Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : In a stunning policy reversal, Thailand is set to ban the recreational sale of cannabis, putting an end to a liberal experiment that began just three years ago. The government has announced that cannabis will be reclassified as a narcotic, and its use will be restricted to medical and health purposes only, requiring a doctor's prescription.
This move marks a dramatic U-turn for the country, which in 2022 became the first nation in Asia to decriminalize cannabis. That decision triggered a "green rush," with tens of thousands of cannabis dispensaries, cafes, and weed trucks popping up across the country, particularly in tourist hotspots like Bangkok and Phuket. The move transformed Thailand into a de facto cannabis tourism paradise.
However, the new government has deemed the policy a mistake, citing rising public health concerns and the negative impact on youth. The Health Minister stated that the uncontrolled explosion of cannabis shops was a serious problem that needed to be rectified.
Under the proposed new law, which the government aims to pass by the end of the year, anyone selling cannabis for recreational purposes will face stiff penalties. While the specifics are still being finalized, the government has indicated that personal possession for medical use will remain protected.
The decision is a devastating blow to a fledgling industry that saw thousands of entrepreneurs invest heavily in the cannabis boom. For tourists and residents who had grown accustomed to the widespread availability of cannabis, the party is officially over, as Thailand shifts from a green paradise back to a strictly regulated medical market.
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