New Law on Hemp and Medicine

New horizons in Thailand's cannabis legislation

Thailand is stepping forward in regulating cannabis with the introduction of a new bill. A major change has been the removal of cannabis from the drug list, although recreational use of marijuana is still subject to prohibition. The Department of Health sought to balance the medical use of cannabis with the need to control its unregulated distribution.

Evolution of the cannabis law

The new law, reduced from 94 to 70 sections, is carefully calibrated to address public concerns and prevent potential abuse. Hemp is still officially defined as a controlled plant, and extracts with more than 0.2% THC remain on the list of narcotic substances.

One of the key changes was the requirement of a permit even for personal cultivation of cannabis. Previously, citizens were allowed to grow up to 15 plants without formalities, but the new law imposes strict controls and requirements, even for small growers.

Licensed marijuana stores, while maintaining their operations, must comply with the new rules. They are now barred from allowing smoking on their premises and selling "buds" or "cannabis." These changes are intended to tighten controls on the distribution of recreational cannabis.

Looking to the future and the role of the public

One of the most discussed issues is smoking marijuana at home. The Minister emphasized that this topic remains in question and requires further discussion. The law involves feedback from the public to better understand the opinions and concerns of citizens.

The draft law is available for citizen review and comment until mid-December. This creates an opportunity for the public to express their opinions. The Ministry of Health is committed to analyzing the proposed changes before presenting the law to the Cabinet. This active role of the public assists the democratic process in shaping more balanced and informed legislation.

These legislative changes reflect the complex process of adapting to the new realities of marijuana use in the world. Thailand is striving to maintain a balance between the medical needs of citizens and the need to control the recreational use of cannabis. The public plays an important role in this process by contributing to legislation that reflects the real needs and concerns of the community.