It has been more than two months since Thailand legalized the cultivation and sale of cannabis for medical purposes.
The move is a boon for cannabis-related businesses. However, many, including healthcare professionals, are concerned that the cannabis bill is passing parliament.
On June 9, Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize marijuana, removing the plant from its Class 5 drug list through an ad in the Royal Gazette.
Theoretically, the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compound that causes psychoactive effects in cannabis should be less than 0.2% if used in medicine or food. A higher percentage of cannabis and cannabis extracts remains illegal. Families can register to grow plants at home on the app, and companies can also grow plants with a permit.
Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized that the easing of restrictions aims to promote three areas: highlighting medical benefits as an alternative therapy for patients and supporting the cannabis economy by promoting cannabis and cannabis as a cash crop.
Essentially, the legal gray area makes it easier to obtain cannabis products such as drinking water, food, candy and cookies. Many products contain over 0.2% THC.
From Khaosan Road to Koh Samui, many vendors have set up shops selling cannabis and cannabis-infused products. Restaurants advertise and serve dishes that contain cannabis. Although it is against the law to smoke marijuana in public places, people, including tourists, have been seen smoking marijuana because it is considered unpleasant.
Students aged 16 and 17 were taken to hospitals in Bangkok for what was determined to be a “marijuana overdose”. Four men, including a 51-year-old man, developed chest pains a week after the legalization of marijuana. The 51-year-old man later died of heart failure at Charoen Krung Pracharak Hospital.
In response, Mr. Anutin quickly signed regulations prohibiting the possession and use of marijuana by persons under the age of 20, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, except when authorized by a doctor.
Some other regulations include a ban on marijuana use in schools, requiring retailers to provide clear information about the use of marijuana in food and beverages, and the enforcement of public health laws that define marijuana vaping as a disorderly conduct punishable by up to three years in prison. months and 25,000 baht fine.
In July, the Tourism Authority of Thailand released a guide to the rules and regulations regarding cannabis and cannabis use. It confirmed that it is illegal to bring into Thailand products containing cannabis and cannabis extracts, products derived from cannabis, and any components of cannabis and cannabis.
In addition, more than 800 doctors from Ramati Bodie Hospital called for an immediate moratorium on cannabis decriminalization policies until proper controls are in place to protect youth.
During a parliamentary debate last month, the opposition cross-examined Mr. Anutin and accused him of creating social problems and violating local and international laws by legalizing cannabis without proper oversight. Mr. Anutin insists that there will be no cannabis abuse during this government’s term, and he wants laws to regulate its use to be enacted as soon as possible.
The ambiguity of the legal consequences for those who violate such controls has prompted foreign governments to issue warnings to their citizens.
The US Embassy Bangkok has issued a bulletin in bold: Information for US Citizens in Thailand [June 22, 2022]. The use of marijuana in public places in Thailand is illegal.”
The notice clearly states that anyone who smokes marijuana and marijuana in a public place for recreational purposes continues to face legal consequences of up to three months in prison or a fine of up to 25,000 baht if it causes public harm or poses a risk to the health of others.
The UK government website tells its citizens: “If the THC content is less than 0.2% (by weight), private recreational use of cannabis is legal, but cannabis use in public places remains illegal… If you are not sure, ask. relevant local authorities.
Regarding Singapore, the country’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) has made it clear that there are regular checks at various checkpoints and that drug use outside of Singapore is a crime.
“[Under] the Misuse of Drugs Act, any citizen or permanent resident of Singapore caught using a controlled drug outside of Singapore will also be liable for a drug offense,” CNB told The Straits Times.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok posted a Q&A announcement on its website about how Chinese citizens should comply with Thailand’s cannabis legalization rules.
“There are no clear rules as to whether foreign nationals can apply to grow cannabis in Thailand. It is important to recall that the Thai government still strictly regulates cannabis production. The use of cannabis and cannabis products must be based on health and medical reasons, not health and not for medical reasons… …for entertainment purposes,” the embassy said.
The Chinese embassy has warned of serious consequences if its citizens bring home cannabis in physical form and leftovers.
“Article 357 of the Criminal Code of the People’s Republic of China clearly defines marijuana as a drug, and the cultivation, possession and consumption of marijuana in China is illegal. Tetrahydrocannabinol [THC] belongs to the first category of psychotropic substances, according to an announcement on the website of the embassy, Drugs controlled in China, namely drugs and various products containing THC, are not allowed to be imported into China. Importing marijuana or marijuana products into China is criminal crime.
The announcement added that Chinese citizens who smoke cannabis or consume cannabis-containing foods and drinks in Thailand may leave traces in biological samples such as urine, blood, saliva and hair. This means that if Chinese citizens who smoke in Thailand for some reason return to their country and undergo drug testing in China, they may face legal problems and be punished accordingly, as they will be considered as abusing illegal drugs.
Meanwhile, Thai embassies in many countries, including Japan, Vietnam, South Korea and Indonesia, have warned that bringing cannabis and cannabis products into the country could result in harsh penalties such as severe jail time, deportation and future entry bans. Entrance.
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Post time: Sep-14-2022