Thailand's prime minister wants to re-list cannabis as a narcotic by the end of 2024

Thailand's position on the cannabis is capable of rapid change. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has announced his intention to re-list cannabis as a narcotic by the end of 2024. This spectacular reversal of policy, if implemented, would mark an abrupt break with the past. with the progressive measures taken previously in favor of cannabis regulation.

Thailand's changing cannabis landscape

Just a few years ago, Thailand was celebrated for its pioneering approach to medical cannabis, then for the decriminalization of cannabis. However, this development quickly led to unintended consequences, including the public display of cannabis use, the proliferation of cannabis-related businesses and concerns about the lack of regulation.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, elected in August 2023, has thus taken a firm stance on the reclassification of cannabis, calling on the Ministry of Health to speed up changes to the rules that restrict the’cannabis use for medical purposes. The directive underlines the government's intention to curb recreational cannabis use and the unregulated market that emerged after decriminalization.

Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, one of the main architects of the initial decriminalization, expressed his displeasure at this imminent political U-turn, while acknowledging his support for the government's decision.

Impact on the Thai economy and industry

The proposal to re-list cannabis as a narcotic is raising concerns about its economic impact. Reuters predicts that’thai cannabis industry could reach 1.2 billion euros by 2025, reflecting a booming market that has attracted entrepreneurs and tourists alike. However, a return to criminalization could stifle economic growth and disproportionately affect small businesses.

Prasitchai Nunual, from the Thai network Cannabis Future Network, reminds us of potential negative effects of recriminalization on the economy: «Many people have grown cannabis and opened cannabis stores. They will have to close their doors.

In the face of political uncertainty, advocates and entrepreneurs continue to oppose the government's backtracking on cannabis reform. Prasitchai Nunual warns that such a move could set a damaging precedent, especially if scientific evidence confirms the relative safety of cannabis compared to legal substances such as alcohol and cigarettes.

The rhetoric surrounding cannabis legalization in Thailand reflects broader debates on public health, economic considerations and regulatory effectiveness. Minister Anutin's insistence on evidence-based decision-making highlights the importance of evidence-based policy in managing complex issues such as drug regulation.