National —
On September 18th, 2024, Thai national media reported that the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine has opened public consultations on the draft Cannabis and Hemp Act, running from September 16th to the 30th through the law.go.th website.
The public, including farmers, business operators, and citizens, are invited to provide feedback on key aspects of the draft law here. The proposed legislation includes the establishment of a Cannabis and Hemp Board, chaired by the Thai Minister of Public Health, which would be responsible for overseeing the regulation, promotion, and safe use of cannabis and hemp, particularly in medical, agricultural, and industrial sectors.
The draft outlines licensing requirements for growing, producing, importing, exporting, and selling cannabis and hemp. While roots, branches, leaves, stems, and seeds are less regulated, cannabis flowers will face stricter control, requiring government licenses for sale, production, and export, according to Thai national media.
Special permits will also be required for each import or export transaction. Cultivation licenses will be categorized by the size of the farm, ranging from small (up to 5 rai), medium (5 to 20 rai), and large (over 20 but up to 400 rai).
Additionally, the draft law prohibits advertising or marketing cannabis flowers and related products. Sales of cannabis are also banned for individuals under 20 years of age, pregnant women, and nursing mothers, reported Thai national media.
The law forbids the sale of cannabis in schools, religious sites, public parks, zoos, and amusement parks.
Moreover, driving under the influence of cannabis, as well as the consumption of cannabis or hemp in public, will be strictly prohibited. Exceptions to cannabis use are limited to medical purposes under the supervision of licensed professionals, research, and specific health-related products.
One of the major differences from previous drafts is the removal of the ban on recreational cannabis use, replaced with clearer guidelines on lawful consumption, with a focus on medical and health-related benefits, according to Thai national media. The law does not recriminalize marijuana or make it a criminal penalty to use it, but does contain fines for misuse of up to 60,000 Baht for users and significantly more for sellers. Some pro cannabis groups have already criticised these potential fines, saying that they could be used by corrupt law enforcement to extort people, especially foreign tourists.
The bill is, of course, subject to change and in a very early phase of forming and discussion.
