Thailand has become the first country in Asia to decriminalize the cultivation and sale of marijuana. However, Thai residents won’t be living in a recreational cannabis paradise anytime soon.
The Asian country plans on enacting strict cannabis policies and tough penalties for anyone caught indulging in recreational weed. According to Thai Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the move is meant to boost Thailand’s economy by tapping into the billion-dollar medical cannabis industry.
Anutin cautions against using cannabis recreationally as the country still has laws that control the consumption of marijuana products in a “nonproductive” way. Rather than launch a recreational market, Thailand’s new cannabis laws will allow citizens to grow and sell cannabis and hemp products.
Restaurants will also be allowed to stock and serve cannabis-infused drinks and foods as long as the product contain less than 0.2% of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is the main component in marijuana that makes users feel “high.” Hemp, which is virtually identical to cannabis except for its THC levels, has minimal to no THC.
Thailand’s cannabis policies will mainly be centered on medical marijuana. Already allowed by dozens of territories around the world, medical marijuana has been found to have potential in treating a variety of medical conditions.
Anutin says the country has no plans to be a recreational cannabis haven for tourists either, stating that Thailand will only promote medical cannabis policies. Tourists who wish to purchase medical cannabis products are free to visit, but those coming to indulge in adult-use cannabis are not welcome, he says.
Thailand is known for its tough anti-drug laws. As it stands, the Public Health act levies a punishment of up to three months in jail and a fine of $800 for lighting up in public. According to Anutin, the government has never considered legalizing cannabis for recreational consumption or to be used in ways that could “irritate others.”
The Public Health Ministry also announced that more than 3,000 inmates who were imprisoned for hemp- and cannabis-related drug offenses will soon be released. In wake of the legalization news, marijuana advocacy group Highland Legalization has organized a weekend festival that will involve panel discussions, musical performances and cannabis food sales.
However, some activists are still apprehensive about Thailand’s new cannabis policies as law enforcement hasn’t been as quick to adapt to changing laws. Thailand first decriminalized medical cannabis use in 2018 and has been steadily loosening its cannabis laws under Anutin’s watchful eye.
However, law enforcement hasn’t always kept up with these changes. A few weeks ago, a 56-year-old woman in eastern Chonburi Province who had diabetes and high blood pressure was arrested by plainclothes police officers after they saw a potted cannabis plant in her bedroom. Anutin states that the four officers have already been disciplined. He adds that the government will need to educate both law enforcers and ordinary citizens about the evolving cannabis laws.
As the strict marijuana laws around the region begin to loosen, an opportunity may be created for established cannabis companies such as Flora Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: FLGC) to expand into these emerging markets.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Flora Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: FLGC) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/FLGC
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer
Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor
CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com
CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.