Thailand To Decriminalize Marijuana

Thailand is making plans to decriminalize marijuana possession. This will make it possible for residents to consume small amounts of cannabis in private residences without risking run-ins with the law.

Decriminalizing marijuana will move Thailand a step closer to the full legalization of recreational cannabis. In 2019, legalized medicinal use of the herb. This made it the first country to legalize cannabis in Southeast Asia.

New reports indicate that Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed the removal of cannabis from the list of narcotics and controlled substances. The proposal needs clearance from the board before it can be handed over to the health minister for approval. After this, the new law will take full effect.

An official from Thailand’s FDA, Withid Sariddeechaikool, has stated that this move will allow residents to enjoy marijuana without risking losing their freedom or paying hefty fines. Currently, marijuana is listed as a category 5 narcotic substance. One can get a 15-year jail sentence for being found in possession of the substance.

According to Withid, “If we’re able to decriminalize marijuana, we will be able to benefit from all of the plant and not just parts of it.” He further expressed that parts of the marijuana plant, buds, and seeds, have economic value that can be exploited legally if this new law is passed.

In 2021, the Thai state took an unexpected move to legalize cannabis and kratom. This surprised many as the nation has some of the most stringent laws regulating alcohol and tobacco use. In spite of the progress made so far, cannabis laws in Thailand are still restrictive. Removing marijuana from the narcotics list will hopefully ease things up a little bit and make Thailand the premiere weed-friendly country in Southeast Asia.