Cannabis Legalization: Thailand's Tourism Frenzy

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They hug each other, some suppressing tears of joy.

3,000 inmates were released from prison in Thailand on Friday.

1,000 more releases are to follow.

People were behind bars for drug offenses.

Background to the release: Thailand has now legalized the commercial cultivation and sale of cannabis.

Until now, the country has been known for extremely strict anti-drug laws.

Rattapon Sanrak, owner of Highland Café

“I could never have dreamed of this day.

We've been campaigning for this law, for this change, for a decade, and now it's happening.

I'm very excited and happy about it.«

Long queues formed in front of cannabis shops on the day of legalization.

Some even stayed there overnight.

Rittipong Dachkul, customer

“I've been here since 9:40 p.m.

I showered after work, got on the bus and came here.

I knew the place was still closed at the time, so I waited here with a few beers and watched the staff rearrange the place.

I wanted to witness the beginning of change.«

The government returned 16 tons of confiscated drugs to ex-offenders and is also giving away 1 million cannabis plants as part of a campaign.

If you want to grow the drug yourself, you have to register in an app.

The health department has counted almost 350,000 registrations so far.

The relaxation of the law is intended to stimulate the economy.

Authorities, however, warn against misusing the drug.

Anutin Charnvirakul, Minister of Health Thailand

»We must use cannabis for the sake of our own health.

Don't abuse it, don't just get high.

You can't consume it and then sit at home smiling and not doing any work.

These things are not part of our policy

."

The commercial sale is now supposed to boost tourism as a »secret weapon«.

However, caution is advised: Smoking cannabis in public remains illegal and can result in a fine or up to three months in prison.

In addition, cannabis products may now have a THC content of 0.2%.