In Thailand, is this the end of abundance for cannabis lovers?
A year and a half after the legalization of the recreational use of marijuana, the conservative government, resulting from the legislative elections organized last May, intends to do an about-face.
He is considering a bill that would outright ban the recreational use of the drug, and only allow its use for medical purposes.
If for the moment, it has had to delay the approval of the text in question, the ban seems indeed to be underway.
For Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, it even constitutes one of her hobby horses, he who had expressed the desire to
“rectify”
this legalization, shortly after taking office last summer.
It must be said that the law passed in June 2022 by Thailand constitutes a historic decision, which until then had one of the most restrictive regulations on cannabis.
At the time, its relaxation, considered one of the most important in the region, already raised questions.
Because this decriminalization has profoundly changed the face of major Thai cities, particularly Bangkok.
The number of shops specializing in the sale of cannabis has exploded in a few months, meeting a certain success with residents and tourists alike.
Tourists must remain vigilant
In December 2022, a few months after the adoption of the text, the authorities had to delay.
“
We don't welcome these kinds of tourists
,” Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand's health minister at the time, said at the time, addressing foreigners who would come just to smoke marijuana.
Now, the new government denounces poor regulation and is concerned about addiction problems, particularly among young people.
It must be said that this legalization has transformed the country's economy.
Since the law was implemented, more than 1.1 million Thais have registered for a cannabis cultivation license and more than 6,000 dispensaries have sprung up across the country, often with problems regarding controls. quality.
A landscape very different from what the country knew until then.
“
Any person consuming cannabis in public is liable to a fine of 25,000 baths [around €645] and three months in prison
”
The French Embassy in Thailand
For now, the government is surveying public opinion until the end of February.
The new regulations are intended to be restrictive and provide for fines of up to 60,000 Thai bahts (1,550 euros) and one year of imprisonment in the event of recreational use.
What about tourists?
While awaiting possible changes, stores specializing in cannabis are still open.
The fact remains that visitors must respect a certain number of rules, as the French embassy in Thailand had already reminded us shortly after the adoption of the law.
“
Smoking cannabis and hemp in public places remains illegal in Thailand.
Anyone consuming cannabis in public is liable to a fine of 25,000 baths [around €645] and three months in prison
,” it is written on its website.
And added: “
On the other hand, we invite our nationals to exercise caution due to the high number of recent two-wheeler accidents following the consumption of narcotics.
»
Overflows can happen quickly.
In Bangkok, it is not uncommon for certain public officials to extort tourists caught drinking in public spaces.
Additionally, lack of substance control can be a problem, with some products being stronger than others.
For tourists who would like to indulge in these pleasures, vigilance remains essential.