Comrades, picture yourself walking past a now-legal cannabis store, strolling in the bustling streets of Bangkok, Thailand, on 10th August 2022. Isn’t it a visual that stirs something inside? Here’s an insight into the changing weed scene and some must-knows for the tourist pot lovers out there.
Bamboozling Backstory on Weed Legalization
So, not too far back in time, just 19 months ago from now, Thailand took a leap and legalized marijuana, only to have the chill vibes threatened by the newly voted conservative coalition government’s moves.
A New Scene Unfolds
Imagine this; neon weed signs adding color to Bangkok’s already vibrant tourist spots and weed dispensers sprouting at every nook and cranny.
If you’re thinking of “munchies”, well, brace yourself for an array of cannabis-infused menu that our food & drink vendors are flaunting.
However, some party pooper proposals are trying to bring some hardcore regulation on marijuana consumption, confining it strictly for medicinal reasons.
Why This Sudden Need to Change Cannabis Laws?
When the new leadership took charge last September after May’s election results, it appeared as if the green signal for weed was fading soon.
The conservative coalition government led by Pheu Thai Party is pushing this cannabis crackdown.
Challenges in Regulation
Since legalization, they believe marijuana has seen poor regulation leading to health risks and substance abuse issues, particularly among youths.
The Advocacy for Legalization
Our former Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul seemed quite the advocate of marijuana legalization back in 2022 considering it as a solution for easing overcrowding in our jails and fuelling our rural economy. On the day of legalization, over 3,000 inmates with cannabis charges were set free.
Industry Boom and Concerns
The industry even made an impressive market valuation of 28 billion Thai baht (€728 million) within a year and a promising projection of reaching a whopping 336 billion baht (€8.7 billion) by 2030.
However, it seems things have laxly spiralled with inadequate regulation on public smoking, sales restrictions on youngsters below the age of 20 and expecting mothers and more. Which leads us to wonder whether the weed was let loose too soon?
Are We Weeding Out Cannabis Soon?
Before this ‘ganja-volution’ in June 2022, Thailand had some of the world’s stiffest drug laws. Found possessing cannabis?
- Well, you landed yourself in the infamous Bang Kwang Central Prison, mockingly dubbed as the ‘Bangkok Hilton’.
Considering our grim past with drug laws, it comes as no surprise that our Health Minister Chonlanan Srikaew has recommended a potential ’round 2′ of strict orders against recreational cannabis use.
This draft law is likely to see the light of day soon, imposing hefty fines on recreational use (‘entertainment or pleasure’, as they like to call it) and prison sentences – yes, you heard that right.
- The yet-to-be-deciphered regulations for cannabis stores and home growing practices only add to the uncertainty.
Can Tourists Light Up A Joint Then?
Amidst this law-knowing limbo, the question still lurks – can tourists still puff on Thai’s weed?
While lawmakers tango with these changes to the rules, you can still cherish your green moments with open weed shops across Bangkok.
- Yet, bear in mind that public places are a no-go for lighting up or vaping. An unpleasant aromatic aura of weed disturbing the public peace could set you back by a whopping 25,000 baht (€650) fine.
- While the exact interpretation of what a ‘public nuisance’ means is fuzzy, the law won’t keep you safe from the occasional blackmailing and extortion schemes often seen in action by our friendly local police.
- Plus, going rogue with stronger THC concentration improperly bought can land you hot water unless medication is your alibi to smoke up.
Get High, Sensibly!
Even if Thai’s amazing weed turns you into a walking puff cloud, remember our neighbouring countries aren’t as enthusiastic about this “joyous herb.”
Invitations to legal trouble are almost guaranteed if marijuana sneaks across the borders, especially a place like Singapore that has some of the world’s fiercest anti-drug rules.
And trust us when we say this, you don’t want to bring back those kinds of memories! So there you have it, folks! The grass might not be greener on our side, after all. But who knows?
Till then, enjoy the local weed while it’s still legal and keep your senses on high alert! Bangkok’s still got plenty to keep the mellow going!
