Thailand has taken the step for the reincarnation of cannabis, reversing after 3 years a historical decision for Asian countries

The government of Thailand is preparing to incriminate the cannabis again, throwing an estimated industry at over $ 1 billion, which has prospered since the substance was removed from the list of narcotics in this country, in 2022, the Agency Reuters reports on Wednesday.

The initiative to impose new restrictions on the recreational use of cannabis comes after the Bhumjahati party, which supported the legalization, withdrew last week from the ruling coalition. He accused Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of poor managing a border conflict with Cambodia.

On Tuesday night, the Ministry of Health of Thailand issued an order that prohibits the sale of cannabis for recreational purposes and imposes the obligation that any purchase in retail stores require medical prescription.

The new rules will enter into force as soon as they will be published in the Official Gazette (Royal Gazette), which could happen in a few days.

“Cannabis will be classified as a narcotic substance in the future,” Somsak Thepsuthin said on Tuesday.

Tens of thousands of shops selling cannabis appeared in Thailand

Three years ago, Thailand became the first country in Asia to legalize the recreational use of cannabis, but without adopting clear and comprehensive rules for regulating the sector.

Since then, tens of thousands of shops and business that sell cannabis have appeared on the territory of Thailand, many being located in the tourist areas of the country.

The Chamber of Commerce in Thailand previously estimated that the industry, which also includes medicinal products, could reach a value of $ 1.2 billion by the end of this year.

However

“The policy must return to its initial purpose, to control the exclusive cannabis for medical use,” Jrayu said in a press release.

“It's absolutely crazy,” says a tourist from Bangkok

The intention to surprise some members of the cannabis industry, such as Punnathat Phutthisawong, who works at the Green House Thailand dispensary.

“This is my main source of income,” 25 -year -old told Reuters Punnathat. “Probably many stores are just as shocked, because many have invested massively,” he added.

Chokwan Kitty Chopaka, an activist for the legalization of cannabis, says this sector could have transformed agriculture, medicine and tourism in Thailand, but that sudden policy changes and changes have blocked any sustainable growth.

“The cannabis industry has become hostage in political games,” she mourns.

On Wednesday, the cannabis stores on Khao San street in Bangkok had a constant flow of customers – mostly tourists – including Daniel Wolf, visiting Australia.

“There are shops everywhere, how could they reverse the situation? I don't think I can,” he said, adding that “it's absolutely crazy.”