“Chronic Pain Relief: New Legal Hurdles for Tourists Seeking Cannabis in Thailand” | CNN

Three years after Thailand became the first Asian nation to decriminalize cannabis, the government is tightening regulations to manage its growing cannabis market. As of now, people must have a doctor’s prescription to purchase cannabis, limiting its use to medical purposes.

The public health minister of Thailand, Somsak Thepsuthin, indicated that the government is contemplating the idea of reinstating cannabis as a narcotic. This is a notable shift from the more liberal stance the country took after decriminalization, which had led to a surge in cannabis dispensaries and cafes, especially in tourist hotspots.

“The clear message is: cannabis is for medical use only,” said Somsak. New rules require licensed shops to sell cannabis only to customers who have a prescription. These shops must also keep detailed sales records and are subject to regular inspections. The regulations will affect over 18,000 licensed cannabis shops in the country. Sellers breaking the rules could face a year in prison or a hefty fine, with the possibility of even larger penalties being proposed.

The ban on advertising cannabis is expected to significantly change the landscape of popular tourist areas like Khao San Road in Bangkok and beach towns such as Pattaya. Until now, vibrant signage has lured tourists, offering easy access to cannabis. Now, locals and visitors alike will need to obtain a doctor’s certificate to buy cannabis for various medical conditions.

Somsak added that while medical marijuana has been legal since 2018, the subsequent decriminalization in 2022 sparked a rapid rise in cannabis use across the nation, particularly among tourists. It led to a proliferation of cannabis businesses, including cafes and beauty treatment centers featuring cannabis products. Cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai even hosted cannabis-themed festivals.

A recent report by Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce projected that the cannabis industry could be valued at $1.2 billion by 2025. However, this is uncertain due to unregulated transactions, according to Somsak. He believes tightening the rules will address issues of misuse and instability in the market.

Supporters of the new regulations highlight rising health concerns, including cannabis use among children and public complaints about the drug being smoked in popular tourist destinations. Some areas, like Phuket, have even proposed designated zones for cannabis sales.

At the same time, smuggling of cannabis has increased since legalization, with authorities cracking down on drug trafficking. High-profile cases, particularly involving tourists, have drawn attention, prompting stricter border controls.

Experts warn that while regulations are necessary for the sake of public health and safety, they could also drive many businesses underground. For example, many sellers are now scrambling to understand the implications of the new rules and worry they may unintentionally violate them.

Ake Khattiyadamrong, a cannabis shop owner, voiced concerns that requiring medical certificates could create an additional burden on consumers and that many people might still access cannabis for recreational use through unofficial channels.

Chopaka, a long-time cannabis advocate, argued that stricter regulations might not solve smuggling issues and could drive some farmers out of business. “The government needs to enforce existing laws before creating new ones,” she said.

These recent developments reflect a balancing act for Thailand—a country trying to harness the economic potential of cannabis while managing public health concerns. The outcome of these regulations remains uncertain, but their impacts will likely resonate throughout the industry and beyond.

For more insights on cannabis regulations worldwide, visit CNN.

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