”

 

Cannabis in Thailand will be classified as a medicinal herb. Most new restrictions target the keepers of the supply chains, with tighter licensing, and more transparency.

 

Penalties for violation include heavy fines and up to one year in jail.

 

Full story: arlklinn.substack

-- 2024-09-20
 

 

[webfact]

Thailand Opens Public Feedback on Draft Cannabis and Hemp Law
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

National — On September 18th, 2024, Thai national media reported that the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine has opened public consultations on the draft Cannabis and Hemp Act, running from September 16th to the 30th through the law.go.th website.

The public, including farmers, business operators, and citizens, are invited to provide feedback on key aspects of the draft law here. The proposed legislation includes the establishment of a Cannabis and Hemp Board, chaired by the Thai Minister of Public Health, which would be responsible for overseeing the regulation, promotion, and safe use of cannabis and hemp, particularly in medical, agricultural, and industrial sectors.

The draft outlines licensing requirements for growing, producing, importing, exporting, and selling cannabis and hemp. While roots, branches, leaves, stems, and seeds are less regulated, cannabis flowers will face stricter control, requiring government licenses for sale, production, and export, according to Thai national media.

Special permits will also be required for each import or export transaction. Cultivation licenses will be categorized by the size of the farm, ranging from small (up to 5 rai), medium (5 to 20 rai), and large (over 20 but up to 400 rai).

 

Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 

-- 2024-09-20
 

 

[dinsdale]

Thailand has unveiled a new bill aimed at regulating its cannabis industry while largely limiting marijuana use to health and medical purposes. - NO

Thailand has unveiled a new bill aimed at regulating its cannabis industry while largely limiting marijuana use to health and medical purposes with recreational use remaining decriminalised. - YES

[Jingthing]

They want to raise more tax?

Stop terrorizing retired expats.

Instead, make recreational weed explicitly legal, the higher the THC level the better, closely regulate it from Thai farm to stoner, and then tax the flippin' puck out of it.

Sorted!

But that would be too logical wouldn't it?

Instead drive it underground and don't tax it.

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Published by the Ministry of Public Health, the draft legislation allows the use of cannabis and its extracts for medical treatment and research by state agencies.

 

Additionally, it permits the plant's inclusion in herbal, food, and cosmetic products. Notably, unlike previous proposals from former premier Srettha Thavisin’s administration, this bill does not explicitly ban recreational cannabis use or reclassify the plant as a narcotic.

So a complete back track

[AlaskaDave]

Round and round we go.

Ridiculous. Tax it fully, regulate its strength, allow people to use it recreationally, and enjoy the benefits to both users and government revenue coffers.

[dinsdale]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Additionally, it permits the plant's inclusion in herbal, food, and cosmetic products. Notably, unlike previous proposals from former premier Srettha Thavisin’s administration, this bill does not explicitly ban recreational cannabis use or reclassify the plant as a narcotic.

 

The proposed law, however, includes strict penalties for unauthorised cannabis consumption, with fines reaching up to 60,000 baht (£1,350). Sellers of non-compliant cannabis products could face up to a year in jail or fines of up to 100,000 baht (£2,260), or both.

"recreational use" now called "unauthorised use".

Edited September 19 by dinsdale

[wombat]

Another bill another dollar

 

[Aussie999]

Wait, was6that what it was originally "legalised" for... So what is the difference.

[gargamon]

Tax it but regulate it like Canada where each package is labeled with the correct thc, etc content and growing conditions are regulated.

[Spock]

11 minutes ago, gargamon said:

Tax it but regulate it like Canada where each package is labeled with the correct thc, etc content and growing conditions are regulated.

And Canada is the major player in the Australian medicinal marijuana which is like Thailand with recreational use OK except it's under the guise of medical marijuana with users authorised by doctors and people who have added a short term diploma to their qualifications. 

[Denim]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

 

 

 

Reminds me of a scene in Day of the Triffids.

[richard_smith237]

So is it 0.2% THC or 2% ???

 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

These businesses must ensure their products contain no more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high.”

 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Big trouble could come to those who break simple rules: Do not smoke in public. Do not consume extracts with more than 2 % THC without explicit permission. Do not consume if you are under 20, pregnant or breastfeeding.

 

[richard_smith237]

Ok - someone’s confused - maybe you were smoking the 2% stuff !!!

 

The articles quote two different THC strengths…. Or maybe I’m missing something there…. ? 

[Robert Tyrrell]

Good Morning , 🙂

 

Sometimes baby steps in the cannibis bill being put forward is a good thing 🙂 It will at least benifit being legally used at full strenght THC%,  medical or health issues only  and .02 % Personal Consumption.

and allows the bill to move forward keeping it legal and as time goes on I certainly see the industry opening back up to the general public sooner or later , This way the Thai Goverment still gets there slice of the pie 🙂 Once they see over time the revenue lost to the bill being put forward.They will start lossining laws up to the general public for use.

