Thailand is now free to grow and own marijuana plants at home after the government officially removes cannabis from its list of prohibited drugs.
It is the first country in Asia to legalize weed in an area known for its strict drug control laws.
Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul took note of this story and announced plans to ship more than a million cannabis seeds across the country as he seeks to rebrand Thailand as a “weed wonderland.”
Under the new rules, citizens have the right to grow, eat and sell marijuana for medical purposes, but smoking for recreational purposes remains technically illegal.
The government also places restrictions on the THC levels of products that can be sold so that smokers do not use it instead of pain relief.
But supporters say the move, in addition to the name, effectively criminalizes the product.
Governments that use plants for cash-picking hope that the looming cannabis boom will jump-start the economy after the post-Covid recession.
“After Covid, the economy will be gone. We really need it,” said Chokwan Kitty Chopaka, who runs a shop that sells hemp rubber treats.
Some Thai lawyers brought up this story this morning and bought marijuana at a cafe that just sold products made from plant parts that people didn’t care about.
Around 12 people who showed up at the Bangkok Highland Cafe were able to choose from a variety of buds with names like sugar cane, bubble, purple Afghanistan and aliens.
First-day user Ritipong Bachkul, 24, said: You don’t have to hide it when it was called an illegal drug, like it used to be.
Until now, there is no limit to the number of people who can grow and smoke at home. However, you need to sign up for a government app called “Plook Ganja” before you can get started.
“We need to know how to use cannabis,” said Health Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chang Bilak, who hopes the move will make Thailand a major player in the medical marijuana market.
“If we have the correct perception, cannabis is like gold, it is valuable, and it should go mainstream.”
According to the minister, the Government prefers to “raise awareness”. It would be better than checking people and patrolling to punish them using the law.
The Thai government has also announced its intention to release more than 4,000 prisoners convicted of cannabis-related offences.
A broader cannabis management bill is currently under discussion in the Thai parliament, and supporters say the rule may be gradually relaxed in the coming years.
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Source: Metro
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