Speaking to CNN in an interview before the move, Thai Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he hoped legal cannabis production would boost the economy, but warned that recreational drug use was still illegal. .
“It’s a no,” said Anutin, who is also a deputy prime minister. “We still have regulations in the law that control the consumption, smoking or use of cannabis products in an unproductive way.”
Under decriminalization, it is no longer a crime to cultivate and market marijuana and hemp products, or to use parts of the plant to treat diseases. Cafes and restaurants can also serve cannabis-infused foods and beverages, but only if the products contain less than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the plant’s main psychoactive compound.
Tough penalties remain in place under the Public Health Act, which include up to three months in prison and a $ 800 fine for smoking cannabis in public.
“We [have always] “The use of cannabis extracts and raw materials for medical and health purposes,” said Anutin. ‘recreation, or use it in a way that might irritate others.’
Specifically, the minister issued a stern warning to foreign tourists who were thinking of lighting a set in public.
“Thailand will promote cannabis policies for medical purposes. Yes [tourists] come to get medical treatment or come to get health related products, not a problem, but if you think you want to come to Thailand just because you have heard that cannabis or marijuana are legal … [or] Come to Thailand to smoke leeks freely, that’s wrong.
“Don’t come. We won’t welcome you if you only come to this country for this purpose.”
Anutin, a former tycoon, also said he expects the Thai cannabis industry to generate billions of dollars in revenue by boosting agriculture.
“We expect the value of [the cannabis] The industry easily surpasses $ 2 billion, ”he said, noting recent incentives such as collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture to distribute 1 million free cannabis plants to households across the country.
“Thailand, I was told, is one of the best places to grow cannabis plants,” Anutin said.
“I think Thais are excited and eager to be players, whether as investors or product makers and also as consumers. With current technology and marketing strategies, Thailand will be unbeatable to be able to promote. [cannabis] products in the global market “.
Conflicting messages
Thursday is a historic day in the relaxation of Thailand’s cannabis laws and follows the country’s historic decision in 2018 to allow the use of medical marijuana.
Since then, under the leadership of Anusin, cannabis laws have been further relaxed, with the removal of cannabis shoots and flowers from the country’s list of banned narcotics.
More than 3,000 inmates serving time in prison for cannabis-related crimes and hemp-related drugs will be released on Thursday following announcements by the Anusin Ministry of Public Health.
And big parties are planned for this weekend. An event hosted by Highland Legalization, a Thai marijuana advocacy group, will feature two days of musical performances, roundtables and cannabis food sales.
Yet, even with liberalized law, there can be a touch of paranoia for some. Activists have long complained that loopholes in the law send contradictory messages.
Just a few weeks ago, a 56-year-old woman was arrested at her home in eastern Chonburi province after plainclothes police officers saw a cannabis plant in a pot in her bedroom.
Her husband later clarified that she had high blood pressure and diabetes and that they had been cultivating the plant to add to her food.
Commenting on the case, Anutin said the four agents involved had been sanctioned.
“They were warned and suspended. They did not comply with the law we have just established,” Anutin said. “It simply came to our notice then [educate] ordinary people and law enforcement and let them know how far they can go when it comes to the use of cannabis content … within the legal framework. That’s what we’re trying to do, to give as much information as possible to educate people. ”
Kitty Chopaka, a Bangkok-based cannabis entrepreneur who has pushed for legalization for years, thanked the relaxation.
“The key to advocating for the legalization of cannabis is to promote safe and responsible use. [The fact is] Cannabis will now be as legal as garlic, there is no rule or law imposed to control it, “Chopaka said.
However, given recent arrests, he advocates a cautious approach.
“[Going forward]”It’s probably better to use cannabis in a private space away from people,” Chopaka said. “We don’t want to see people. [still going] in prison. ”