Cannabis chaos: Thailand’s weed rules you can’t afford to break

Thailand’s cannabis scene is about to get a whole lot more official but there are big consequences for those who don’t play by the rules. From January 1, 2025, consumers will still have access to the country’s wide variety of dry flowers but breaking key regulations could land you in hot water.

The rules are simple: no smoking in public, no extracts with more than 2% THC without permission, and no use for anyone under 20, pregnant, or breastfeeding. Although these guidelines have existed for a year, enforcement is about to get serious. Violate them and you could be slapped with hefty fines or even spend a year behind bars.

But there’s a twist in the tale: there’s no mention of a ban on recreational use. The Pheu Thai Party, which once vowed to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, has backtracked after pressure from the Bhumjaithai Party, the second-largest in the ruling coalition. This keeps cannabis legal, with Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emerging victorious.

“The easy availability of the drug became a hot-button issue during last year’s election.”

The new legislation focuses on stricter licencing for the industry, ensuring transparency, and emphasising cannabis as a medicinal herb in line with traditional Thai remedies. This approach aims to integrate cannabis into mainstream healthcare, aligning with global trends as countries like Germany, Australia, and New Zealand relax regulations.

Thailand’s stance could pave the way for similar reforms across Asia, with advocates in the Philippines, Malaysia, and beyond watching closely, reported Cannabis in Thailand.

ORIGINAL STORY: Anutin’s high hopes for Thai cannabis green light

In a bold move, Anutin Charnvirakul, the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, declared he’s absolutely certain the new Government of Thailand will back his party’s pro-cannabis stance. This means the green revolution could steam ahead just as it was gaining traction under former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

Back in July, Srettha struck a deal with Anutin to move forward with a draft bill aimed at regulating cannabis for medical and research uses. This was a major shift from the previous hardline stance of relisting cannabis as a narcotic.

Anutin is pushing for the cannabis control bill to be one of six key policies the Bhumjaithai Party is submitting to the ruling Pheu Thai Party. These policies are set to be part of the coalition’s agenda, which will be unveiled in Parliament shortly.

According to the 57 year old Bhumjaithai Party leader, this initiative is all about advancing Thai herbal research and development, with cannabis as a key focus.

When grilled about potential opposition from the Democrat Party, Anutin remained upbeat, suggesting they might not have the muscle to block the bill, even if they try.

“This new Democrat team isn’t the same as the previous one, and I believe in Democrat leader Chalermchai Sri-on’s team spirit and his apparent understanding of the public’s needs.”

Regarding the government’s intention to push for an entertainment complex project, including a legal casino, Anutin stated that Bhumjaithai, as a key coalition party, would support the project as long as it is not exploited to benefit specific groups.

“Actually, I’m not worried about this project because we have an ethical code with a broad scope to follow, and everyone seems to be extra careful about respecting that code now.”

Other policies proposed by Bhumjaithai include decentralisation, equal access to education, better water management, and clean energy, reported the Bangkok Post.