Hundreds of cannabis advocates rallied in Bangkok this week, voicing opposition to the government’s plan to reclassify the plant as a narcotic. The move would effectively ban recreational cannabis use, a stark contrast to Thailand’s status as the first Asian nation to decriminalize it in 2022.
The decriminalization initially focused on medical uses, but the market quickly blossomed with limited regulations. Concerns about misuse and a surge of cannabis-infused products, from food to drinks, sparked public backlash. Tourist areas in Bangkok became saturated with neon weed signs and dispensaries, raising worries about the industry’s direction.
Thailand’s political landscape shifted with the election of a conservative coalition government led by the Pheu Thai Party in May 2023. The new leadership is pushing for stricter cannabis regulations, citing the lack of control since its legalization. Over 1.1 million Thais have registered to grow cannabis, and more than 6,000 dispensaries have opened, often lacking quality control measures.
The government’s proposal to relist cannabis as a narcotic will be submitted to the Office of the Narcotics Control Board this week. If approved, the ban would take effect in January 2025. The clash between public opinion, economic interests, and the government’s stance on cannabis regulation promises to be a contentious issue in the coming months.
