Thailand is fine-tuning a proposed Bill that would allow only the medical use of cannabis.
For this reason, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew said smoking cannabis is likely to require a doctor’s note, the Bangkok Post reported.
The Bill will make it clear precisely how to use the plant for medical purposes, he said.
It will outline who can use cannabis, as well as where, when and how it can be sold.
The Bill will also stipulate what part of the plant can be used, the minister said.
“If smoking is for health, we need to have a clear prescription from the doctor,” the Bangkok Post quoted Dr Cholnan as saying.
Cannabis plantations would require a permit from the authorities and must ensure the plants are of medical grade, he said, adding that plantations at home are unlikely to be allowed under the new law.
ST Asian Insider: Malaysia Edition Get exclusive insights into Malaysia in weekly round-up
Thank you!
Sign up
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and T&Cs.
The proposed Bill was signed by Dr Cholnan earlier in January. It calls for a ban on recreational use of cannabis and hefty penalties for offenders.
The legislation is being drafted with participation from all stakeholders, Dr Cholnan said.
The public and industry stakeholders have until Jan 23 to submit feedback on the Bill.
Medical marijuana has been legal in Thailand since 2018, but in June 2022, it became the first country in Asia to declassify marijuana as a narcotic.
The move came before lawmakers could agree on how to regulate the industry.
Since then, thousands of weed shops have opened across the country and have been operating in a grey area.
They sell various products, from cannabis buds to oil extracts, that contain less than 0.2 per cent tetrahydrocannabinol – the psychoactive compound that gives users a “high” sensation.
Before the May 2023 election, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made a pledge during his campaign to restrict the use of marijuana due to concerns over addiction and misuse.
His Pheu Thai Party promoted a hardline anti-drug campaign ahead of the polls, vowing to again classify cannabis as a narcotic.
But the party is now in a coalition with Bhumjaithai Party, which had spearheaded the move to decriminalise the crop.
Thailand does not want to promote cannabis use to travellers from nations that ban it
'It looked like kangkung,' says S'porean tourist who accidentally ate cannabis dish in Thailand
Civil society groups say the definition of recreation in the proposed Bill is still unclear.
Mr Prasittichai Nunual, secretary-general of the Thai Cannabis Future Network, pointed out that the interpretation of what is considered recreational use is based on judgment calls by the authorities.
He said the Bill should add a clause giving the right to people to use cannabis in the family based on the knowledge of traditional Thai medicine.
Mr Prasittichai also pointed out that the Bill seems to emphasise taking legal action against those who violate the law, reinforcing a perception that cannabis continues to be seen as a dangerous drug.
He said penalties should be similar to those for cigarette or alcohol use.
The Bill will be “a compass to set the direction of cannabis in the future in the country, with a principle to preserve its use under Thai traditional medicine wisdom”, Mr Prasittichai said.
From watermelon to weed: Thai farmers regret switching to cannabis as prices fall
Illegal laughing gas on open sale in Pattaya
Unlock unlimited access to ST exclusive content, insights and analyses
ST One Digital - Annual
$9.90 $4.95 /month
Get offer
$59.40 for the first year and $118.80 per year thereafter.
ST One Digital - Monthly
29.90 $9.90 /month
Subscribe today
No lock-in contract
Unlock more knowledge, unlock more benefits
New feature: Stay up to date on important topics and follow your favourite writers with myST All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com Easy access any time via ST app on one mobile device
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Thailand Health and well-being Cannabis
Facebook Telegram More Whatsapp Linkedin Twitter FB Messenger Email Print Purchase Article Copy permalink https://str.sg/9tDY
Read this subscriber-only article for free!
Just sign up for a free account and log in to continue reading.
Medical use of cannabis may require doctor’s note, Thai minister says
Sign up
Already have an account? Log in.
All done! This article is now fully available for you
Medical use of cannabis may require doctor’s note, Thai minister says
Read now
Please verify your e-mail to read this subscriber-only article in full
Medical use of cannabis may require doctor’s note, Thai minister says
Resend verification e-mail
The gift link for this subscriber-only article has expired.
Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month for the first 3 months.
Subscribe now
You have reached your limit of subscriber-only articles this month.
Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month for the first 3 months.
Subscribe now
Read and win!
Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards
Let's go! Terms & conditions apply
Frequently asked questions
Good job, you've read 3 articles today!
Spin the wheel now
Let's go! Terms & conditions apply
Frequently asked questions