By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Thailand is moving towards recriminalizing cannabis, shifting from its 2022 decriminalization, due to the exit of a pro-weed party from the coalition and the lack of regulations. A new Health Ministry notification, effective imminently, mandates medical prescriptions for cannabis use, prompted by the growth of unregulated dispensaries and widespread recreational use. This shift aims to address public complaints and curb issues like cannabis smuggling. Furthermore, a comprehensive cannabis bill is likely to be scrapped, as the government prepares for broader recriminalization, limiting use to medical purposes and requiring a doctor on-site at dispensaries.
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Thailand set to make non-medical weed illegal again after political turmoil. It seems things are about to change again for cannabis in the “Land of Smiles.” The initial excitement of legalizing weed in 2022, spurred by a pro-cannabis party gaining significant ground, is fading fast. It’s a classic case of unintended consequences, and now the political tides are turning, seemingly leading to a renewed crackdown on non-medical use.
The core issue here seems to be the type of tourism the initial legalization attracted. The influx of “party tourists,” often associated with boisterous behavior and a heavy reliance on recreational cannabis, rubbed many locals the wrong way. Their actions, often inconsiderate, created a negative association with the newly legal substance. Dispensaries popped up in tourist hotspots, fueling this perception, and it became a matter of “guilt by association.”
There’s a distinct difference in sentiment towards other, technically illegal activities like the sex industry. While prostitution exists, its impact is perceived differently. Older tourists, often associated with this industry, may spend a lot but generally don’t cause the same level of disruption. It highlights the crux of the problem: the type of tourism and the behavior it engenders.
The political landscape played a significant role in the initial legalization. The party that championed cannabis reform saw a surge in seats in both 2022 and 2023 elections, which led to the push for decriminalization. However, after the party left the coalition government, the winds of change shifted quickly. Some speculate this reversal is partly a political tactic, designed to appease certain factions or maintain control.
There are deep historical roots to consider. Thailand’s relationship with cannabis isn’t simple. It was part of their traditional medicine and culture for ages. The country banned it in 1935 as part of a nationalist movement to reclaim their country and territory from European powers, associating drug use with colonial powers. The modern anti-weed stance might be more imported than homegrown, a result of the U.S.-led War on Drugs and the influence of local elites seeking control.
The perception and impact of cannabis are vastly different. Some suggest that alcohol, despite its social acceptance, is far more detrimental to both individual health and public order. The problem, according to many, is not the substance itself, but the irresponsible behavior of some users.
One of the most concerning aspects is the potential takeover of the industry by less desirable elements, as some comments describe. The rapid growth of dispensaries, allegedly fueled by “Russian gangs,” has brought with it protection rackets, extortion, and other criminal activities. It has become a significant part of the problem. The original aim was for Thai businesses to thrive.
The shift back towards illegality seems inevitable. The government may be attempting to restrict access or at least regulate it. Medical cannabis will likely continue to be available, but the recreational scene is likely to be curtailed. There is speculation about doctors selling medical certificates to tourists.
Many believe that the current wave of tourists is not the type that the country would ideally like to attract. Instead, the influx of irresponsible users appears to have driven the change.
The change will affect tourists and the country in many ways. For those who planned to partake in the recreational use of cannabis, their plans may need to be altered. It’s a situation that underscores how complex the relationship between politics, culture, tourism, and public perception can be.