The battle over cannabis in Thailand’s Parliament has stalled plans to recriminalize or regulate it further. Legalization has led to a growing industry, but concerns remain about health effects and economic consequences.
The battle over cannabis in Thailand
The escalating battle over cannabis in Thailand’s Parliament means the herb is unlikely to be recriminalised or more tightly regulated anytime soon. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin reversed his tough stance on relisting ganja as a narcotic on July 23 after Bhumjaithai, a key coalition partner in his government, fought back fiercely against the plan.
Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, who doubles as deputy prime minister and interior minister, warned of economic consequences if the government changed its marijuana policy. Numerous investors have set up marijuana and related businesses in Thailand since Bhumjaithai successfully pushed for the legalisation of cannabis. Thailand’s rapidly expanding cannabis and hemp industry is now worth 36.52 billion baht, up from 31.75 billion baht last year, according to the Thai Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Economic and Business Forecasting.
Legal marijuana’s dark side
Legalizing marijuana has led to an increase in its recreational use in Thailand. Prof Dr Sawitri Assanangkornchai, who teaches at Prince of Songkla University’s Faculty of Medicine, revealed research findings on the country’s marijuana policy. She said that one in five Thais have used marijuana. A study by Chulalongkorn University’s Centre for Addiction Studies estimates that the number of marijuana users in Thailand jumped to 11 million in 2023 from 1.8 million in 2021, before marijuana was removed from the narcotics list.
Healthcare costs related to cannabis consumption have skyrocketed, and there has been a significant rise in cases of cannabis-associated mental disorders. The Youth Network against Cannabis has urged the government to relist marijuana as a narcotic to control its negative impacts. Farmers and businesses in the marijuana industry fear the economic consequences if the herb is recriminalised.
