Thailand removes cannabis from its list of narcotics and decriminalizes drugs for medical use

Thailand's Narcotics Control Board announced that it has removed cannabis plants from its list of narcotics (Category 5) to allow for broader use for medical purposes.

The Permanent Secretary of Public Health, Kiarttiphum Wongjit, and the Secretary General of the Food and Drug Administration, Paisan Dankhum have declared During a press briefing, the Narcotics Control Board announced that it had decided to remove all varieties of Kancha (cannabis) and Kanchong (hemp) from the list of controlled substances.

The repeal is intended to pave the way for greater access to medical cannabis, as well as for its use in the textile, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Hemp plants will be promoted as new cash crops.

Initially, only government agencies and community-based organizations that work with government agencies may cultivate cannabis and must apply for authorization from the FDA. A pilot program is currently underway. to authorize the home cultivation of medical cannabis.

Recreational use of cannabis remains illegal.

Decriminalization of Drugs for Medical and Research Use

At the same time, Thailand adopted A new regulation authorizing the sale and possession of Schedule 2 controlled substances, including cocaine, morphine, and opium. In a proclamation published in the Royal Gazette, the regulation mandated the decriminalization of these substances for medical and research purposes.

Under Thailand's Narcotics Act of 1979, the sale and possession of Schedule 2 substances are permitted only under specific conditions.

The proclamation stipulates that the possession and use of these substances will be permitted only for government organizations, licensed pharmacies, and healthcare professionals: pharmacists, veterinarians, and dentists. They may be used only for medical treatment, research, or «government services.».

In 2018, Thailand became the the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize cannabis for medical purposes.