Understanding Thailand’s New Cannabis-Hemp Act
- The Public Health Ministry in Thailand has unveiled a new Cannabis-Hemp Act, maintaining cannabis as a controlled herb but not a narcotic. Any extract containing over 0.2% THC is still considered a narcotic, and recreational use of cannabis is not permitted.
- The new law introduces changes to personal cultivation regulations, requiring individuals to seek permission before growing cannabis. Previously, households could grow up to 15 plants for personal use with simple notification to local authorities. Additionally, existing cannabis shops must align with new regulations, including prohibitions on on-site smoking and selling dried cannabis buds, and requirements to report product sources and record purchaser details.
- The Ministry plans to take public feedback on the draft law until mid-December, with the finalized law to be submitted to the cabinet in early 2024. The Act is expected to be published in the Royal Gazette and likely come into force following the current tourist season, in March or April 2024.
Thailand’s Cannabis-Hemp Act: A New Era in Cannabis Legislation
The new Cannabis-Hemp Act introduced by Thailand’s Public Health Ministry marks a noticeable shift in the nation’s cannabis regulations. This law does not reclassify cannabis as a narcotic but introduces vital measures to address current regulatory gaps.
Main Provisions of the New Act
Definition of Controlled Herb
The Act primarily views cannabis as a controlled herb. However, extracts with over 0.2% THC are still deemed narcotics. The government expressed continued support for medicinal cannabis but underlined that recreational use would remain prohibited.
Personal Cultivation Rules
The law requires individuals to obtain permission before cultivating cannabis, even for medicinal purposes. This stipulation aims to address the loophole in the initial draft, which permitted households to grow up to 15 cannabis plants with simple notification to local authorities.
Regulatory Guidelines for Cannabis Shops
Existing licensed cannabis shops are allowed to continue operating provided they comply with new regulations. These include selling dried cannabis buds, reporting product sources, and recording buyer details.
Restrictions on Venue
The law seeks to designate specific areas where cannabis sale or use is forbidden. It also prohibits selling cannabis buds for smoking or supplying smoking tools inside shops.
Clarification Needed: Smoking Cannabis at Home
The legal status of smoking cannabis at home remains unclear, with the minister recognising further clarification is required.
Separate Laws for Cannabis and Hemp?
According to the current legislation, hemp, being a cannabis type with low THC levels, falls under the same laws.
Public Feedback and Future Implementation
The ministry intends to invite public feedback on the draft law till mid-December to ensure a well-rounded approach. After analysing this feedback, the finalized law will be submitted to the Cabinet by early 2024 and likely come into effect after the tourist season, around March or April 2024.
The Cannabis-Hemp Act represents a considerable step forward in Thailand’s cannabis legislation, providing much-needed clarity while also seeking public opinion for a well-rounded approach to medicinal and recreational use.
—
Read More Cannabis News
Leave a Comment