Medical or Health I think its definetly a much better choice most times versus a  pharamacuetical alternatives, I have some friends in America who use for Medical/Health and they are much better , Feeling good no pharmaceutical  side effects versus cannibis which has very little of 🙂 America had the same Legal struggles and now theres about 35-40 States that have Legalized Cannibis for both personal anmd medical purposes and others who have Legalized Medical only but thats changing to and the  Goverment Tax revenue there collecting is nearing Billions of U.S. Dollars and the Industry is even exceeding major crop profits of Corn , Wheat and more !!! So in the end its forward progress !!! 🙂

 

Safe and Healthy Wishes To All !!! 🙂

 

 

 

[gjoo888]

I remember someone in Amsterdam telling me that one big reason cannabis is "tolerated," is that pot smokers rarely cause problems. IMO, no one belongs in jail for smoking weed.

[expat_4_life]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

This move comes from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's administration, striving for a balanced policy after several inconsistent approaches.

 

This is no surprise, like father like daughter.

I remember when Thaksin launched his "war on drugs" back in February of 2003. 

By May 2003 Prime Minister Thaksin declares “victory” in the war on drugs and announces a second phase that will last until December. The Royal Thai Police announce that 2,275 people have been killed since February 1 ... the war would continue.

Here is a bit of a time of events back then
https://www.hrw.org/news/2004/07/07/timeline-thailands-war-drugs
 

Edited September 20 by expat_4_life

[MarkBR]

1 hour ago, AlaskaDave said:

Round and round we go.

Ridiculous. Tax it fully, regulate its strength, allow people to use it recreationally, and enjoy the benefits to both users and government revenue coffers.

I agree, this bill will accomplish nothing.  Your suggestion is sensible.  The reason most people use it (I do not - my preference is gin or ale) is recreationally so it would be sensible as the revenue would allow them to focus on yaba which is tearing rural Thailand's families and social fabric apart.

But your suggestion will be ignored, too much lack of rational policy in relation to cannabis worldwide compared to other drugs-  scientist David Nutt tried in the UK and paid a price when he suggested offically that policy should be based on dangers the drugs represented.

[HappyExpat57]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Do not smoke in public. Do not consume extracts with more than 2 % THC without explicit permission. Do not consume if you are under 20, pregnant or breastfeeding.

OH dear gawd, this has no chance of passing - it makes too much sense!

[thesetat2013]

2% potency. How do they expect all the shops to test for this with every type of cannabis they sell. This new law makes it easy for the policing agency and government to walk in and make fines for any amount up to 100k easily. 

[fondue zoo]

Is it true Anutin has invested a truck tonne of money into production already?   

If it is, there was no way he was going to allow a reversal.

[Callmeishmael]

This proposed law is perfect. 🤭  It is unclear what is allowed and what is not allowed, so the RTP will be free to shake down random consumers & producers.  It will become just another income stream for them! 🤑

[kingstonkid]

1 hour ago, MarkBR said:

I agree, this bill will accomplish nothing.  Your suggestion is sensible.  The reason most people use it (I do not - my preference is gin or ale) is recreationally so it would be sensible as the revenue would allow them to focus on yaba which is tearing rural Thailand's families and social fabric apart.

But your suggestion will be ignored, too much lack of rational policy in relation to cannabis worldwide compared to other drugs-  scientist David Nutt tried in the UK and paid a price when he suggested offically that policy should be based on dangers the drugs represented.

 

What everyone is missing is this report or draft—the same report or draft that has seen no light since this whole joke started. Again, it will go to the cabinet. Anutin and those looking to make money off the product will rant and rave that it is too restrictive. Those who feel it is too lenient will do the same.

 

Some watered-down piece of crap will hit the floor for MP votes, and then committees, and again the Elites will rent and \rave, and those against will try to do it louder.

 

Will anything get done?  

 

LOL Not likely

 

We will be back here again with the media reporting another bill being drafted and sent for approval.

 

What gets me is that they have allowed Pot stores to be set up across the street from at least one popular school of the rich St Joesph on convent.

 

If that is the case, what is to stop them from doing it at every school?

[impulse]

Here's my prediction:  It'll be legal, with a tax stamp and as long as it's "blessed" by one of the families that "bless" everything sold in Thailand.  Like the cig companies, and the beer companies.  Either they'll make some of the money, or it doesn't get sold.

[cookie1974]

The new amsterdam,weed itself is pretty harmless but its availability and the fact that its legal inevitably attracts people seeking harder drugs which in the last few years have exploded in their availability in thailand,they should have kept their draconian drug laws in place because once the box is opened they will never be able to close it.

[Tropicalevo]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol,

 

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Do not consume extracts with more than 2 % THC

 

Originally,  0.2% is the correct figure.

[farangkinok]

19 minutes ago, cookie1974 said:

The new amsterdam,weed itself is pretty harmless but its availability and the fact that its legal inevitably attracts people seeking harder drugs which in the last few years have exploded in their availability in thailand,they should have kept their draconian drug laws in place because once the box is opened they will never be able to close it.

Thank you for your opinion, Mr. Anslinger.

[kuzmabruk]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

These businesses must ensure their products contain no more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high.”

Not too many people will buy this grade of marijuana.   In Vancouver we started with medical cannabis.  Prescriptions were plentiful and cheap. 

[daveAustin]

Regards THC strength, these articles are all over the place. It is well known that only 'extracts' (extracted oils & such) cannot be more than 0.2%. Typical THC bud weed is whatever.