Calls Grow to Smoke Out Bad Regulations: Thailand’s Cannabis Dilemma
Three years ago, Thailand made headlines by becoming the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis, igniting hopes of a new era for the once-stigmatized plant. However, as the smoke clears, health and civil society experts are raising urgent concerns regarding public health and the inadequate regulations accompanying this bold move.
The Public Forum: Assessing the Gains
At a recent public forum titled “Three Years of Cannabis Legalisation: What Has Thai Society Gained?”, various health groups and academic institutions convened to take stock of cannabis liberalization’s impacts. Participants were eager to dissect not just the benefits but also the drawbacks that have surfaced since the policy’s implementation.
Medical vs. Recreational Use
While cannabis holds potential medical benefits, particularly in palliative care and for alleviating chemotherapy-induced nausea, the broader societal impact has been troubling. Assoc Prof Rasmon Kalayasiri, the director of the Centre for Addiction Studies (CADS), outlined significant unintended consequences of the liberalization effort.
A study conducted by CADS in collaboration with Thammasat University and Chulalongkorn University revealed a disturbing trend: a tenfold increase in recreational cannabis use among Thai youth aged 18 to 19, soaring from 0.9% in 2019 to a staggering 9.7% in 2022. While preliminary data from 2023 indicates a slight decline, the current usage levels remain alarmingly high compared to pre-legalization figures.
Rising Health Issues
The liberalization of cannabis has not only led to increased usage but has also been linked to a spike in cannabis-related health issues. National health data points to a worrying trend of more patients seeking treatment for conditions such as psychosis and acute cannabis intoxication. Alarmingly, in 2023, the economic burden associated with cannabis-related healthcare costs soared to over 15.8 billion baht.
Overwhelming Growth of Cannabis Shops
One of the most visible outcomes of cannabis decriminalization is the explosive growth of cannabis shops. With nearly 18,000 licensed vendors—and a significant number operating illegally—regulatory oversight has not kept pace. Particularly in tourist hotspots like Khao San Road, vendors often disregard age verification and licensing requirements, raising concerns about public safety and underage access.
International Backlash
As Thailand finds itself at the forefront of cannabis liberalization, an international backlash is brewing. Watcharapong Poomchuen, secretary to the Substance Abuse Academic Foundation, highlighted that several countries have issued travel advisories against consuming cannabis in Thailand or attempting to bring cannabis products back home. Even Thai embassies abroad have cautioned nationals against carrying cannabis when traveling overseas, as it remains classified as an illicit substance in many jurisdictions.
The Policy Vacuum
Legal experts have pointed to a significant policy void following the 2022 Ministry of Public Health decree that removed cannabis from the narcotics list without enacting corresponding control legislation. This left the door wide open for rampant recreational use without adequate safeguards. Later attempts to classify cannabis as a controlled herb have proven insufficient, according to Paisal Limsathit, a legal scholar at Thammasat University.
A Step Towards Regulation
Amid growing concerns, civil society networks have mobilized, gathering over 20,000 signatures in support of a proposed cannabis and hemp control bill currently under parliamentary review. This legislation aims to set clear boundaries on cannabis use, confining it primarily to medical purposes while regulating distribution and promoting scientific research. Additionally, the bill seeks to safeguard vulnerable groups, especially youth.
The Call for Evidence-Based Policy
Asst Prof Niyada Kiattiying, who manages the Drug System Monitoring & Development Centre at Chulalongkorn University, accentuated the necessity of a comprehensive policy grounded in scientific evidence. The urgency of addressing the gaps in regulation is palpable, as stakeholders from various sectors continue to advocate for a balanced approach to cannabis use in Thailand.
As the cannabis landscape evolves, the call for better, more robust regulations becomes increasingly urgent. Engaging in public discourse and addressing these pressing concerns will be crucial as Thailand navigates its complex relationship with cannabis.