Thailand’s Public Health Ministry finalises Cannabis-Hemp Act draft

The Cannabis-Hemp Act‘s first draft has been completed by the Public Health Ministry, and despite public speculation, cannabis will not be reclassified as a narcotic.

According to Public Health Minister Chonlanan Srikaew, the new legislation is a refined version of the initial draft, now streamlined from 94 to approximately 70 sections. The updated version addresses public concerns and closes loopholes that previously allowed recreational use of cannabis.

The Ministry of Public Health says that the law’s essence remains the same, classifying cannabis as a regulated herb. However, any extract containing over 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) continues to be categorised as a narcotic.

“The minister still advocates cannabis use for medicinal purposes, but recreational use is not endorsed. Hence, even personal cannabis cultivation requires official permission under the new law.”

The original Cannabis and Hemp Law permitted households to cultivate up to 15 plants for personal medicinal purposes, only requiring notification to local authorities. However, with the revised law, prior permission is mandatory. Licensed cannabis establishments can continue operations, provided they adhere to the new legislation. This includes prohibiting cannabis smoking on their premises and refraining from selling dried cannabis buds.

Chonlanan says the law will further detail venues where cannabis sales or usage is not permitted.

“We will not close all cannabis shops, but adherence to the law is crucial. The new law will bar them from selling cannabis buds for smoking or even providing equipment for customers to smoke in their shops. Previously, usage control was challenging, but the new law will prevent recreational cannabis use.”

Cannabis legality still a grey area

Responding to a query about the legality of smoking cannabis at home, the public health minister said this remains a grey area awaiting more public feedback. On being asked if cannabis and hemp should have their separate laws, he mentioned that this issue had been flagged. However, as per the current legislation, hemp is regarded as a type of cannabis, albeit one with low THC levels, reported Bangkok Post.

Chonlanan revealed that the ministry plans to open a public window to read the law and provide feedback by mid-December. People will have a two-week period to express their views, after which the minister will review if any further updates are required before the law is submitted to the Cabinet.