Thailand to ban Cannabis (again)

The new government in Thailand, under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, plans to end the country's liberal cannabis policy. This move comes just over a year after possession, cultivation, distribution and consumption of cannabis were legalized.

According to the new rules, the consumption of cannabis will only be permitted for “medical purposes” and no longer for recreational use. The changes have not yet been decided, but a majority in the government is considered very likely.

The decision will be disappointing not only for consumers and sellers of cannabis but also for farmers who had started growing cannabis because it was more profitable than growing rice.

The rules are currently relatively generous. You can sometimes buy joints in hostels and, for example, carry marijuana in your hand luggage on (domestic) flights. There are currently only restrictions on customers who are; pregnant or breastfeeding and people under 20 years old. The THC content of the cannabis must be less than 0.2%. However, this is all set to change.