“Thailand Requires Permits for Medical and Research Cannabis”,Thailand intends to reclassify
cannabis as a narcotic substance, with Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announcing plans
to restrict permits solely to individuals cultivating and utilizing it for medical applications and
research purposes. This shift marks a tightening of regulations surrounding cannabis in the country.
The statements come in the wake of a significant policy reversal by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin earlier this month. Despite cannabis being decriminalized in 2022, the Prime Minister has now pledged to recriminalize it by the year’s end. This reversal marks a noteworthy shift in the country’s stance on cannabis regulation.
Under the new regulation, recreational use of cannabis will be prohibited, according to Somsak. Individuals who wish to cultivate, export, or possess cannabis for medical and research purposes will need to obtain a license. However, the specifics of the licensing procedure are still in the process of being finalized.
“The permit system must not impose an undue burden on the public,” stated Somsak in a Facebook post, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the new regulations are manageable for citizens. He further mentioned that there would be a grace period provided to allow the public sufficient time to adapt to the changes.
Thailand has a rich history of utilizing marijuana for pain relief and combating fatigue, with its usage deeply ingrained in traditional medicine and culinary practices.
In 2018, Thailand became one of the first countries in Southeast Asia to legalize cannabis for research and medical purposes. Subsequently, two years ago, the nation made the landmark decision to remove cannabis from its national narcotics list, enabling individuals to cultivate, trade, and utilize the plant.
